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2025-12-31-accounts

Bristol Harbourside Churches

Parish of Holy Trinity and Saint Stephen’s, Bristol

Annual Report & Accounts 2025

Holy Trinity Church

Clifton Vale, Hotwells, Bristol, BS8 4ST tel: 0117 983 8878 email: info@bristolharboursidechurches.org www.holytrinitythotwells.org.uk

Saint Stephen’s Church

21 St Stephen’s Street, Bristol BS1 1EQ Tel: 0117 922 5267 email: info@bristolharboursidechurches.org www.saint-stephens.com

www.bristolharboursidechurches.org

Registered Charity Number: 1202411

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Contents

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||||| |---|---|---|---| |1.|Introduction and PCC membership|page|3| |2.|Rector’s Report|5| |3.|PCC Secretary’s Report|6| |4.|PCC Treasurer’s Report|7| |5.|Reports on our church buildings and grounds:|8| |a.|Saint Stephen’s church, garden and allotment;|8| |b.|Holy Trinity church and garden;|10| |c.|Energy efficiency and creation care|10| |6.|Deanery Synod Report|11| |7.|Diocesan Synod Report|14| |8.|Safeguarding Report|16| |9.|Resonate|17| |10.|Work with children, young people and schools|18| |11.|Trinity Community Services (TCS)|20| |12.|Community collaboration and engagement|23| |a.|At Saint Stephen’s|23| |b.|At Holy Trinity|24| |13.|Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities|25|

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Appendix: Financial Statements

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1. Introduction and PCC membership

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) present the reports from the Bristol Harbourside Churches PCC for the year ending 31[st] December 2025.

Objectives and activities

Under the PCC (Powers) Measure 1956, the PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the Rector to promote in the parish the whole mission of the Church (discipling, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical).

Public benefit

The PCC is aware of the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit in ‘The Advancement of Religion for the Public Benefit’ and have regard to it in their administration of the parish. The PCC believes that by fulfilling its responsibility to work for the promotion of the whole mission of the Church it provides a benefit to the public by:

Reserves

The PCC considers that a reserve of four months’ committed PCC expenditure should be maintained in hand against future spend. Based on our forecasts for 2026 and excluding any major capital expenditure which will be funded separately, this equates to about £48,000. Unrestricted reserves held as at 31 December 2025 exceed this level but ongoing careful management of our reserves will nevertheless be appropriate. Trinity Community Services (TCS) is a significant project of the Parish. As such it operates its own reserves policy and a sum of £15,000 is held to this end although efforts are ongoing to increase the level of reserves held.

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BRISTOL HARBOURSIDE CHURCHES PCC MEMBERSHIP following 2025 APCM

Our Clergy are ex-officio members of the PCC:

Our Churchwardens are elected for a 1-year term of office and are ex-officio members of the PCC:

Our Deanery Synod Representatives are elected for 3-year terms of office and are ex-officio members of the PCC:

Following their election to Diocesan Synod for 3-year terms of office the following people became ex-officio members of the PCC on August 1[st] 2024:

Our seven elected lay members are:

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2. Rector’s Report

Report from Revd Kat Campion-Spall

It is such a joy to reflect over another year of our life together in which we have continued to grow into our identity and values as Bristol Harbourside Churches adopted at the end of 2023.

Bristol Harbourside Churches: Life in all its fullness

Bristol Harbourside Churches is a community of two churches, Holy Trinity and Saint Stephen’s, where we embrace Jesus’ promise of life in all its fullness (John 10.10).

I wanted to share a month-by-month snapshot of what that means for us as a church community on the ground and for me as your Rector.

January began with an additional role for me as I was licensed as Co-Area Dean of Bristol City Deanery. I am grateful for your support and forbearance when it’s needed as I’ve settled into this role. For me it is an opportunity to develop my leadership beyond the parish but also to bring our parish into the conversation at different levels in the Diocese; to work more closely with neighbours in the Deanery and see how we fit into the bigger picture.

February brought Bristol Light Festival back to Saint Stephen’s with the installation “Our beating heart” in our churchyard. How wonderful to have a giant heart-shaped disco ball in our garden representing joy, love and people coming together through music and art, which is part of the DNA of Saint Stephen’s. We were able to welcome people into the church (with the lights on this year!), to offer hospitality and to have great conversations.

March saw the launch of our Wednesday Lent Group that I’m pleased has continued as our Life Group. We started looking at “Life in all its fullness” thinking about how our faith reaches every part of our lives and this important space for fellowship, encouragement and learning for people across both churches continues to be an important gathering place.

April brought to an end our season of discernment about whether our Parish wanted to become part of the Inclusive Church Network. I am profoundly grateful for the serious, prayerful and thoughtful consideration members of our community, especially PCC members, gave to this question, which I know touched many people deeply in different ways. The PCC voted in favour and our membership was approved by Inclusive Church over the summer.

May included a personal highlight, one of the curiosities of the Church of England – one of the institutions responsible for appointing your Rector is the Crown, and as such I was entered into a ballot to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace! What a treat!

June opened a wider conversation with the Diocese about how we use our church buildings more missionally, as we had a really helpful visit from Neil Buckland and Toni Bush who support churches with their buildings. We have spent more time on this at PCC over the course of the year and hope to build up further momentum to reach a point where we can look to making some bigger changes at both churches to enable our mission.

July was a really highlight for us all as we welcomed Simon as our curate, and welcomed his family to our community. It’s been a joy to bring him into the team and to get started working together!

