_The Benefice of Staplegrove with Norton Fitzwarren_
## **THE CHURCH OF**
## **ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST**
## **STAPLEGROVE**
## **DIOCESE OF BATH & WELLS**
## **ANNUAL REPORT – 2025/2026**
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## **The Rector’s Welcome**
Welcome to our Annual Reports! The fact that you are reading this shows that you have an interest in the life of our benefice and I hope you enjoy the reports on what has been a busy and varied year for our churches. As ever, I am extremely grateful to all the people who have provided reports – and for the work which lies behind each activity and area of our mission and ministry – as well as to our PCC Secretaries, Jill Hansford and Sue Withnell who have worked so hard to produce the final versions. Thank you!
2025 was a year both of an ending and beginning, each equally significant in its own way. In November we bade farewell to our Curate, Rev Cathryn Howse, after three-and-ahalf years in the benefice as she took up a new post as Associate Vicar in the parish of Finchampstead and California (not that one!) in the Diocese of Oxford.
Although we were sorry to see Cathryn leave because she was such a well loved and respected colleague and friend, we were also delighted for her very well-deserved new opportunity. A contingent from our churches travelled to Berkshire for her installation service and were pleased to join in an uplifting and joyful occasion – although we were concerned on a remote lane when the satnav announced, “ _Please rejoin the road!_ ”
On 4 October we were able to celebrate Esther Edwards’ licensing as Lay Reader, otherwise known as Licensed Lay Minister (LLM), at an equally joyful service at Wells Cathedral. Again, a benefice delegation was able to support her there as her new ministry formally began, along with that of several other colleagues.
This landmark occasion came after considerable discernment and a demanding two-year training course at Sarum College and is well deserved. Esther is now leading non-Eucharistic worship at both our churches and will in time begin to lead funerals, as well as making a valuable ongoing contribution to the life and ministry of our churches.
During the course of the year Pam Wreford has stepped down as Lay Pastoral Assistant, a role she has held since 2017. Happily, she continues to worship with us and provide administrational support at the Benefice Office on a weekly basis. I am grateful to Rosemary Maskell and Michael Hicks who have also volunteered there each week.
I would also like to recognise the contribution of the Reverend Mike Parsons who has been a huge help again this year, leading services regularly at both churches and also taking funerals. Mike brings an enormous wealth of experience and wisdom and I am very grateful for his encouraging and popular presence with us.
Thanks to Mike and Esther, as well as the support of many people at both churches, we are able to sustain our current worship pattern of three services every Sunday – it is often a dash, but worthwhile to enable weekly morning services at both churches. The exception is on a fifth Sunday when we encourage folk to come together for a Joint Benefice Communion at either Staplegrove or Norton Fitzwarren.
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In addition to this, Daniel Gill is exploring a possible call to ordained ministry and has embarked on the formal Church of England discernment process through the diocese. This is a necessarily demanding journey and Daniel is receiving support from myself and others along the way and this will continue with any future training.
Attendances at our services in 2025 were higher than at any point since the Covid-19 pandemic, albeit not quite at the same level as before. The Worshipping Communities at both churches increased from the previous year, with All Saints’ enjoying a significant influx of new members. Our Christmas and, to a lesser extent, Easter services were again popular.
We are fortunate to have an excellent treasurer at each church, in whose hands our finances could not be safer, in David Bridges and Graham Gibbs. Both churches’ accounts are relatively stable, as detailed elsewhere, and we continue to be enormously grateful to the many people who support our mission and ministry through voluntary, sacrificial giving.
A new system of Benefice Share was introduced in January 2025, with contributions calculated according to ministry received. Although the current request is manageable, the projected increases in the next few years will be difficult to achieve without a significant change, especially at All Saints’ where the Share is expected to double.
It is worth noting that the new Benefice Share system has a more direct implication for clergy deployment than its predecessor. Despite the fact that diocesan clergy numbers have reduced from 178 to 150 in recent years (as well as considerable cuts to central costs including redundancies), Taunton Deanery has been fortunate in not being asked to reduce clergy.
However, diocesan pressures and clergy numbers mean that a deanery reduction may well be necessary within the next five years or so. There is no formal plan in place for this as yet, but nevertheless some level of pastoral reorganisation is possible in order to ensure that ministry is provided in every parish and benefice.
You will have noticed that there have been important changes in leadership within the Church of England at both national and diocesan levels, following the appointments of Dame Sarah Mullally as Archbishop of Canterbury and Rt Rev’d Fiona Gibson as Bishop of Taunton. I am fully in favour of women’s ministry and we have also been fortunate to benefit from this in our benefice.
Development plans for both church buildings have progressed in the last year – albeit slightly more slowly than some of us might have wished! At Staplegrove, the Tower Door and Landscaping project has just been submitted to the DAC at the time of writing (18 March) and work is hoped to be completed in the coming months. Plans are also being made to improve the vestry, and the new sound system has made a very positive difference.
DAC permission has now been granted for the Toilet, Servery and Bell Tower Access project at All Saints’. What we don’t (at least yet) have in place are the required funds to resource the work – around a quarter of a million pounds! A request to the National Lottery has been rejected and next steps are now being considered with the guidance of the diocesan team.
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A highlight of the year has been the glowing SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) Reports received by each of our schools at Staplegrove and Norton Fitzwarren. The strong links between school and church was praised in both and is a testament to enthusiasm and hard work invested by our governors, Sandy Robertson and Rosemary Maskell.
Once again, a huge number of people have contributed in myriad ways to our churches this last year and it is impossible to pay tribute to everyone. Our Churchwardens deserve special mention, though, for their unstinting commitment and sheer hard work throughout: Andrew Ritchie and Daniel Gill at All Saints’ and Alec James (supported by Paul Carter) at St John’s.
Our Vision Group has continued to steer us following the Benefice Celebration and Vision Day in September 2024. We have held a successful Alpha Course and launched a new Hope Café offering support for those living with loss of any kind. The group has recently met with a diocesan officer to consider how we might effectively engage with the new housing developments emerging on our doorstep.
I commend these reports to you and hope you enjoy them. It is clear that God continues to be at work within and through us as we live and work to the praise and glory of Jesus Christ!
