The Parish of St Mary's, Higher Brixham In the Mission Community of Brixham. Churston Ferrers, Galmpton and Kingswear Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Parochial Church Council For the year ended 31st December 2025 Team Rector: Revd Dr Philippa Bellows Team Vicar.. Vacancy Bankers: Santander plc, Bootle. Merseyside Independent Examiner Mr l A Webb ACMA, CIMA, MCIM Grosvenor House. 1 New Road, Brixham. Devon TQ5 8LZ St Mary's Church is a registered charity with the Charity Commission No.. 1208262
The Parochlal Church Council of St Mary's Church, Higher Brixham Annual Report for tha year ended 315t December 2025 Aim and Purpose St Mary's Parochial Church Council (the PCC) has, sino August 2023, the responsibility of promoting, in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic. social and ecumenical. As well as the Church itself, which is a Grade l Listed Building, the PCC is also responsible for maintaining the Church Hall. Objectlves and Activities The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our Church, and to become part of our parish family. When planning our activities, the PCC has considered the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefits, and in particular the specific guidance on charities for the advancement of religion. Our ServIS and worship put faith inlo practi through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament. We try to enable ordinary people to live out their faith as part of our parish family. through- Worship and prayer: learning about the Gospel and developing their knowledge and trust in Jesus. Provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish., and Mission and outreach work. To facilitate this work, it is vital that we maintain the fabric of both the Church and the Hall. Achievements and Performance Worship and Prayer The PCC is keen to offer a range of services, not only on Sundays, but also during the week, that our community will find both beneficial and spiritually fulfilling. For example, Wednesday morning seNices of Holy Communion or Morning Worship provide a traditional form of service, Morning Prayer on Monday mornings provides a time of reflection, whilst the main Sunday Service is livelier. We have been successful in welcoming new members into our Church, and every second Sunday of the month we have a Family Worship Service. At present there are over 80 parishioners on the Electoral Roll, whilst the average attendance at the 11am service on Sundays is 55, although for special oGcasions such as Christmas it increases. As well as our regular Seices, we enable our community to celebrate and thank God at the milestones of the journey through life. There have been 3 Baptisms. 2 weddings and 26 funerals during Ihe year. Those who are no longer able to come to Church are not forgotten. There is a team of trained pastoral visitors to take communion to these congregants. We also have a number of licensed lay readers. Some of our LLM'S and congregation members have trained as Anna Chaplains and Anna Friends to offer spiritual support in later life to our more elderly parishioners. It is sad to note we have lost a good few of our regular friends and Congregation.
Deanery Synod Two members of the PCC sat on the Torbay Deanery Synod, Mrs Susan Francis (Deceased Jan 26) and Mrs Lesley Roberts. This provides the PCC with a link with the churches around us and with the Diocese as a whole. It also receives reports from General Synod which usually meets 34 times per year. Church Fabrlc The fabric of the building still needs considerable repairs, bLtt plans have been drawn up for major alterations. Our Church is a Grade 1 listed building so any repairs or alterations must be carefully considered. Mission and Evangelism Helping those in need is a demonstration of our faith. The Mission Action Plan includes opportunities for fund-raising efforts, and we regularly consider ways of supporting charities, both local and overseas. This year for our Lent appeal we raised over £1,000 for Crf2ee, plus several other charities also received donations. We are now the main collection point for the Christian Response Christmas Appeal (Cr2ee) each year, and this year we have received, checked and packaged over 700 shoeboxes. Parishioners, schools & local colleges donated a considerable amount of money and filled boxes as well as items to fill empty boxes such as warm clothing, personal Care items and toys. Many people volunteered to help fill, check and pack boxes which will go to Moldova and Ukraine. Our thanks go especially to Lindsay Williams and Hilary Hyde for all their dedication and hard work in organising this very special event. Pastoral Care Our Messy Church organisers work hard each month running the group for over 30 children, arranging activities, and giving them and their parents a meal prior to going home. Thanks go to Lindsay Williams and Lesley Roberts, the organisers, as well as all the other helpers for continuing this work for our after-school children. All are CRB checked There is also a weekly meeting for the Mummy and Me group, mothers with young babies, and we have a Youth Group which meets monthly. The church also looks after our adull members with a weekly social meeting in the Church Hall on Saturday morning where drinks and usually cake are available plus lots of chat. Financial Review Our accounts show a large loss on our general account (£10,861) and a loss on our Church Hall account {£2,733), but the year ended overall with an excess of reiptS over payments of £3,705. This is well down on 2024, which had an excess of £11,620. The Restoration fund received a grant of £28,706 from The Friends of St Mary's when Ihat was wound up. The congregation has worked hard all year to raise funds and boost this account. Our outgoings have increased this year with an Administrator being appointed to serve throughout the BMC at a cost per church of £1,050. Plus, the contribution to the Diocese was increased again by over £5,500 to £39,817, we have been able to meet this cost in full so far.