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August reflected a healthy pattern of life in all its fullness – enjoying the fallow times. We gave ourselves permission to stop doing lots of things over the summer, and to just offer the worship we could with the people who were available. It’s a real gift to be in a community that allows ourselves this kind of space and grace.

September gave us an opportunity to work with other local churches who are part of the Inclusive Church Network to have a presence at the University of Bristol Welcome Fair. It was a really fun day meeting lots of students, and while it didn’t show instant results in our church attendance, it was an important part of putting our churches on the map and offering an inclusive welcome to students across the city.

October once more saw Holy Trinity open its doors as part of the West Bristol Arts Trail – a fantastic partnership with several local artists and makers, and with Hotwells Primary School, as we use our church building in a really creative and missional way and welcome in the local community.

November each year means the Antient Society of St Stephen’s Ringers annual service, and it is always wonderful to see the pews of Saint Stephen’s full of people who love the church and who generously offer financial support that enables us to take such good care of the building.

December included saying goodbye to our longstanding Parish Administrator, Marc, as he went to pursue his calling to hospital chaplaincy after being a really key part of our team for many years. And it meant welcoming over 500 people through our doors across both churches for our Christmas services – what joy!

All of these things have been made possible by the commitment and faithful service of our wonderful church community. Many of you will be named in the pages that follow, which reflect the diverse and vibrant life of our church community. Many of you won’t be named and don’t have official roles, but are very much a valued and significant part of the life of our church, sharing in worship, prayer and fellowship that is the bedrock of our life together. Thank you all for the fullness of life we find at Bristol Harbourside Churches!

3. PCC Secretary’s Report

Report from Karen Lilley

The PCC met 8 times during 2025 including the short meeting immediately following the APCM in May and an Away Day in September. To save time some decisions on straightforward matters (such as agreement to carry out building repairs) were agreed by email and noted in the minutes of the following meeting.

Regular items on PCC agendas included oversight of the church buildings and finances, safeguarding, Trinity Community Services, children’s work and reports from Deanery Synod. The reports that follow give detailed information about the work the PCC has carried out in 2025.

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5. BHC Treasurer’s report for 12m ended 31 December 2025

Report from Andy Beckingham

The financial statements for the Parish for the calendar year 2025 are set out within this annual report. They include the accounts for Trinity Community Services which is accounted for as a restricted fund marked “TCS”, and whose own report, and thanks to its benefactors, is set out elsewhere.

We continue to be greatly blessed by our financial provision and sincere thanks are due to our valued charity partners, notably the Antient Society of Ringers, St Stephen Ecclesiastical Charity and the Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust as well as the members of our own community.

Our total income in 2025 amounted to a little over £206,000, an increase of 6% from 2024. £146,000 of this income was unrestricted. We have managed to control our expenditure after making a Parish Share contribution of some £55,000 and supporting employment costs of some £54,000 with only very limited utilisation (some £400) of our general unrestricted reserve fund.

Funded capital projects have included the St Stephen’s garden renovation project and the enhancement of the audio-visual facilities at St Stephen’s. We have also undertaken a considerable amount of work upon the repairs and improvements recommended within the quinquennial buildings report for St Stephen’s. At Holy Trinity, works have been carried out to address weather damage to the North Vestry roof and we have commenced addressing the repairs and improvements recommended in the quinquennial buildings report compiled following inspection by our architect in September.

As at 31 December 2025, we carried forward unrestricted reserves of some £55,000 in addition to endowment reserves of some £22,000. We also held restricted reserves of some £47,000 (of which £15,000 relates to Trinity Community Services) although further significant and necessary capital expenditure is planned in 2026 so ongoing fund raising and careful stewardship of our resources will be necessary.

As ever, we have greatly appreciated the support of Marc and Evelyn, our Church Administrators, as well as our employed TCS team. Marc has now moved on to a new opportunity and we wish him well. Our thanks to all of them and to Tyrrell Proctor for their service as our Independent Examiner.

If you would like to discuss financial support to the Church and its Mission, please do not hesitate to approach me in confidence.

5. Reports on our church buildings and grounds

a. Saint Stephen’s church building, grounds, Secret Café and allotment

Report on the church building from Dave Mitchell

  1. General Building Maintenance – Work has continued through the year on the Quinquennial Repairs, predominantly around various fixes to the café roof, areas of slate roofing, and gutters and downpipes. The fixed wiring inspection resulted in a number of non-urgent areas needing attention, these have been quoted for and will be attended to in due course.

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  1. Organs – Further discussions took place throughout the year on the feasibility of repairing the main organ. There was a rumour that Bristol Beacon would step in and fund the repairs but sadly this came to nothing, so we are back with our default position, ie removing the organ which would then allow alternative use of the space.

The new Chamber Organ is performing well, and unless anything changes we will arrange to make it a permanent fixture.

  1. Future Plans – A meeting took place with the Diocesan Buildings adviser, Neil Buckland, regarding a number of plans we have been thinking about. These include:

  2. a. Improvement to the main church entrance, possibly with glass doors to enable a view into the church while keeping heat in, and levelling the floor to improve accessibility.

  3. b. Removal of pews to create a flexible space in the church

  4. c. General levelling of some floor areas to improve accessibility, in particular access through to the café

  5. d. Installation of a toilet and servery within the church, to provide more flexible use of the whole premises

  6. Audio Upgrade – Quotes were obtained to upgrade the audio visual equipment in the church. The cost and difficulty of installing a fixed projection system was felt to be problematic, so we limited ourselves to a sound only upgrade. Funding was obtained from the Saint Stephens Ecclesiastical Charity, and the work was planned for early 2026.