## _**The Rev’d Paul Irving**_
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## **Church of St John the Evangelist, Staplegrove**
**Annual PAROCHIAL Church Meeting Wednesday 30 April 2025**
## **AGENDA**
## _**Vestry Meeting**_
- 1 Welcome by the Rector, the Rev Paul Irving - Page 8
- 2 Opening Prayers – Page 8
- 3 Minutes of last year’s meeting – 24 April 2024 – Pages 8
- 3.1 Approval of Minutes
- 3.2 Matters arising
- 4 Election of Churchwardens – Page 9
## _**Annual Meeting**_
- 1 Minutes of last year’s meeting – 24 April 2024 – Page 9 1.1 Approval of Minutes
- 1.2 Matters arising
- 2 Reports – Pages 9 – 11
- 2.1 Matters arising from reports
- 3 Elections – Page 11 – 12
- 3.1 Election of 3 x PCC Members
- 4 Accounts – Page 12
- 4.1 Approval of Accounts (already circulated)
- 4.2 Appointment of Independent Inspector of Accounts
- 5 Any other business – Page 12
- 6 Closing Prayer and the Grace – Page 12
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## **Church of St John the Evangelist, Staplegrove**
## **ANNUAL REPORT 2025/2026**
## **List of Contents**
Minutes of last Annual Meeting – Wednesday 30th April 2025
## **Vestry Meeting and Annual Meeting Pages 8 – 12**
|Reports||
|---|---|
|• Electoral Roll|page 13|
|• Parochial Church Council
|pages 13 – 16|
|• Churchwardens’ Report|pages 16 – 17|
|• Financial Review|pages 17 – 18|
|• Stewardship|pages 18 – 19|
|• Safeguarding|page 19|
|• Worship|pages 19 – 21|
|• Benefice Vision Group|page 21|
|• Taunton Deanery Synod|pages 22 – 23|
|• Choir|page 23|
|• Church Flowers|page 23|
|• Church Mouse Report|page 24|
|• Eco Group|page 24|
|• Evergreen Group|page 25|
|• Fairtrade Church|page 25|
|• Fundraising Events|page 26|
|• Health and Safety|page 26|
|• Hospitality and Community Events|pages 27 – 28|
|• Mens’ Society|page 28|
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• Pastoral Report page 29 • Staplegrove Mothers’ Union pages 29 – 30 • Staplegrove Parish Journal pages 30 – 31 • Staplegrove School page 31 – 32 • Staplegrove Strollers page 32 • Taunton Foodbank page 33 • Tower Report page 33 – 34 • Youth Mission Group page 34
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## **Parish Church of St John the Evangelist, Staplegrove Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting**
## **30[th] April 2025**
**Chair:** The Rev Paul Irving – Rector **Present:** The Rev Paul Irving and 31 parishioners The Rev Cathryn Howse, Suzi Allen, William Allen, Joyce Bond, Ann Bridges, David Bridges, Paul Carter, Lesley Clark, Michael Clark, Alison Cursham, Martin Cursham, Janet Darby, Esther Edwards, Elizabeth Hall, Jill Hansford, Mike Hansford, Graham Hobrough, Alec James, Richard Jowett, Anton Karunartatne, Danny Markland, Frances Markland, Felicity McGill, Jim Read, Moira Read, Margaret Taylor, Grahame Thompson, Pam Thorne, Heather Williams, Jenny Williams, Iona Young, Chris Young.
**Apologies:** Madeleine Armitage, Guy Beale, Lorraine Beale, David Bird, Joan Bird, Marjorie Connell, Gillie Greig, Gill Jowett, Christine Meads, Iona Young.
## **VESTRY MEETING**
## **1 Welcome by the Rector, the Rev Paul Irving**
The Rector welcomed everyone to the meeting. He thanked Janet Darby for welcoming people and providing refreshments before the meeting.
## **2 Opening Prayers**
The Rector opened the meeting with a prayer.
The Rev Paul Irving thanked the previous year’s Churchwarden, Duncan Robertson, for all his work. The Rector was very conscious of Duncan’s absence and was very sorry for his loss. He would be very badly missed. Many of the people present would know just how much he had done as Churchwarden and beyond. He left behind a huge legacy.
The Rev Paul Irving also thanked all those who had offered help and support over the last few months. Things did not just carry on, and the Church was very grateful to all those who had stepped up in many ways, including Paul Carter, David Bridges, Felicity McGill, Chris and Iona Young, Jim and Moira Read and Janet Darby. It was a real tribute to everyone that St John’s had continued to flourish.
The Rector also thanked Paul Carter for all the work that he did as Assistant Churchwarden, much of which was behind the scenes.
He also thanked Alec James for standing as Churchwarden once again. St John’s was very grateful, and Alec’s wealth of experience would be greatly helpful as St John’s moved forward.
## **3 Minutes of Vestry meeting of 24th April 2024**
The Minutes of the previous Vestry Meeting, of 24[th] April 2024, had been circulated in advance of the meeting. There were no questions of accuracy. Paul Carter proposed that the minutes of the previous meeting be approved. Graham Hobrough seconded, and the motion was carried unanimously. The Rector signed the Minutes as a true record. There were no matters arising from the Minutes.
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## **4 Election of Churchwardens**
The Rector had already proposed a huge vote of thanks to Duncan Robertson, last year’s Church Warden, and Paul Carter, Assistant Church Warden, for the enormous amount of work that they had completed during 2024/2025. The Church was enormously grateful to them for all that they had done.
One nomination had been received for the post of Church Warden:
|**_Posts_**|**_Nominees_**|**_Proposed_**|**_Seconded_**|
|---|---|---|---|
|Churchwarden|Alec James|Iona Young|Janet Darby|
The Rector encouraged those present to make sure that they supported Alec throughout the year. The nomination was carried unanimously.
## **ANNUAL MEETING**
## **1 Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting of 24th April 2024**
The Minutes of the previous Annual Parochial Church Meeting, of 24[th] April 2024, had been circulated in advance of the meeting. Graham Hobrough noted that Peter Triggs had run the Mens’ Group until January this year when Peter had retired and Graham had taken on running the Group. There were no other questions of accuracy. Mike Hansford proposed the minutes be accepted. Janet Darby seconded, and the motion was carried unanimously. The Rector signed the Minutes as a true record of the Meeting. There were no matters arising from the Minutes.
## **2 Reports**
## **The following comments were made on the Reports:**
The Rector thanked the many people who had put the reports together. They represented a huge amount of hard work and effort. He also thanked Jill Hansford for collating and producing the Annual Report.
## **Rector’s Report**
The **Rector** noted the following points -
There were 35 pages in the Annual Report. It was a wonderful tribute to all that was going on in St John’s Church, and a sign of a flourishing community. The Benefice Vision Day, which 35 people had attended, had celebrated this.
Our Curate, Cathryn, had now been with us for nearly three years, which had flown by. She was licenced to be with us until January 2026. Her move then could take her anywhere, and she would be greatly missed in the Benefice. It was possible that we might get another Curate, but there was no guarantee of this.
Esther Edwards was well into her second year of training to be a Lay Reader. She would be licensed on the 4[th] October 2025 in Wells Cathedral. Once licenced Esther would be able to lead services and preach across the Benefice, and then eventually take funerals as well. Sandy Robertson was obviously not at the meeting, but the Rector wished to thank her for the huge amount of work that she had completed during the previous year, both in her work with Staplegrove School and as St John’s Safeguarding Officer.
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The Service Pattern at both churches in the Benefice was now well-established, with services at both churches every Sunday morning. The Rector was very grateful to all those people who made this so successful.
Across the worshipping community at St John’s there were quite a few new people, which the Rector hoped and prayed would continue.
Looking at St John’s finances, the Rector thanked David Bridges for all his excellent work throughout the year. The church finances were in very safe hands.