Reserves Policy It is our policy to invest any surplus funds with CCLA, through the CBF Church of England Deposit Fund, their Investment Fund units, and their Property Fund units. The Financial Statements which follow have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations. Our grateful thanks go to lan Webb Accountants for their work on our accounts. Safeguardlng The PCC has complied with the duty under section 5 of Ihe Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have regard to House of Bishops, guidan on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults). Volunteers The members of the PCC would like to thank all our volunteers who work so hard to make our Church a lively and vibrant community. Thanks go especially to our two Churchwardens, Mr Roger Holtom and Mrs Susan Francis (now deceased), for all their exceptional hard work during this year. The PCC also wishes to express grateful thanks to the retired clergy who assisted us during the interregnum including Revd Canon Chris Malkinson, Revd Pam Wheeler, Revd Steve Betson, Revd lan Blyde and Revd Joyce Williams, and continue to do so. Thanks also go to our Associate Priest, Revd Angela Sumner, and Licensed Lay Ministers. Structure, Governance and Management We were delighted to welcome Revd. Dr Philippa Bellows as our new T8am Rector in November 2024, following a lengthy interregnum. The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. The Council comprises the Incumbent, the Churchwardens, a representative of the Licensed Lay Ministers, those elected to the Deanery Synod, and other members who are elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting by those on the Electoral Roll. Members of the congregation are always encouraged to join the Electoral Roll, and to consider standing for election to the PCC. The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance in the parish, and for all financial matters. The full PCC met most months during the year, and they have several sub committees, each dealing with a particular aspect of parish life. These include Worship, Mission and Outreach, Buildings and Finance, and Youth Work. Each sub-committ8e reports back to the full PCC with the minutes of their meetings. Admlnlstrative Information The Church is situated in Drew Slreet, Higher Brixham and is part of the Brixham Mission Community within the Diocese of Exeter. The correspondence address is via Mr David Roberts of 13 Smardon Avenue, Brixham TQ5 8JN who is the PCC Secrelary, assisted by Mrs Rachel Fox. The PCC is a body corporate (PCC Powers Measure 1956, and the Church Representation Rules 2006). The following PCC Members were elected on the 27 April 2025. All previous members stood again for the PCC, and one new member was elected and two co- opted. The PCC is a body corporate IPCC Powers Measure 1956, and the Church Representation Rules 2022} and a Charity registered with the Charity Commission under No.. 1208262.
Team Rector Revd Dr Philippa Bellows Team Vlcar Vacancy SelfSupportlng Revd Angela Sumner Churchwardens Mr Roger Holtom - Vice-chair of PCC Mrs Susan Francis (now deceased) Treasurar Mrs Alison Lodge Secretsry Mr David Roberts Deanery Synod Reps Mrs Susan Francis (now deased> Mrs Lesley Roberts Elected Members Mr Stephen Aldridge Mr Richard Brown Mr Colin Francis Mrs Hilary Hyde LLM Mrs Mandy Seffert Mrs Lindsay Williams Mrs Rachel Fox Ms Penelope Inett Mr Roger Holtom Miss Anne Rickwood {COwOPted) Mrs Mandy Palmer (co-opted) Approved by the PCC on and signed on its behalf by: Revd. Dr Philippa Bellows (Chair} Mr John Roger Holtom (Churchwarden)