Report on garden, allotment and Secret Café from Frances Houghton, Associate Minister

Meadows Allotment

We are now in our third year working the plot at Meadows Allotment, Bower Ashton, with our Hong Kong friends and have learned a lot about vegetables and how to grow the right organic crops for the soil type and location of the site. We know badgers love carrots and sweetcorn, so we have concentrated on other produce and have seen a good harvest over the Spring, Summer and Autumn months. It’s an activity that not only enables us to enjoy working together with nature but also provides the opportunity for our Hong Kong group to meet regularly and share their experiences of life in Bristol.

Saint Stephen’s Garden

We reported last year that we were finally able to start work on the church garden in 2025 after receiving funding from Bristol City Council to make all the pathways safe from trip hazards, resolve a winter flooding problem, and install ten wooden planters with an automatic watering system. The project was completed in November, and the garden is now open to more people than before because of the safety work that has taken place. It has become a centre point for locals and visitors alike to enjoy the benefits of a green space in the middle of the city centre.

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Secret Café

The Spanish café which operates from the church building has continued to flourish and attracts customers from all walks of life because of its uniqueness in baking and cooking homemade Spanish food on the premises. An added attraction is being able to offer bistro style seating in the garden when the weather is good and to provide food and refreshments for people visiting our beautifully refurbished medieval church in the old city of Bristol.

b. Holy Trinity church building and grounds

Report from Alan John and Maria Whiteman

In addition to the range of maintenance and repair tasks that were carried out as usual through the year work was done to the rainwater pipes above the old vestry roof and the roof itself to address water ingress. We were also delighted to have installed the defibrillator outside the west entrance to the church. This is a vital asset for our local community which has already been used several times.

In June we met with representatives from the diocesan buildings team to begin to develop an integrated vision for the use of the church buildings which continues to help inform PCC discussion on

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this important subject. In September the quinquennial (five yearly) inspection of the church was carried out by our architect and a group has been formed to progress the recommendations set out in the architect’s report, beginning with those such as masonry repairs and drains survey that the report prioritises.

In 2026 we will continue to progress the quinquennial report’s recommendations, working closely with our architect, and also plan to carry out works to the kitchen floor which is in need of replacement.

Very many thanks to Hugh Leaman, Tim Lilley, our administrators, our enthusiast gardening team and everyone else who has helped look after our church and grounds for the benefit of our congregation and local community.

c. Energy efficiency and creation care Report from Alan John and Dave Mitchell

An energy group from our two churches continues to progress our commitment to respond positively to the diocesan commitment to be net zero carbon by 2030.

A feasibility study to install solar panels at St Stephen’s was commissioned and discussions are ongoing with the contractor to design a suitable scheme that has the best chance of gaining approval from the diocese and all other required parties.

Proposals for the first phase of an infrared heating system at St Stephen’s were developed and submitted for diocesan approval in the autumn. Although that application was unsuccessful the diocese in its feedback enthusiastically encouraged the principle of this infrared heating initiative. We are engaged in continuing discussion with the diocese and the heating contractor who helped prepare the proposal to refine the scheme and also visiting other churches who have installed similar systems to learn from their experiences.

The installation of secondary glazing in the office areas of both churches has taken longer than anticipated but is expected to be completed early in 2026. In addition to these major projects we try to ensure that routine maintenance on our buildings is carried out with due consideration of sustainability aspects, for instance fitting low energy LED lighting wherever practical and installing a water efficient eco flush in the HTH toilets.

In conjunction with the heating project a 3D scan survey of the interior of both churches has been carried out. This will be an invaluable tool not just for the heating project but for all future building plans and works inside each church.

Finally we were delighted to meet in the spring with representatives from the HCCA to discuss the draft Hotwells climate action plan. It was gratifying to learn that HTH was regarded as a community eco champion and to be invited to contribute ideas and comments to the plan, including a short summary of sustainability initiatives HTH is involved in.

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6. Deanery Synod Report

Report from the Deanery Synod

The year began with the licensing of our Rector Kat as Co-Area Dean, to serve alongside Lizzie Kesteven.

The February meeting of the Synod took place at Holy Trinity Horfield, with a focus on hospitality and welcome. We heard a presentation about the Sharesy online booking platform available to parishes through the TC.T programme. This has transformed the use of the church hall at Horfield, replacing a labour-intensive booking system and advertising the space widely. This means more community groups are using the church space. The meeting then explored what our church buildings are for and how they can be used to engage our communities not just for worship.

The June meeting took place at St Nick’s church, and focussed on the consultation for the new bishop. It was really good to discuss with people from across the deanery what their hopes were about the next season for this Diocese and what kind of bishop we need to lead us. This was also the last meeting for Lizzie Kesteven as Co-Area Dean, and Elaine Jones as Deanery Administrator and they were thanked for their work.

The October meeting was held at St John’s Fishponds with a focus on generosity. We had three excellent presentations from across the Deanery. We heard about B&A church’s food kitchen where they make hot meals to share with other churches and projects who want to offer hospitality but don’t have the resource. We heard from St Agnes about their warm space, welcoming in local people, and where they use food produced by B&A. And we heard form the Loaves and Fishes foodbank, and how many churches in the deanery generously support them so they can offer food to people in need. A new Lay Chair, Caroline Plaice, was elected at that meeting.

The new Deanery Administrator, Ellie Case, was appointed in December, and the new Co-Area Dean, Will Fairbairn, was announced to start in January 2026.

7. Diocesan Synod Report

Report from Miriam Jones, Diocesan Synod Representative

3 Business meetings held 2025-2026 – June, November 2025 and March 2026, with 1 additional meeting held September 2025 to discuss issues relating to the Living in Love and Faith (LLF) process.