The Rector also thanked all those who supported St John’s Church financially, as the Church was reliant on, and very grateful for, all giving.
The Rector thanked David Bridges for being the Church Organist, without being paid, and this was very much appreciated.
He also thanked the choir, which had grown in number during the year, and it was wonderful to see it flourishing.
Paul was extremely grateful to everyone who had contributed to the life of our church – far too many people to name.
## **1. Electoral Roll**
The final figure for the number on the Electoral Roll was 76.
## **3. Churchwarden’s Report**
The following points were noted from the Churchwardens’ Report -
Plans were going ahead to replace the tower door, to improve and make safer the surfaces around the entrances to the church, and to improve the Vestry area. Much of this would be enabled by the extremely generous donation of approximately £80,000 by Nigel Farrington. Repairs had been completed on the porch roof which had been leaking.
A change in the Church Representation Rules now meant that Sidespeople should be appointed by the PCC, not by the Church APCM. The Church was very grateful to all those people who served as Sidespeople. It was such an important role. A warm and friendly welcome for all those who came to the Church made such a massive difference.
St John’s communications were very good and besides the Benefice Website, information about the Church was available on ‘A Church Near You’, and the Church also had an excellent Journal, able to get information not only to the Church community, but also to the local community too.
December saw the retirement of Marjorie Connell as Fundraising Coordinator. She had worked tirelessly in this role for many years. It was such an important role with its
opportunities for positive engagement with the local community. Marjorie’s was such an extraordinary achievement and a special presentation had been arranged for this meeting, to express St John’s very grateful thanks to her. Unfortunately Marjorie was not able to be at the meeting and so the presentation would be made at the Plant Sale in ten days time.
The Churchwarden had been supported throughout the year by the other members of the Churchwardens’ Group – Paul Carter, David Bridges and Chris Young.
The Group thanked everyone for their support throughout the year, and encouraged them to continue to support the group in the future.
## 4. **Financial Review**
**David Bridges** thanked the Rector for his kind words, and Chris Young and the other members of the Finance team for their work during the year. He then noted the following points from his report -
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HMRC were very efficient, and a Gift Aid reclaim, of £3640, made on Monday had been in our bank account by Wednesday.
During the year David had set the Church a challenge of moving from using cheques when giving to using cash. This in order to take advantage of the Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme. This had been achieved. He had then encouraged people not only to increase their giving, but to set up a standing order for this, as this was an enormous help to the Church finances, and this had been achieved also.
A card had been produced so that people giving by standing order could place a card in the collection plate in lieu of their offering so that their offering would be blessed.
Many things had increased in cost during the year, including gas, Church cleaning, and the Journal printing.
David encouraged the members of the Church to join Easyfundraising. It didn’t cost anything to join, and had raised £70 in the last three months. Friends and family could be encouraged to join and support St John’s too.
The accounts for 2024 had been approved. They had been Independently Examined. David was asked why someone could do an Independent Examination without a qualification. He had explained that an Independent Examiner checked the figures against the bank account. This was not difficult and did not need a quaification.
The Rector thanked the many people who supported the Church financially, the fund-raising team, and concluded with a huge vote of thanks to David Bridges for all his work, much unseen, throughout the year.
## **3. Churchwarden’s Report**
Paul Carter gave an update on the tower door and landscaping projects. The Church was waiting for the final plans from the Church Architect which were expected to be imminent. These could then be forwarded to the DAC for informal advice. It was hoped to make a lot of progress with these projects this year.
## **22. Journal Report**
William Allen thanked all those who had sent information/articles to him throughout the year, and reminded everyone how important it was for people to get information to him – it was better that five people told him than that no-one did.
## **26. Tower Report**
Mike Hansford reported that in the Taunton Branch Striking Competitions the Staplegrove team had been placed an excellent 2[nd] in the Call Change Competition. The teams from Norton Fitzwarren had won both the Rounds and Call Change competitions.
## **3 Elections**
## **3.1 Members of the PCC**
The Rector thanked members of the PCC for their support and work during the year. The following members had come to the end of their term of office – Felicity McGill and Jim Read. There had been one vacancy last year. The following nominations had been received for the role of PCC member.
|**_Position_**|**_Nominees_**|**_Proposed_**|**_Seconded_**|
|---|---|---|---|
|PCC Member|Guy Beale|Jim Read|Margaret Taylor|
|PCC Member|Felicity McGill|Moira Read|Jim Read|
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Jill Hansford Mike Hansford
PCC Member
Jim Read
All nominees for the role of PCC member were elected unanimously by the meeting.
## **4 Accounts**
## 4.1 **Approval of the Accounts**
The accounts had been circulated in advance to the meeting. They had been approved by the PCC at the PCC Meeting on 29[th] January 2025. Graham Hobrough proposed that the accounts should be formally received at this meeting. This was seconded by Jim Read and carried unanimously by the meeting.
## **4.2 Independent Examiner of Accounts**
David Bridges proposed that Anthony Yeo of St. Andrews should continue as the
Independent Examiner of St John’s Accounts. This was seconded by Paul Carter and carried unanimously.
## **5 Election of Sidespeople**
A change in the Rules meant that the Sidespeople would be elected by the PCC at their next meeting.
## **6 Any Other Business**
6.1 Paul Carter proposed a huge vote of thanks to Paul Irving and Cathryn Howse for creating such a wonderful environment at St John’s, such a very special place to worship, and a community that was growing.
## **7 Closing Prayers**
The Rector led the closing prayer, and the Grace, and concluded by thanking everyone for coming.
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## **REPORTS for 2025/2026**
## 1. **ELECTORAL ROLL**
The Electoral Roll is revised annually, but once every six years the preparation of a new Church Electoral Roll takes place. Everyone has to come off the Roll and reapply for a place. This revision took place last year, and the number on the roll after the revision was 76. The number has remained at 76 this year. Sadly two people who were on the roll have died, but encouragingly two new people have replaced them.
## _**Gillian Greig – Electoral Roll Officer**_
## 2. **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL**
Church members who served on the Council were:
Rector The Rev Paul Irving (Chair)* Curate The Rev Cathryn Howse*(Appointed to be Associate Priest in the Parish of Finchampstead and California in the Diocese of Oxford. Last Service here 23[rd] November)
Churchwarden Mr Alec James* (From 30[th] April 2025) Assistant Churchwarden Mr Paul Carter Hon PCC Secretary Mrs Jill Hansford* Hon Treasurer Mr David Bridges* Deanery Synod Representatives: Mrs Gillian Greig, Mr Paul Carter Elected members: Mrs Gillian Greig[1] , Mr Paul Carter[1] , Mrs Moira Read[1] , Mrs Jill Hansford[1] , Mr David Bridges[1] , Mr Mike Hansford[2] ,Mrs Janet Darby[2] , Mrs Frances Markland[2] , Mrs Felicity McGill[3] , Mr Guy Beale[3] , Mr Jim Read[3 ]
## Notes:
1– term of office ends 2026; 2- term of office ends 2027; 3- term of office ends 2028 Those marked * served on the Standing Committee during 2025/26
## **Objectives and Activities**
The Primary Aims of St. John the Evangelist, Staplegrove, PCC are:
- To be a sign of the Good News of Jesus Christ and his love for the world.
