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 ServI￿S 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 Se￿ices, 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 re￿iptS 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 de￿ased>
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 EX￿pted
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
con￿rnIng 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 De￿rnber 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
Re￿1p1S
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