The Diocesan Strategy includes commitment to ‘Transform communities, to be open, generous, creative, brave’ Projects developed to follow through on this include focussing on work with under 18’s, developing

buildings that serve communities, extending the use of church buildings with wider advertising eg using the Air BnB model, supporting priority communities, carbon net zero, inclusion and racial justice. In addition, coaching/mentoring has been introduced to support clergy.

MAJOR ISSUES OVER THE YEAR

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  1. Living in Love and Faith – the process of consultation and decision making around same sex relationships ended with a vote in General Synod in February 2026 rejecting the introduction of stand-alone services of blessing for same sex couples but allowing prayers of Love and Faith to continue within regular services as at the moment. Reporting in the National Press focussed on this rejection, failing to highlight that in fact work will continue, but embedded in discussion forums as opposed to a time limited framework Outstanding issues include acceptance (or not) for ordination of someone already in a committed same sex relationship, or married to a same sex partner/developing a theology around this issue/provision of pastoral support for clergy affected.

The House of Bishops, which submitted the resolutions to General Synod prior to the vote recommended establishing 2 new groups to continue the work – a ‘Relationships, Sexuality and Gender’ working group plus a ‘Relationship, Sexuality, Pastoral’ consultation group.

Synod via the House of Bishops has wanted to hear views from parishes, hence the September ’25 extra meeting. Linda Wilson attended and writes: The meeting was held to enable members to respond to the General Synod’s call for informal feedback on the draft Living in Love and Faith (LLF) proposals and to explore the challenges and opportunities that presented for the Diocese of Bristol. An outline of the process so far was followed by discussion in small groups, followed by reflection and prayer. Comments were fed live into a mentimeter and later forwarded to the House of Bishops. Although in some ways the session was difficult because of the very different opinions expressed, it was a privilege to be part of the ongoing process of thinking about how inclusion could be worked out in practice within the CofE’

  1. Working towards achieving Carbon Net Zero (CNZ): In 2023 Synod allocated £2million to a reserve fund to support progress towards achieving Carbon Net Zero by 2030. These funds have now been fully invested in projects and all further work, bar financial commitments already made, will require alternative funding sources. Assistance from a regional fundraiser is being explored. National Church investment continues to support the work via funding of salaries, and delivering training and development opportunities. Work achieved so far includes . . . . .

  2. a) Plans drawn up for decarbonisation of 190 out of 209 churches (90%)

  3. b) 56 churches supported with energy efficient measures

  4. c) For clergy homes, 80 solar installations. 17 heat pumps, 35 fabric upgrades (eg loft insulation, double glazing etc)

  5. Safeguarding: An audit conducted throughout 2024/25 reflected strong safeguarding practice across the Diocese. Practice has been under scrutiny and improved, but historical issues continue to surface negatively impacting the reputation of the Church as a whole.

  6. Finance: the budget for 2026 is showing a deficit of around £3.5 million. Parish Share no longer covers clergy stipends. Reserve funds are being used to finance ongoing expenses, a situation untenable long term. The strategic plan of 2022 assumed increases in Parish Share and investment income, which have not materialised. Expenditure has increased due to

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stipend and pension increases, N I contributions. The current financial strategy and 10 year plan was adopted by Synod in March 2026. The plan assumes n increase in income, plus savings via property sales, 13% clergy reduction and support service reductions of 20% in the 1[st] 3 years, with a further 20% reduction in the 2[nd] half. This would still leave a deficit of £0.9 m and reserves exhausted by 2035.

The authors of the strategy ( Richard Leaman and Stephen Sheridan) say: ‘Projections show the Diocese will face a financial cliff edge in 2035’ and conclude ‘We need a quantum shift in our discipleship and generosity, a major drive with fundraising and income generation, and better use of our properties and glebe land’

Highlights of the meetings have included listening to people share their passions and those times of enriching work experiences eg Bishop Viv demonstrating her love of buildings in general (asking us to think of a building which has been significant faithwise in our lives) and with a vision of for church buildings themselves to be vehicles for community outreach and the growth of faith (hence the establishing of the Diocesan Building team to support churches with this work), 2 incumbents working in local housing estates and developing fruitful connections with local young people (bar-b-ques on the green) and developing trust and work within previously hostile local schools, also Kat talking about her positive experience of having a mentor.

8. Safeguarding Report

Report from Graham Diles, Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO)

Statement of commitment to Safeguarding

The parish of Bristol Harbourside Churches is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk.

Graham Diles, as Parish Safeguarding Officer, and Emily Gould for Saint Stephen’s make up the Safeguarding team for Bristol Harbourside Churches. This means that members of both churches would have regular and recognised contact with someone from the leadership team in each church. Administrative support is also given by the administrators in each church and the Bristol Diocese Safeguarding Team provide support with safeguarding processes.

Policies

The Safeguarding Policy was reviewed and approved in January 2026.

Activities

The PCC oversees the following activities:

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Safer Recruitment

The PCC is responsible for the safe recruitment of people wanting to work with vulnerable groups through the activities mentioned above as well as for other church roles. During the year, the PCC has recruited people to support these groups. There are identified job roles and job descriptions, as well as induction and line supervision to support these roles.

DBS Checks

As part of the safer recruitment process, people working with vulnerable groups have been DBS checked at the level appropriate to the role. Because the parish provides activities for vulnerable groups, the PCC members are eligible for an enhanced DBS Check. These people have a current check in place, i.e. the check has been completed within the last 3 years.