- To nurture the Christian Faith through friendship, caring, sharing, and teaching within the fellowship of the Church.
- To encourage and enable individuals to respond by faith to the message of Jesus and to follow him.
Further, the PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent, the Reverend Paul Irving, in promoting, in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social, and ecumenical. It also has maintenance responsibilities for the Church and its Churchyard.
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## **Review of the year**
The Council met on the following 6 occasions during 2025/26: 22 May 2025, 3 July, 18 September, 20 November, 29 January 2026 and 19 March. Following its approval by the PCC, a signed copy of the minutes was posted on the noticeboard in the Church porch.
The Standing Committee of the Council met on 5 occasions during 2025/2026: 1 May 2025, 19 June, 4 September, 23 October, and 26 February 2026.
The following appointments were made/roles confirmed at the first meeting of the PCC on 22 May 2026, and committees approved by the Council:
- Hon Treasurer Mr David Bridges
- • Hon PCC Secretary Mrs Jill Hansford • Assistant Church Warden Mr Paul Carter • St John’s Estate Committee (Buildings, churchyard, grounds) Mr Paul Carter, Mr Alec James, Mr David Bridges, Mr Chris Young and Mrs Felicity McGill • Choir Mrs Suzi Allen • Church Flowers Mrs Frances Markland • Eco Group Mrs Cathryn Howse, Mrs Felicity McGill, and Mr Guy Beale • Electoral Roll Officer Mrs Gillian Greig • Evergreen Group Mr Graham Hobrough • Fairtrade Church Mrs Moira Read and Mr Jim Read • Fundraising Events Coordinator Mrs Heather Williams • Health & Safety Officer Mr Jim Read • Hospitality and Community Events Coordinator Vacant • Journal Editor Mr William Allen • Journal Advertising Mrs Ann Bridges • Journal Distribution Mrs Frances Markland • Mens’ Society Mr Graham Hobrough • Mothers’ Union Mrs Di Ruff • Organist Mr David Bridges • Pastoral Coordinator Mrs Alison Cursham • Safeguarding Officer: Mrs Sandy Robertson • Staplegrove School – Foundation Governor Mrs Sandy Robertson • Staplegrove Strollers Mrs Iona Young and Mr Chris Young • Stewardship Officer Mr Chris Young • Taunton Foodbank Mrs Margaret Senior • Tower Captain Mr Mike Hansford • Village Hall Representative Mr Richard Jowett • Website Rev Paul Irving, Rev Cathryn Howse and Mr David Bridges
- Youth Ministry & Mission Committee Coordinator Mrs Iona Young
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The following Sidespeople assisted with Services during 2025/2026:
William Allen, Joan Bird, Paul Carter, Alison Cursham, Martin Cursham, Janet Darby, Rona Graham, Gillian Greig, Alec James, Gill Jowett, Richard Jowett, Anton and Nelun Karunartatne, Danny Markland, Felicity McGill, Christine Mead, Jenny Paull, Jim Read, Pam Sharp, Chris Young and Iona Young.
Council meetings included reviews of the following standing items:
- Rector’s Report
- Church finances
- Church fabric & Churchyard
- Alpha Course
- Bible Study Groups/Courses
- Benefice Share Calculation 2026
- Brass Lectern
- Café Church
- Carol Singing
- Charitable Giving
- Church policies and statements
- Churchyard Regulations
- Curate – Rev Cathryn Howse
- Deanery Synod
- Digital Inventory
- Eco Group
- Film Club
- Fundraising Events
- Getting the Internet in Church
- Health & Safety
- Hope Café
- Hospitality and Community events
- Journal, Advertising and Distribution
- Landscaping work
- Lay Reader Licencing – Esther Edwards
- Mission
- Pastoral
- Pew Cards
- Prayers of Love and Faith
- Registering the land of ‘The Jungle’
- Reservations for burial in St John’s Churchyard
- Safeguarding
- Sound System
- Staplegrove School (including the provision of Bibles to school leavers)
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- Stewardship
- St John’s Church Staplegrove becoming a Charity
- Tower
- Tower doors
- Tree work
- Vestry revamp
- Vision Action Updates
- Worship
- Youth Ministry & Mission (Messy Church and Summer Holiday Messy Morning Sessions for Toddlers)
Thank you to our Church Wardens, Lay Deanery Synod representatives and PCC members, in particular those whose term of office comes to an end at the Annual Meeting.
## _**Jill Hansford – PCC Secretary**_
## **3. ST JOHN’S ESTATE COMMITTEE REPORT**
In May 2025 the Church Warden’s group agreed to change its name to the **St John’s Estate Committee** to better reflect its responsibilities for the care, maintenance and development of the church buildings and grounds. It reports to Standing Committee and PCC. During 2025 the Committee was made up of Paul Carter (Chair), Alec James, David Bridges, Chris Young and Felicity McGill (notetaker). Here is a brief resum é of tasks that we have coordinated during the past year.
## **Our Church**
A deep clean was carried out by volunteers inside the Church in the autumn 2025 including spot cleaning to the floor and high-level cobweb removal. Additional lighting was installed at the front of the nave to enhance visibility for worship and events. The Church audio system was replaced in December 2025, which has improved the sound quality, performance and ease of use for services and events. A cupboard and gate-leg table, in memory of Duncan Robertson, was commissioned and has been installed in the porch. These allow items to be stored tidily and improve the look of the porch. Internal decoration was completed in the porch in January 2026.
External maintenance work was undertaken during the year including repairs to the lantern in the porch, the replacement of tiles and also the vestry roof following the theft of lead flashing. The weather vane was overhauled and redecorated by Mike Hansford. The Quinquennial is due in the next twelve months and a schedule of work has been prepared to complete any items required from the last inspection.
## **Trees, Churchyard and External Areas**
Following on from a tree inspection a programme of essential tree management was implemented including work to trees in the churchyard and some hanging over Manor Road.
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Regular mowing and ‘strimming’ took place in the Churchyard during the growing season allowing visitors safe access to graves. The churchyard benefited from the work of volunteers including regular maintenance of the rose beds and two Churchyard clear-ups, improving paths, borders and overall appearance.
Progress continued on the registration of a parcel of land to the north of the church. Legal work is underway, recognising that this is a lengthy process requiring compliance with regulatory requirements.
## **Long term projects**
Despite the funds being in place, slow progress has been made on long-term projects: in particular the tower door/floor and landscaping works, where permission is currently being sought via the architect from the Diocese and local Planning Authority. As part of the landscaping project it is hoped to improve the external lighting to the Church, make the slabs around the Church less uneven and less slippery, and the new door and floating floor in the bell tower will improve conditions for the bell ringers. Preliminary drawings for the vestry refurbishment project were prepared by the architect and the exact requirements are currently under discussion.