CHARITY (OMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examinerfs Report Report to the trustees The Parochial Church Council of St Mary's Church, Higher Brixham On accounts for the year ended 31 St December 2024 Charity no lif any) An EXpted Charity Set out on pages I report to the trustées on my examination of the accounts of the above charity ("the Trust I for the year ended 3111212024. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 I'the Act"). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under sertion 145{5llb} of the Act. Independent tThe charity's gross income exceeded £250.000 and l am qualified lo examiner's statement undertake the examination by being a qualified member of linsert name of applicable listed bodyll. Delete I l rf not applicable. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below") which give5 me cause to believe that in, any material respect.. the accounting records were not kepl in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act., or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records,. or the accounts did not Gomply with the applicable requirements conrnIng the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities {Accounls and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair, view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examinalion. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts lo be reached. Please delate the words in the brackets if they do not 8ppIy. Signed: Date: 02 Name: lan Webb Relevant professional Accountant IER Oct 2018
qualificationls} or body {ifany): Address., 1 New Road, Brixham, TQ5 8LZ Section B Disclosure Only complete if the examiner needs lo highlight material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts.. directions and guidance for examiners). Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose. IER Oct 2018
ST MARY THE VIRGIN CHURCH. BRIXHAM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEM8ER 2025 GENERAL FUND RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT RECEIPTS 2025 2024 Volunta Givin Book & card sales Clergy & Staff income Collertions èt Services Donations Envelopes Gift Ald Gift Aid Tax recovered Grant.. Exeter Diocese Fuel Grant.. feofees Grant.. Listed Plates of Worship Grant Legacie5 Joan Robe50n-Bailey Online donations Parish Giving Scheme IPGSI Sundry Income 324 2,786 2,772 3,077 3,S4S 6,305 190 4,932 3,863 2.493 4,123 6,986 1,168 1,900 1.000 2,000 611 5,083 600 16,767 385 1,472 15.647 86 44,255 43,860 TNst income and investments Bob Bell HeTrrietta Lane Charity CF8 592$ Rest, Deposit Account CBF Interest & Dividends 338 3,159 3,234 3,419 7,341 6,829 Church Activitie5 BMC receipts 425 5,004 PCC Wedding & Funeral fees 5.498 S,493 5,498 Total Receipts 57,089 56,187 PAYMENTS.. Costs of eneratin Fundraising c05t5 online 8ivin8 Costs lunds 823 112 172 935 172 hurch Activities Clergy and Staff expenses Me55y Church costs Organist and music costs Parish Sha 2,786 347 2,229 39.817 4,853 259 2,328 37.260 45,179 44,699 Church Ex enses Bank charges BMC Payments Church Insurance Church Repairs Church Running expÈnse5 io 5,311 6,016 2.694 1,51D 5,340 956 iio 5.564 4.372 1.830 4.843 720 Sundry outgoings 21.837 17.438 Total Payments 67.951 62,309 Exce55 of receipts over payments -10,861 ,122 Transfer to Sundry150% of CB3025458 dividend5 & int'l Transferto Sundry 50% feeofees -1.709 -1.000 -1.666 -950 -2.709 -2,616 OpeninE Balance." 1st january 2025 Closing Balance.. 31st December 2025 14,761 1,190 23.499 Pa8e I
ST MARY THE VIRGIN CHURCH, 8RIXHAM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENT5 ACCOUNT 2025 2024 CHURCH HALL IDe5ignatedl RECEIPTS Chur¢h A¢tivitie$ In¢ome from Inve5tment5 Church Hall Ground Rent & Insurance Church Hall Donations Chvrch Hall Lettin8S 3.667 140 4,255 1.560 Total Receipts 5,079 5,227 PAYMENTS Church Artivitie$ Church Hall Cleaning Church Hall Insurance Church Hall Annual Inspections.. Fire alarm5 Church Hall Repairs 960 4,652 114 672 1,414 1,054 4.309 264 Total Payments 7,812 7J46 Excess of receipts over payments -2,733 -2.119 Opening 6alance.' Istjanuary 2024 Closlng Balance.. 31st December 2025 5,582 7,701 CHURCHYARD FufiD (Restrlrtedl 2025 2024 RECEIPTS Church ard A£tNities MonuTnent Fee5 PCC Churchyard Trust CB3006959 Income Churchyard Dividend5 retained C83025456 Interest paid on C83025456 retsined Non Conforrnist Share waste collettion 1,243 666 665 4.581 5,313 519 5,440 3,298 519 Total Recelpts 11,180 11,744 PAYMENTS hurch ard Ex enses Churchyard Maintenance Pefuse collettion 1,556 1,556 Total Payfflents 1.556 1,556 Excess of receipts over payments 9,624 10,188 Opening Balaft.. Istjanuary 2025 Closing 831ance.' 31st Detetnber 2025 45,488 55.112 35,300 45,488 Page 2