Training

Safeguarding training at different levels is a requirement for all roles:

Other training, e.g. First Aid, is also a requirement for some roles.

Reporting to the PCC

The PCC was updated about safeguarding matters in the parish at PCC meetings throughout the last year. During the year, there were two safeguarding cases. Both came via activities run by the parish, but involved external incidents unrelated to the work of the parish churches. They have both been logged and appropriate follow-up action taken, including informing the Diocesan Safeguarding Team and involving Social Services where necessary.

9. Resonate

Report from Richard Wheeler

Having taken stock a year ago and reviewed our capacity and direction Resonate settled into a new pattern of activity this year, with meetings monthly rather than fortnightly, and saw a good level of attendance and engagement. Massive thanks to Emily and Nick for steering the ship in recent years and handing it over in such good shape, and to the rest of the team who continue to step up with food, ideas, friendship and positivity.

We continue to try and explore themes of creativity, activism and faith and to make our discussions as inclusive and welcoming as possible regardless of people’s background in faith. Our year since the last church report began and ended with two fascinating

episodes of Desert Island Discs. Richard Pendlebury, the Higher Sherriff of Bristol and an indefatigable

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organiser and advocate for good causes with a passion for music told the story of his life and how his journey of faith connected to his concern for the vulnerable. And last month our very own Simon Rotherham told the story of his life of faith and journey towards ministry through the music that speaks to him. We really look forward to Simon having more creative input into Resonate in the coming year.

In amongst our regular big social events – the summer barbecue and cider and carols – we ate together and talked through some pretty big issues. Andy Thornton from the Foundation community challenged us with his thoughts and experiences in creating inclusive communities that celebrate our diversity in gender, sexuality and neurodivergence. Local novelist Deborah Tomkins talked to us about how her passion for the environment and concern for the climate crisis infuses her writing. We talked about the impact and challenges of Artificial Intelligence, using the way it has been represented in film as a way of focusing the discussion. We continued to share our thoughts on the art, stories and poems that speak to us personally. And in a new, potentially recurring, feature “The Resonate Newsroom” dissected the big news stories of the week and talked about the deeper issues that they raised for us. We are excited about the year ahead with sessions already planned on pilgrimage, modern slavery, and the value of chaplaincy in hospitals and local communities. We would love to see more members of the Harbourside community come along and bring their friends. Talk to us about getting on our “Resonate Community” WhatsApp group if you want regular updates and reminders.

10. Work with children, young people and schools

Report from Sally Martin, Schools Chaplain

It is five years since I started as Schools Chaplain at Willow Park School and Hotwells Primary Academy.

This is a work I believe in and love creating through the school year. I continue to be a trustee of Bristol Schools Connection whose vision is that every school is served by a local church. It is an exciting journey to see and hear all God is doing through these connections, prayer, sharing of resources and meeting together.

We hosted a wonderful 10th Anniversary event for Bristol Schools Connection in Holy Trinity on 2nd June which was a prayerful celebration of the extraordinary work of this small but mighty charity with Jane Gillis at the helm.

24/7 Prayer Spaces in schools who we work in partnership with is inspirational and over 150,000 children visited prayer spaces last year that they know about.

All my work now comes through relationships with the staff and pupils in the schools and the sense of belonging in a small way to these communities allows Gods church to be a part of their make up and curriculum.

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2025 was particularly difficult for Hotwells Primary with the proposed Cathedral merger which has now been withdrawn through much local support including our church. I continue to read in class when I can, but mostly my connection is through Christmas/ Easter/Summer workshop opportunities and the children coming to Lunch Club to share songs, poems and their lives as they drink tea with the elderly. In 2025 we did EIAB with Year 6 in Holy Trinity. We supported the school through PTA activities and open meetings re the future of the school. We displayed their work during the Art Trail in October and at Christmas we did a full school Christmas experience of prayer stations with 120 children. A wonderful team: Chloe, Simon, Tipi, Meredith, Charlie, Kat and myself. They celebrated their Christmas Concert in HTH, always a full house and opportunity to welcome the families from the school who live locally.

Hi Sally, Lovely to hear from you, I hope you've had a good start to the year despite the awful rain! Thank you again for organising such a wonderful whole-school event before Christmas, the children had such a great time and the teachers were beyond positive about their time with you.Yes please to Easter in a Box for Year 6 - Monday 23rd March looks free in the diary. The afternoon would be more preferable for us if possible. Many thanks, Lily (head of RE)

Willow Park appointed a new head in September. Claire Jones who was already a member of staff and it has been good to work together at the beginning of each term to help create the collective worship themes. As a church we do every Tuesday assembly. I then stay until break time to help where it is needed. Kat and Simon each come in 1-2 times a term. The school is waiting to be given the go ahead by the council to join the Leaf Trust Academy. It is a very small school but serving some of the most vulnerable children from the refugee and asylum community. I love my weekly time with them all. We did EIAB with Year 4/5/6 in Saint Stephens and we did Christmas Prayer Stations in the school which meant everyone could come including all the teachers and staff. IT was SO appreciated. I enjoyed attending them performing at The Beacon as part of a “Sing Up”, Year 6 doing The Tempest in the university theatre and as a church school in the Trust being part of the annual Carol Service in the Cathedral

I have hosted and attended a training session: Jesus Out of the Box

Toddler group has run throughout 2025 on Wednesdays 10-11.30am term time only and is much appreciated. We get an average of 9-12 parents and children each week. It is a precious space as parents rest, share and are grateful. Mentioning especially a warm welcome, creative activities, real coffee, flapjacks and a time of parachute play and songs with scarfs and instruments! We celebrated Mothers Day, Easter, Summer, Harvest and Christmas through craft, songs and gifts. Thank you to the faithful team Evelyn, Chloe, Deb and Jane who comes when we are down on numbers.