## **Other tasks**
During 2025 we carried out the following tasks: updating the Church Log and Terrier, the disability audit, locking/unlocking rota and the key log. Servicing was carried out on the fire extinguishers, alarm system and central heating. We are due for the Archdeacon’s triennial inspection during 2026 so our records need to be in order.
Thank you to everyone who helps to maintain our Church and Churchyard so that it can be enjoyed for services, by visitors, and people who use the path from Manor to Rectory Road.
## _**Felicity McGill**_
## _**On behalf of the Estate Committe**_ e
## **4. FINANCIAL REVIEW**
Our closing balances on 31[st] December
|sing balances on 31stDecember|||
|---|---|---|
||2025|2024|
|NatWest Current Account|12,307.63|7,119.96|
|CCLA Account – Legacies|27,742.27
|119,640.30|
|CCLA Account – Bells|3,045.20|2,201.20|
|CCLA Account – Tower Door etc|28,914.95|3,185.75|
|CCLA Account – Parish Share
|1,988.38|4,572.53|
|CCLA Account – Organ
|6,140.80|5,480.00|
|CCLA Account – Landscaping
|23,974.90|0.00|
|CCLA Account – Vestry|24,286.00|0.00|
||**128,400.13**
|**142,199.74**|
Our 2025 Parish Share was £55,652.
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We are blessed with clergy and congregation dedicated to ensuring that our beautiful church remains open and a welcoming place to enter. Encouraging others to attend Services, coffee mornings and other events supports our mission to remain a Christian presence within the centre of our community.
No Legacies were received during 2025, but we are expecting two during 2026 totalling +/£30k.
A new Sound System was installed during the year utilising monies from the Janet Kennedy Legacy and new bespoke furniture has been installed utilising monies collected at Duncan Robertson’s Funeral.
If you are a regular ‘giver’ of cash at Services and are eligible for Gift Aid, please consider setting up a Standing Order. This helps in so many different ways – there are ‘regular giving’ cards which can be used when the collection plate comes round. Thank you to those who joined during 2025.
Signing up to **EasyFundraising.org.uk** and nominating _St John’s Church, Staplegrove_ will raise extra money for the Church without costing you a penny. Over the year, £117 has been paid to the Church – thank you!
We donated £2,348 in support of local youth work and various worthy causes during the year.
## _**David J Bridges – PCC Treasurer**_
## **5. STEWARDSHIP**
Thanks to all who gave financial support to St John’s during the last year, we could not carry on without your generous donations.
Thanks also to all those who supported our Harvest Gift Day weekend, Saturday 4th – Sunday 5th October 2025, which raised an amazing £3,840, with an additional £671 collected in Gift Aid and Small Donations claims from HMRC.
This year has seen more Church Members, and others, taking part in ‘planned giving’, by Bank Standing Order which means it is regular and committed and not reliant on their Church attendance. If you wish to join those giving regularly in this way there are forms in the Porch for you to use to set up this payment method. Also, when you donate by Bank Standing Order, please feel free to pick up one of the small cards available in the Porch to put in the collection plate for your regular giving to be blessed.
The government’s Gift Aid scheme allows the Church to reclaim from HMRC 25p in every pound donated by those who have confirmed that they are UK taxpayers.
In addition, the ‘Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme’, (GASDS), allows the Church to claim a similar tax refund to the Gift Aid claim for cash in collections at services and on-line payments of up to £30 in a single donation. The rules are quite strict and some donations are not eligible, including cheque payments and any single donations over £30. Also, there is
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a maximum claim that can be made in any financial year which we will have exceeded by the end of the 2025-6 financial year, so if you have now become a taxpayer, let me know so that the Church can reclaim tax paid on your donations rather than using the GASDS process.
Preparing the claim for a refund requires a complicated record system to be maintained. My sincere thanks go to all those who count cash and complete this tedious process, but it is all worthwhile, since over 90% of the sum donated in 2025 came into either the Gift Aid return of tax paid or the GASDS top-up grant category.
## _**Chris Young – Stewardship Secretary – chris.e.young@btinternet.com**_
## **6. SAFEGUARDING**
Over the past year, the PCC has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have due regard to House of Bishops' guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults).
We have set up an annual system of reviewing our Safeguarding Policy, Lone Working Policy and Policy for the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders. These are now reviewed every November and then updated both in Church and online. In addition, this year we also shared the Code of Safer Working Practice with PCC members and our regular Volunteers such as Wardens, Sidespeople, Messy Church volunteers, etc.
We continue to be registered with ‘Thirtyone:eight’ for processing any DBS checks and also continue to use the Parish Safeguarding Dashboard which helps us to maintain our compliance with the House of Bishops Safer Church Policy and Guidance.
As of writing, there have been no Safeguarding concerns raised for St John’s over the past year.
## _**Sandy Robertson – Parish Safeguarding Officer**_
## **7. WORSHIP**
Our benefice service pattern has remained the same in the last year. At St John’s, we continue to offer a broad range of worship styles to cater for different tastes. Our 8am Communion alternates between the 1662 Book of Common Prayer and 2000 Common Worship. 11am services include Communion twice a month, a Worship Service (sometimes including a baptism) and a monthly Café Church on the first Sunday. Fifth Sundays see a Joint Benefice Communion alternating at St John’s (11am) and All Saints’ (9.30am).
It is testament to many people that we are able to sustain our existing worship pattern which necessitates hasty travel between churches for service leaders: 8am at St John’s, 9.30am at
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All Saints and then back to St John’s for 11am. Without everyone involved in preparing for and supporting our services, this would not be possible and I am especially grateful to the Rev’d Mike Parsons and to Esther Edwards for their invaluable contributions.
As I have written in my introductory piece, Esther was licensed as Lay Reader (Licensed Lay Minister) in October and now leads a service and preaches one a month on average. This is a demanding task and one should not underestimate the amount of preparation required, particularly for the sermons, and Esther devotes considerable thought to hers. It is pleasing to see her grow in the role.
Café Church at St John’s is now established and provides an informal, relaxed approach to worship which appeals to some people (not all) who may not want to attend a more liturgical or traditional service. It is living out the benefice’s desire to offer a new form of worship and embrace a more modern approach including the use of technology.
The choir continues to sing with enthusiasm and quality to enhance our worship. Rehearsals have taken place twice-monthly led by Suzi Allen and the choir has contributed regularly during the distribution of communion and at special services, notably at Christmas and Easter. David Bridges’ outstanding skill as organist is greatly appreciated by us all; we must remember that he offers this alongside his existing commitments at St George’s Catholic Church and is unfailingly willing to serve even at the busiest of times.
Seasonal services have been attended by larger congregations, notably at Christmas and, to a lesser extent, Easter. It is notable, though, that fewer visitors receive Communion compared with former years. Once again, our Remembrance Service saw a full church including members of the local uniformed organisations and their families.