ST MARY THE VIRGIN CHURCH, 8RIXHAM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 RECEIPTS ANO PAYMENTS ACCOUNT DEFI8RILATOR FUND IRestri¢tedl 2025 2024 Receipts Donations Total Recelpts PaymÈrtlS Total Paymefits Excess of re¢eipts over payments Opening Balance.. 1st January 2025 Closing Balance.. 31st Dernber 2025 665 65 665 MISSION & CHARITY FUND (Restrlrtedl 2025 2024 Receipts Volunta Givin 1,625 855 1,748 1,212 Outre8ch Total Receipts 2,480 2,960 P•yrnentS Outre8ch costs Charity Giving.. Christian Response Charity Givill8.' Shoalstone Pool Charity GIvin8.' Rowcroft Hospice Charity Giving.. Admiral Swimming Pool Charity Givin8.- Fishermans Mission YES at the Edge Bishop of Exeter Shelterbox appeal Total Payments 136 205 200 200 200 200 125 373 669 1,141 1,167 Excess of receipts over payments 1,339 1,793 Openlng Balance." 1st January 2025 Closing Balance". 31st December 2025 5,740 3,947 LUPTON TRUST IRestrlrtedl 2025 2024 Receipts Donations Total Receipts 1,358 1,358 Payments Total Payments 1,358 1,358 Excess of recelpts over payment$ Opening Ba13nce' 1st January 2025 Closing Balance. 3tst December 2025 Page 3
ST MARY THE VIRGIN CHURCH, BRIXHAM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 RECEIPTSAND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT RESTORATION FUND IDe$ignatedl 2025 2024 Re1p1S Restoration dewisit interest Total Receipts 3.401 3,656 3,401 3,656 Payments Restoration costs, architects etc Total Payments 3,401 3,401 Ex¢e$5 01 receipts over payments 3.401 255 Opening Balance.. 1st January 2025 Closing lance.. 31st December 2025 94,288 97,689 94.033 94.288 RESTORATION FUND IRe$tri¢tedl 2025 2024 Receipts Volunta Donations Tax refunds on donatlons Grants Givin 5,694 204 5,399 309 1,333 43,049 7,040 Incom mlnv ment5 Interest from C83025457 850 914 850 914 Totsl Receipts 43,899 7.954 Payments Expenses Total Payments 1.150 1.150 Exce¥s of ceIptS ovef payments 42,749 7,954 Opening Bal8ntr.' 1st January 2025 Closing Balance.. 315t December 2025 37,801 80,550 29.846 37.80 SUNDRY FUND (Restilrtedl 2025 2024 Receipts Income from Investments Grant Feofees150%1 50% of C83025458 divi's & Interest) Pike Flower Fund CB3W7324 Smith Cl(Kk Fund C83025460 1,000 1,709 32 89 950 1,666 43 71 Total Re¢eipt5 2,831 2.710 Payments Church Ex en5e5 Pike Flower Fund deposlt Clock rnaintenance Smith Clock Fund re-lnvested OrEan Maintenance & pair 50 528 loo 468 343 Total Payments 1,046 443 Excess of ¢eIptS over payments 1,785 2,287 Opening Balall.. IstJanuary 2025 Closing Bal8nce.' 31st December 2025 20.059 17,772 20,059 Page4
ST MARY THE VIRGIN CHURCH, 8RIXHAM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABIUTIES AT 315t DECEMBER 20Z5 Total 2024 Total Churchyard Defibril8tor account General Fund Church Hall Mission and Charity Restoration Fund Restoration Fund Sundry Fund 55,112 665 1.190 2,849 7.079 97.689 80,550 21,844 Designated Restricted Unrestricted UnrestrirtÈd Restricted Designated Restritted Restricted 45,489 665 14.761 5.582 5,740 94,288 37.801 2D,058 266,979 224.384 Cash Funds Churchy3rd Deposit IC830254551 Restoration Deposit ICB30254571 S3ntander Cvrrent Account 103,881 153,373 9.726 95.143 120,046 9.195 Z66,979 2025 Deslgnated Funds 2024 Designated Funds Value per share Value per share Inve5trnent A55ets IDesignatedl Churchyard Inv, Fund C8302545618466.79 shares) Restoration Inv, Fund C8302545812882.43 shares) 22.20 2220 187.948 63.985 251.933 23.12 2312 195.775 66.650 262.425 Fund5 value Funds Value at 31112125 at 31112124 55,585 57.899 23,520 24.499 111,736 116,389 1,509 1,572 2,737 2,699 23,796 24,787 27, Other Parlsh Investments: IRestrlctedl Restoration Investment No2 Churchyard Trusts (Held by Diocese) Hellrietta Lane Charity (Held by Diocese) Joan Pike- Flower Fund (Held by Diocesel M.Stnith Clock Fund C83025460 IHeld by SM PCCI Bob Bell Eccle5ia5tical (Held By the Diotrsel Income paid to All Saints Income paid to Churchyard Fund Income p8id to General Fund Income p3id to Sundries Fund Income paid to Sundrles Fund Income paid to General Fund Restoration donatlons include £495 raised at the pastles & ple event Approved bythe PCC on the and signed on ils behalf by.. LJ xj'd Dc. i?L41oipPtr /3 Page 5