Children in Church has grown and expanded since Simon, Amy, Josh and Millie arrived in 2025 which is wonderful. We piloted children of 4 plus having their own group on certain Sundays from September, with the creative table continuing and all age worship being led by the young people through Kat and Tipi happening at appropriate services.

Mothers Day, Harvest, Christingle have all been appreciated by the congregation.

The worship team continue once a month to enjoy contributing mostly on a third Sunday which included Mothers Day, Easter Sunday and the APCM in 2025.

Thank you to all who pray and support the work of children, families and outreach .

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Team and prayer stations from HTH and Willow Park.

11. Trinity Community Services (TCS) Report from Liz Leaman

The weekly Thursday lunch club continued to thrive in 2025. Average attendances rose to average 30 per week. An average of 50 members were registered at any time.

Our aim of tackling loneliness and isolation remains as important as when the service was set up 40 years ago.

“It’s shockingly easy to be left feeling alone and vulnerable, which can lead to depression and a serious decline in physical health and wellbeing.”

Loneliness is as harmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes per day. Source: Loneliness in older people – NHS

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Jane said, “I love coming to lunch club, you get to see people you know who you can talk to and I enjoy the lovely lunch, especially the pudding. It’s my favourite day of the week.”

Activities and Events

Different entertainments continued weekly. In 2025 these included music from groups, individuals, QEH music scholars, ballroom dancing, comedy acting, arts and crafts and the occasional Bingo. The members also especially enjoy the visits from Hotwells schoolchildren and QEH scholars.

We continued to host regular history talks on 4 dates which were also open to the public, charging £4 to cover tea and cake.

We also invite other organisations to inform and raise funds for their groups such as Guide Dogs, Playful Paws animal assisted therapy, GWA Ambulance.

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Intergenerational

Hotwells Primary school continue to visit each term, as well as QEH who visit as part of their enrichment programme.

We liaise and take referrals from Dementia Wellbeing Service and Social Prescribers as well as Bristol City Council and Social Services personnel.

Finances

Trinity Community Services holds a separate bank account which is reported within the HTH accounts. Income is derived from a mixture of contributions from members, grants, fundraising and donations. The service needs to raise £42,000 each year to continue to function.

Members pay £8 per day and £7 for those who access the transport.

In 2025 the service attracted grants from such as the Grateful Society, Garfield Weston, Dolphin, and Quartet as well as John James for specific events such as VE day and Christmas.

A special thank you to the Merchants Arms who held a poetry afternoon raising over £300 for TCS as well as their regular collections.

Fundraising such as the wreath making event at Christmas and selling pickles and jams continue to assist raising the profile of lunchclub as well as much needed finances.

Thank you to our staff, Julia, Alison, and Corinne for the hard work they contributed, as well as sharing the fun times with us!

Thanks to the volunteers – especially Sally for her energy and enthusiasm with getting us all moving and often singing and Brian who continues as quiz master every week, and all the other volunteers who help in every way.

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And to our amazing members – thank you for being an amazing, fascinating and loving group.

THANK YOU!

12. Community Collaboration and Engagement

Report from Dave Mitchell and Maria Whiteman

a. At Saint Stephen’s

Throughout 2025 Saint Stephens continued to be open to visitors four days a week, and the Secret Cafe continued to provide tasty Spanish food and provide a welcome oasis for the city centre community to enjoy. As in previous years we opened the church for the Saturday of the Harbour Festival in July. We led trips up the tower, the bell ringers gave hands-on experience of bell-ringing, and church volunteers were on hand to chat to visitors and serve drinks.

The Antient Society of Saint Stephen’s Ringers held their annual May Day service on top of the tower, and their main Sunday morning service in the church in November.

Our regular groups continued to meet throughout the year:

• Al-Anon, who meet weekly on a Thursday morning, are a support group “for anyone whose life is or has been affected by someone else’s drinking”. It runs as a drop-in group, no booking required, and offers a safe and supportive environment that people can seek out as and when they need it.

• The Bell Ringers meet once a week at Saint Stephen's. Although based at Saint Stephen’s, they also ring at other churches around the city centre. They bring a number of other groups to the church, including the annual

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AGM for the UBSCR (University of Bristol Society of Change Ringers). Several of these yield donations to Saint Stephen's as a host church.

• Cruse, who meet every other week, on Monday mornings “help people through one of the most painful times in life – with bereavement support, information and campaigning,” specifically bereavement after suicide.

• The Lip Reading Group meet every Thursday during term time and offer people lessons in lip-reading, and support with deafness.

• Lunchtime Live: David Mowat programmes a concert every Monday at 1.10pm, except for bank holidays and the summer holiday. This series offers free concerts (donations welcome at the door) across a wide range of musical genres. Big thanks to Rupert, Sally and Simon from BHC who help run the concerts, giving the audience a warm welcome into the church.

• Narcotics Anonymous meet every week on Wednesday evening, offering support to those who have problems with drugs, run by recovering drug addicts “who can help you get and stay clean”.

• The RnB Choir have been meeting at Saint Stephen’s for a number of years. They are a community choir/singing group who meet every Wednesday evening during term time.

• Silver Street Poetry meet every last Friday of the month to offer poetry, again free to access, usually with a guest speaker and space for people to read their own work.