Staplegrove School visited for whole school services at Christingle, Christmas, Easter and at the end of the summer term where Year 6 leavers are presented with a Bible as a gift from the church. A visit to the church for a service is a valuable occasion and enables pupils to experience a Christian place of worship – for some, it is the first time of doing so. Everyone enjoys hearing the bells for these services, kindly provided by our generous ringers.
Indeed, it is worth drawing attention to our bellringers! Many churches do not have bells or ringers, but we are very fortunate to have a healthy team of campanologists in both churches. Mike and Jill Hansford have a strong reputation for training new ringers and they oversee our towers, supported at All Saints’ by Val Contreras.
Messy Church has once again been well attended throughout the year both by regulars and new families. The Youth Mission Group has invariably provided innovative and fun activities, along with instructive Christian teaching and warm hospitality. It is worth noting that, for those who attend, this is their church and expression of worship; the aim is not to use it as a feeder into Sunday worship.
Our Sidespeople deserve a particular tribute for their continual help and support at our services – which would not be possible without them as they make the practical arrangements beforehand, greet the congregation and pack away afterwards – all the time trying to work out what an unpredictable Rector is going to do next!
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We are also fortunate to have a strong squad of readers at services to whom we are thankful and also lay members who prepare and lead prayers of intercession. Our wonderful Tea/Coffee Team is also hugely appreciated and enables us to offer hospitality to all who attend our services. It is pleasing that two people have joined the team in recent months.
A note, too, for our florists! St John’s is invariably enhanced by arrangements throughout the year and especially at major festivals and other occasions like All Souls and Remembrance, helping to reflect the times and seasons of the liturgical calendar. Thank you all! Grateful thanks also to Iona and Chris who quietly undertake the changing of the liturgical cloths throughout the year.
## _**The Rev’d Paul Irving**_
## **8. VISION REPORT**
Following the Benefice Celebration and Vision Day in September 2024, a small Vision Group has overseen and facilitated progress to advance and develop the outcomes, led until November by the Rev’d Cathryn Howse and then assumed by myself. The group consists of representatives of both churches: Alison Cursham, Jim Read, Sandy Robertson, Iona Young, Daniel Gill and Rosemary Maskell, along with the clergy.
A clear outcome from the day was a desire to reach out to our communities in different and new ways and some new activities and initiatives have emerged as a result, including:
- A new Hope Café offering support for those living with loss of any kind. Meeting every month at Norton Fitzwarren Village Hall, this is a space for people to meet one another and share experiences and feelings over a cup of tea, including but not limited to those who are bereaved through death.
- Christmas Carol Singing at the Bindon Road shops, led by the choir at St John’s and providing witness and carols for the public, as well as mulled wine and mince pies. This will be repeated this year, possibly inviting donations after a number of inquiries for this.
- A successful Alpha Course ran in the autumn, attended by some 25 people who came every Tuesday evening to enjoy puddings, an informative video and group discussion on a Christian topic. The Away Day at St Michael’s, Galmington, focussing on the Holy Spirit, was especially moving for some.
- A Friday café at All Saints’ was trialled but received limited interest. This may be revisited in the future when facilities are improved.
- A wish to support our local C of E secondary school, Pyrland School, has been enabled through one church member serving as a School Pastor throughout the year.
A longer-term aim is to consider how we might engage effectively with the new housing developments emerging in Staplegrove West and East. This is very much an ongoing discernment and the group met in March 2026 with the Rev’d Richard Priestley, Diocesan Christian Communities Development Adviser, who was able to offer some valuable insight and wisdom. This is a work in progress.
## _**The Rev’d Paul Irving**_
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## **9. TAUNTON DEANERY SYNOD**
The Deanery Synod meet three times each year, maintaining links between the various Churches in the town and the offices of the Bishops of Bath & Wells. Revds. Lee Mullen and Paul Irving had been commissioned as Area Dean & Assistant Area Dean at the Archdeacon’s Visitation on 17[th] June.
The first meeting is a Eucharist, and this took place on Tuesday 8 July at St John’s Church, Taunton, with Revd Julia French presiding and Revd Lee Mullen preaching.
The second meeting was on 7th October at St James’ Church, and aside from the usual prayers and business the meeting was devoted to the matter of
## **Exploring School Church Partnership Working**
This was led by Ian Robinson, CEO of Oak Partnership, and Cheryl Govier, Assistant Director of Education and Leadership, Diocese of Bath and Wells.
Ian explained that in Oak Partnership, 50% of the Directors need to be Foundation Governors, but, in the Bath & Wells Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) there is a more liberal requirement regarding Foundation Governors and head teachers. These need to be sympathetic to Christian Values, but are not required to be active Christians. The local schools who are part of the Oak Partnership are West Monkton, Ruishton and Stoke St Gregory Primary Schools.
In addition to OFSTED each church school is subject to a SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) inspection. This inspection checks that all that happens in the school is underpinned by Christian values and that this encourages its pupils to flourish. Each Church School has an Ethos committee which helps to promote these Christian values across all aspects of school life.
Cheryl Govier reported that in Taunton Deanery there are 39 schools, of which 15 are church schools, and so there is Christian contact with 12,500 children daily.
She asked Synod to think about the links between Home and Church and School, and there was discussion in groups about what is already happening in the Deanery.
The third meeting was on 10th February at St Michael’s Church, Galmington, and provided details of the **Diocesan Year of Prayer 2026** initiative, announced by Bishop Michael, that the Deanery would be supporting.
There will be 3 key opportunities to pray together:
- a) Dawn to Dusk Prayer – 14[th] May – 24[th] May.
- Different groups/churches will be invited to take part and sign up to a specific date and time that they will be leading the prayers.
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- b) Prayer Pilgrimage 12[th] July. Anyone can take part and start their own pilgrimage from wherever they choose, and all walk to The Minster – time to be confirmed.
- c) Wider Community Prayer – every church to encourage accessible prayer in whatever way they wish, and can be outside the church as well as indoors.
For the remainder of the meeting, Natalie Wainwright, Diocesan Lead Giving and Funding Advisor, gave a detailed presentation on **Grants and Fundraising.**
## _**Gillian Greig & Paul Carter(with thanks to Ruth Cook – Deanery Synod secretary)**_
## **10. CHOIR**
The choir seems to go from strength to strength. We now have a steady membership of thirteen and one or two more people who come from time to time.
Again we had a splendid turn-out of seventeen for the Christmas Nine Lessons and Carols, helped by the addition of a couple of extras and two granddaughters!
This year we have been extremely lucky to have smart new music folders provided by Pam Thorne, so we now look more presentable as a choir! Again, many thanks to Pam for this very generous gift.
Again I must thank David Bridges for his help and support over the year, especially at those important services like Christmas and Easter. Talking of which, we have a couple of new pieces for Easter this year and the choir have been working very hard on them.
Looking forwards, it would be lovely if we could encourage some younger voices to join us, maybe through the school or our Café Church. We need to think of ways of recruitment to ensure the continuity of the choir. In fact anyone is welcome to come and visit to see if they would like to join us. Age and perceived ability no barrier! Often people like to sing but feel unable to join a group. We can help!
## _**Suzi Allen**_
## **11. CHURCH FLOWERS**
Here we are again, with another year behind us, and once again the team of ladies that have helped to decorate the church did a brilliant job during the year. It was especially lovely decorating the church at Harvest with vegetables this year because it gave an opportunity for others to benefit at the same time, something to remember for the future. The church would not look as good if it was not for the help of all the members of our team, however, we would really like others to be involved too. We are a very friendly, welcoming group and would love you to join us. No experience is necessary, and I am a true testament to that. Come and give us a try so that we can continue with the beautiful flower arranging that so many people, both congregation and visitors, enjoy during the year.
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_**Frances Markland**_
## **12. CHURCH MOUSE REPORT**
Report from the smallest member of the Congregation.
It was with some reluctance that I have to report that last year’s harvest festival was, for us at any rate, a low-key affair. We did find that the apples were good but the bedding, that we rely on for the following year, was defiantly sub-standard. Please could we have some nice dry straw next year. Our clear up rate from various coffee mornings and after Church biscuits was up to 95% and was much appreciated. Also, the nice warm floor helps keep the chilblains at bay on our little paws.
Christmas is always fun and the manger was a lovely place for a midnight snooze. Looking forward to this current year, our outdoor foraging has been severely curtailed due to the inclement weather. It is really difficult to swim back home with the nights foraging in our paws.
Our suggestion is that perhaps the rest of you could do a bit more praying for good weather so that all members of the congregation, both large and small can benefit from decent foraging.
Messy Church is always a good source of nourishment, and the family really liked the biscuit crumbs. Talking of the family has reminded me, that following last years elevation of Mr Nibbles to Cat Advisor for the Diocese, a new role has now been made for a Rat Advisor. We are unsure if Mr Curly Tail will apply for this role as it’s an ‘unfed’ role. Just like the Diocese to renege on a promise of extra raisins and mulled wine at Christmas.
But having said all that a great year for all the little congregation. We little ones provide a wonderful service and are very grateful for the ‘nibbles’ left over. With the very best wishes for the year
## _**Mr Tiny Toes, your friendly Church Mouse**_
## **13. ECO GROUP**
The group’s eco work has continued this year with achievements including:
- Environmental issues included in intercessions
- LED floodlight planned – this remains ongoing in conjunction with the landscaping project
- A new bird box has been installed on the edge of the “jungle” and provisions have been made to erect the Bat Box in April
- The Christmas communal card fundraiser was for the Catcott Nature Reserve
- An area for a wild garden to the East of the Church has been established and plans are afoot to introduce a variety of plant species in due course
- The Eco Group has committed to supplying articles for the journal 3 times per year
Following the success of the Christmas fundraiser for the Ripple Effect charity last year, this year’s appeal for Catcott Nature Reserve raised £111, and continued to raise awareness of a way of saving waste by not sending numerous cards.
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Finally, the Group would like to formally mark our appreciation for all the effort put in over the years by Cathryn, whose energy and enthusiasm will be greatly missed. Guy Beale has offered to facilitate the meetings going forwards.
## _**Guy Beale, Jim Read, Adrian Dyke, Felicity McGill**_
## **14. EVERGREEN GROUP**
The Evergreen Group has had another busy and successful year. We have maintained the monthly meetings with a programme of talks on a variety of topics, as well as a summer gettogether in August, the Christmas Lunch at Oake Manor Golf Club, and Carols and tea just before Christmas. Although we have lost two stalwarts, Brenda Kenny (who moved out of the village) and Pam Milward through declining health, we have welcomed four new members, so our membership is almost 35.
We meet in St John’s on the afternoon of the second Tuesday on the month, for a talk, followed by tea and chat. It is all very informal. We would always welcome any non-members if the topic appeals.
I am as ever very grateful to all who help in any way. The Committee of Pam, Madeleine, Ann, Christine and Margaret; Pam who runs the monthly raffle with the help of Hazel Hawkins; Ann, Pam, Margaret and others who serve the refreshments; and David Bridges who masters the IT and sound facilities as well as tickling the ivories for carols, etc.
Last, but by no means least, our Co-leader Elizabeth Hall who tirelessly helps in so many ways, a lot behind the scenes, and tries to keep me in check!
We are as ever grateful to Paul for his support and St John’s for providing the warm and welcoming venue for our meetings.
On finances we are in a very stable position with our income last year just exceeding expenditure. We have about £900 in the bank and for the time being can maintain our annual subscription of £10……a rare snip! Approaching half of our income is from the monthly raffle, so many thanks to all who support this and especially to the members who donate prizes.
We are always ready to welcome new members. If anyone would like more details please have a word with Elizabeth or me.
## _**Graham Hobrough**_
## **15. Your Fairtrade Church Report**
In 2025 your benefice Fairtrade stall and Fairtrade Fortnight coffee morning raised £551.39 in profit and donations for the Transform Trade charity, which supports the producers of the Fairtrade products in many parts of the world.
With many thanks for your support over the last year, especially in the light of significant price rises on coffee and chocolate. P lease give us a call (01823 279686 or
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readjim@hotmail.com) if you need items between stalls which are normally on the second Sunday of the month, after the 11.00am service.
## _**Moira and Jim Read**_
## **16. FUNDRAISING EVENTS**
Another successful year with, as always, lots of support from our local community. A big thank you to everyone.
Plant Stall Saturday 10[th] May 2025 – this was run alongside the weekly Saturday Coffee shop. Lychgate Stalls were run from Saturday 26[th] June to Saturday 6[th] September.
Jigsaw and Books sales, again run alongside the Saturday Coffee Shop were run on April 26[th] , 27[th] September, 1[st] November, 7[th] February 2026, and the 28[th] February. At the one held on February 7[th] , Matt and Ellie who live in Rectory Road organised a cake stall in aid of Macmillan. It was really good to support their charity, and the whole morning was a great success, both financially and socially. On the 28[th] February we held a Parish Breakfast in the Church, again with Jigsaws and Books. Another super community event.
An illustrated talk by Dr. David Bird on Wednesday 22[nd] October, and another on Wednesday 25[th] March. We are really fortunate to have David living in the village, as he has such a wonderful selection of talks and slides.
What has now become an annual event, our Parish Breakfast and Craft Fair at the Village Hall on Saturday 22[nd] November. We have booked the hall again for 28[th] November this year.
During the year St. John’s held a stall at the Scout Summer Fete for their funds; did our annual Ride and Stride in October which raised money for the Somerset Churches Trust; and at Christmas we supported the Charity Christmas Card. Not forgetting the super film nights organised by the Film team throughout the winter months. Also the weekly Saturday Coffee shop has become more and more popular, another really successful community event organised by Iona and Chris Young. There was also the Harvest Lunch which St. John’s hosted this year. Another busy year with so many people within the community helping and supporting all of the events.
## _**Heather Williams on behalf of the Fundraising Team**_
## **17. HEALTH AND SAFETY – Please don’t turn the page, this always involves you!**
2025, our eighth full year of the re-ordered Church!