• Avon Organic Group, who meet on the fourth Thursday evening of the month “is the local group in Bristol for everyone who is interested in organic gardening and organic foods. We hold regular meetings and share information and links.”

b. At Holy Trinity

We continue to be encouraged to see Holy Trinity church and hall being used by and for a wide variety of church and community groups, events and activities including Trinity Lunch Club, HCCA, Trinity Tots and other residential group meetings, services and events for local schools, the West Bristol Arts Trail, and our popular Alpha course. In addition, these regular groups continue to use the hall for their meetings

Our regular groups continued to meet throughout the year:

• On Mondays, we welcome AA, while on Fridays we welcome AA Akron. Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.

• In January, February, and March we welcomed back Hotwells panto on Tuesday evenings for all their rehearsals. This year they put on a hugely successful and popular show of Sleeping Beauty and the Time Machine.

• We unfortunately said farewell to A ll Voices Aloud Choir in April, who met regularly on a Tuesday evening, after they struggled to continue with decreasing numbers of singers signing up. We wish them all the best, and welcome them back when they are able to start again!

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• In the Autumn and Winter months, we had weekly visits from Bristol Sacred Harp Choir. Sacred Harp is a four-part a capella singing tradition from the United States. It takes its name from the shape note book that they sing from.

• Throughout the year, Holy Trinity has been used by local community residential groups, with Rownam Mead meeting several times throughout the year, including holding their AGM in the hall with the accompaniment of the HTH Music Group Christmas rehearsal! We have also welcomed Capricorn Place for their AGM.

• In May, Holy Trinity was the hub of the Hotwells community as it was the site for the Combined Authorities Mayoral Election .

• As in previous years, we were also one of the venues for the West Bristol Arts Trail , welcoming again the amazing artists from Hotwells Primary School. This event not only brings a large variety of visitors to our amazing building, but also allows us to connect with them and the community as we once again provided a pop up cafe.

• We once again had a team of volunteers at the finish line of the Bristol Great Run, encouraging them as they completed the run though Hotwells.

• The Clifton Singers returned to perform another Advent concert following a successful collaboration in 2024.

community partners taking part, and with fantastic music from the HTH Music Group , and accompanying brass band!

13. Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the income and expenditure of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

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The trustees are responsible for keeping sufficient accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the constitution. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Report approved by the Trustees on 23rd April 2026 and signed on their behalf by

Revd Kat Campion-Spall (PCC Chair) and Andy Beckingham (PCC Treasurer)

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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF HOLY TRINITY AND SAINT STEPHEN’S, BRISTOL

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD COVERING 01 JANUARY 2025 TO 31 DECEMBER 2025

Registered Charity Number: 1202411

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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF HOLY TRINITY AND SAINT STEPHEN’S, BRISTOL

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD 01 JANUARY 2025 TO 31 DECEMBER 2025

CONTENTS Page
Charity Information 2
Report of the Trustees 3
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees 4
Statement of Financial Activities 5
Balance Sheet 6
Notes to the Financial Statements 7-10
Trustees Only: 11
Detailed Income & Expenditure Account 12-13

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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF HOLY TRINITY AND SAINT STEPHEN’S, BRISTOL

CHARITY INFORMATION

FOR THE PERIOD 01 JANUARY 2025 TO 31 DECEMBER 2025

Administrative Information

Charity Name:

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Holy Trinity and Saint Stephen’s, Bristol

Charity Number: Operational address:

1202411

St. Stephens Church 21 St Stephens Street Bristol BS1 1EQ

Trustees

Rev Kathryn May Campion-Spall (Chair) Rev Sister Teresa Mary (Tracey Diana Wright) Dr Emily Gould Elana Howard Nicholas Mason Hall Elizabeth Jane Leaman Susan Jane Williams Diana Chloe John Janie Maria Whiteman David Christopher Mitchell Jane Elizabeth Jones – Resigned 18[th] May 2025 Andrew Howard Beckingham Rev Frances Mary Houghton Alan Richard John Rev Richard Gary Croft Elizabeth Miriam Jones Andrew Simon King Dr Linda Wilson Sally Jane Martin Anne Ridley

Accountants

TYRRELL PROCTER Chartered Accountants Beaufort House 113 Parson Street Bristol, BS3 5QH

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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF HOLY TRINITY AND SAINT STEPHEN’S, BRISTOL

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

FOR THE PERIOD 01 JANUARY 2025 TO 31 DECEMBER 2025

The Trustees present their trustees’ report and financial statements for the period covering 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

Trustees Statement

Under charity law, the trustees shall prepare financial statements for each financial year, which show a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the excess of income over expenditure. In preparing these financial statements, generally accepted accounting practice entails that the trustees:

The trustees are required to act in accordance with the trust deed of the charity, within the framework of trust law. They are responsible for keeping proper accounting records. They have general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the charity and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.

Approved by the Trustees

Rev Kathryn May Campion-Spall CHAIR

Approved 7 April 2026

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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF HOLY TRINITY AND SAINT STEPHEN’S, BRISTOL

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES

FOR THE PERIOD 01 JANUARY 2025 TO 31 DECEMBER 2025

We have examined the financial statements set out on pages 5-6.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of accounts. The charity’s members consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is our responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner’s report

Our examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from trustees concerning such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, , and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair” view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

This report is made to you in accordance with the terms of our engagement and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the trustees, for our work or for this report.

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with our examination, no matter has come to our attention:

  1. which gives us reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements:

  2. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and

  3. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act and the Regulations have not been met; or

  4. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

TYRRELL PROCTER Chartered Accountants

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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF HOLY TRINITY AND SAINT STEPHEN’S, BRISTOL

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

FOR THE PERIOD 01 JANUARY 2025 TO 31 DECEMBER 2025

INCOME AND
EXPENDITURE:
Income Resources:
- Donations
- Operating Activities
- Investments
TOTAL INCOMING
RESOURCES
Expended Resources
- Operating Activities
- Management &
Administration
TOTAL RESOURCES
EXPENDED
NET INCOMING
RESOURCES
Investment gains / (losses)
Asset Depreciation
Transfer from Unrestricted to
Endowment Funds
Balance of Funds – Brought
Forward
Balance of Funds – Carried
Forward		 Unrestricted
Funds		 Restricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment
Fund		 Total Funds
2025		 Total Funds
2024
**General ** **Other ** TCS
£ £ £ £ £ £
123,557
20,156
2,331		 19,188
-
-		 23,393
17,455
101		 -
-
-		 166,138
37,611
2,432		 159,732
31,869
2,819
146,044 19,188 40,949 - 206,181 194,420
139,688
6,760		 28,148
-		 41,756
1,316		 -
-		 209,592
8,076		 199,352
9,270
146,448 28,148 43,072 - 217,668 208,622
(404)
-
(379)
(23,007)
78,487		 (8,960)
-
-
-
40,879		 (2,123)
-
-
-
17,618		 -
(920)
-
23,007
-		 (11,487)
(920)
(379)
-
136,984		 (14,202)
515
(379)
-
151,050
54,697 31,919 15,495 22,087 124,198 136,984

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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF HOLY TRINITY AND SAINT STEPHEN’S, BRISTOL

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2025

FIXED ASSETS
Tangible Assets
CURRENT ASSETS
Investments
Debtors
Balance at Bank
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Creditors falling due within one year
NET CURRENT ASSETS
NET ASSETS
Represented by:
RESTRICTED FUNDS
UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
ENDOWMENT FUNDS		 Notes 2025
£		 2024
£
2
3
4
5
6
6
6		 759 1,138
42,261
6,458
107,439		 43,181
3,738
124,803
156,158 171,722
(32,719) (35,876)
123,439 135,846
124,198 136,984
47,414
54,697
22,087		 58,497
78,487
-
124,198 136,984

Approved by the Board of Trustees and signed on its behalf:

…………………………………………………… – Chair

…………………………………………………… – Treasurer

Approved 7 April 2026

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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF HOLY TRINITY AND SAINT STEPHEN’S, BRISTOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD 01 JANUARY 2025 TO 31 DECEMBER 2025

1. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are set out below and have remained unchanged from the previous year.

(a) Basis of Accounting

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice.

(b) Fund Accounting

(c) Incoming Resources

All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when the charity is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income.

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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF HOLY TRINITY AND SAINT STEPHEN’S, BRISTOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

FOR THE PERIOD 01 JANUARY 2025 TO 31 DECEMBER 2025

(d) Resources Expended

Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered.

(e) Fixed Assets

Tangible fixed assets are written off over the expected useful life of the asset, at 25% per annum on the reducing balance basis.

9 THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF HOLY TRINITY AND SAINT STEPHEN’S, BRISTOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

FOR THE PERIOD 01 JANUARY 2025 TO 31 DECEMBER 2025

2. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

COST
At 1stJanuary 2025
Additions in the year
At 31stDecember 2025
DEPRECIATION
At 1stJanuary 2025
Charge for the Year
At 31stDecember 2025
NET BOOK VALUE AT 31stDecember 2025
NET BOOK VALUE AT 1stJanuary 2025		 Fixtures &
Fittings
£		 Equipment
£		 TOTAL
£
27,778
-		 72,566
-		 100,344
-
27,778 72,566 100,344
27,778
-		 71,428
379		 99,206
379
27,778 71,807 99,206
- 759 759
- 1,138 1,138

3. INVESTMENTS

Endowments – Sunday School Prizes
Endowments – Trinity Buildings
Deposits – Church of England		 2025
£		 2024
£
2,708
19,379
20,174		 2,821
20,186
20,174
42,261 43,181

4. DEBTORS

Sundry Debtors
HMRC		 2025
£		 2024
£
2,696
3,762		 2,114
1,624
6,458 3,738

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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF HOLY TRINITY AND SAINT STEPHEN’S, BRISTOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

FOR THE PERIOD 01 JANUARY 2025 TO 31 DECEMBER 2025 continued

5. CREDITORS – FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Sundry Creditors
Deposits and Advanced Receipts
Capital Retention		 2025
£		 2024
£
30,249
2,470
-		 7,483
19,733
8,660
32,719 35,876

6. MOVEMENTS IN FUNDS

Restricted Funds
HTH Buildings Fund
St Matthias Schools Chaplaincy Fund
Community Support Fund
Hardship Fund
SSC Buildings Fund
TCS
SSC Audio Visual Fund
Total Restricted Funds
Unrestricted- General Fund
Endowment Funds
Grand Total		 Balance
01.01.2025		 Incoming Outgoing Funds
**Transfer **		 Balance
31.12.2025
33,387
3,541
1,490
1,643
818
17,618
-		 1,000
-
-
-
12,560
40,949
5,628		 (11,020)
(566)
(720)
(100)
(10,114)
(43,072)
(5,628)		 -
-
-
-
-
-
-		 23,367
2,975
770
1,543
3,264
15,495
-
58,497 60,137 (71,220) - 47,414
78,487
-		 146,044
-		 (146,827)
(920)		 (23,007)
23,007		 54,697
22,087
136,984 206,181 (218,967) - 124,198

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