Unless I’ve missed something, 2025 has again, thankfully, been a quiet year on the health and safety front. Thank you to all those who have swept paths, unlocked the south transept door, kept the fire extinguishers accessible, and all the other “unseen jobs” that help to keep our Church, and the people in and around it, as safe as possible.
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Unfortunately, as reported last year, some of the ‘wheels’ continue to grind more slowly than we would like when trying to get the short slope from the tarmac path to the paved area removed. This is tied in to the tower door project, and hopefully 2025 will see both done? If you ever have any health and safety concerns, please contact the Church Wardens, Rector or myself.
## _**Jim Read – Safety Officer**_
## **18. HOSPITALITY AND COMMUNITY EVENTS**
## **Hospitality and Community Events**
Thank you to the Sidespeople and others who welcome visitors and make them feel at home in our Church, both on a Sunday and at other events during the year.
In the absence of a designated Co-ordinator, hospitality and community events are coordinated by a few Church members. Reports on the various activities are set out below.
## _**Saturday Coffee Shop** – Chris and Iona Young_
This has been running every Saturday since 2018 and has proved to be a welcome hospitality event for the whole community – a chance for a chat to neighbours over tea, coffee, and biscuits.
During the winter months it provides a warm space and during the summer, whenever possible, the opportunity is taken to enjoy the outside space of the churchyard.
Special events are regularly added to the Coffee Shop; more details are given below on these and it provides the backdrop to the Saturday morning Lychgate Produce Stall throughout the summer. If you haven’t visited the Coffee Shop up to now come along next Saturday morning, 10am to mid-day, you won’t be disappointed!
Thanks go to the helpers who turn out on Saturdays to set up and run the event and if you would like to help as well just let us know, we are always looking for additional helpers.
## _**Sunday Morning Coffee** – Diana Toon_
Coffee after the 11am services at St John’s continues to be very popular. It provides a welcome opportunity for those wishing to socialise and enjoy a friendly chat. Our Café Church service takes place on the first Sunday of each month which takes the hospitality at this service to a new level.
Thanks to all the volunteers who bring milk, serve tea and coffee, and provide delicious cakes and biscuits for Café Church.
## _**Community Events** – Heather Williams on behalf of the Fundraising Team_
The community events team had another successful year, providing events linking St John’s with our local community. A big thank you to everyone.
**Events that ran alongside the weekly Saturday Coffee Shop** included the **Plant Stall** on 10[th] May 2025, **Jigsaw and Book sales** on 26[th] April, 27[th] September and 1[st] November in 2025 and again on 7[th] February 2026, with Matt and Ellie from Rectory Road providing a **cake stall in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support** , a great success both financially and socially. There was also a **Parish Breakfast** on 28[th] February again with Jigsaws and Book sales for Church funds.
The **Lychgate Produce Stall** operated every Saturday from 26[th] June to 6[th] September in 2025, always a very successful event which provided nearly £1,500 for Church funds.
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**David Bird gave two illustrated talks** during the year, ‘The English Lake District: A Personal Meander’ on 22[nd] October 2025 and on ‘Meanders in the Maghreb’ on Wednesday 25[th] March 2026. We greatly appreciate David giving his time to prepare and present these excellent talks which provide a welcome boost to Church funds.
Our **Parish Breakfast and Craft Fair** at the Village Hall was on 22[nd] November in 2025. This has now become an annual even, and the hall has been booked again for 28[th] November in 2026.
We have also **assisted other organisations with fund raising** . During the year St John’s held a stall at the **Scouts** Summer Fete to help boost their funds; we supported the annual Ride and Stride in October which raises money for the **Somerset Churches Trust** ; and at Christmas, we supported the Charity Christmas Card Project which provided £111 in support of **Somerset Wildlife’s ‘Catcott Appeal’** . This was in aid of funds to enhance Catcott Nature Reserve in the Avalon Marshes.
Our **monthly film shows** ; ‘A Night @ the Movies’ were held on the second Wednesday of the Month through the Autumn and Winter months. With no blackout on the windows in Church, we have been unable to show films through the summer months. Film Nights are hosted by a small group who sell tickets, welcome visitors, provide the refreshments and run the film show. It has been lovely to see so many people attending these events, both familiar faces from our congregation and other members of the community. Film Night will recommence in the Autumn and continue to run over the winter months of 2026 and into 2027.
Volunteers helped with **churchyard maintenance** on several occasions during the year. Thank you for giving up your time to keep our Churchyard looking in such good shape.
**St John’s hosted the Benefice Harvest Lunch** in the Church as part of our Harvest Festival on 5[th] October 2025. St John’s provided the main course, with cider and apple juice generously donated by Andrew Ritchie from All Saints'. This was followed by puddings provided by All Saints’. Thanks go to the Church members who provided these.
## _**Neighbourhood Coffee Morning** – Jim and Moira Read_
The Neighbourhood Coffee mornings take place on the third Tuesday of each month in the Church. The timing is designed to complement the Community Coffee morning in the Village Hall on the first Tuesday. Any surplus funds are given to one or more charities; the recipients being chosen by the attendees at the November coffee morning. In 2025 the surplus of £222 was donated to ARC (previously Taunton Association for the Homeless). Many thanks to everyone who came to these gatherings.
## _**Chris Young**_
## **19. MENS’ GROUP**
The Group has continued to meet most months at Oake Manor Golf Club for lunch and chat. Although a small number, we enjoy the delicious food in comfortable surroundings. As you can imagine, we do spend some time reminiscing and putting the world to rights, without venturing into politics!
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Needless to say, we would welcome any man who would like to join us for these monthly events. There is no subscription, we just pay individually for our food. Have a word with me, please, for any further information.
## _**Graham Hobrough**_
## **20. PASTORAL**
I am always amazed to hear of all the love so many of you give to neighbours, friends and to your own families; as well as to those in hospital, nursing homes or bereaved; and also to those who are lonely.
Each visit, phone call or card sent is much appreciated by those who are having difficulties. I am aware now that I am unable to visit as much as I did in the past. However, I am always ready to chat on the phone, or to pray for you if you have someone you are concerned about. I would be glad if you kept me in touch.
My phone number is in the Journal.
## _**Alison Cursham**_
## **21. STAPLEGROVE MOTHERS’ UNION**
**9[th] January 2025**
The annual Communion Service
followed by the AGM.
**13[th] February 2025**
Our Wave of Prayer Service was based on
the new theme for the Triennial 2025 to 2027 - ‘Join us and Join In’. It is the vision of Kathleen Snow, our new president. As she said in her briefing – `we are stronger together`. During these days when we remember our special links, we can sense that strength of togetherness as we share our prayers.
## **13[th] March**
Lent Reflection by Alison Cursham.
## **10[th] April**
‘Our Worldwide links and news’ – Gay Curtis was due to speak about this work. Under very sad circumstances we had to cancel this speaker. However, we will invite her again for the 2026 programme.
## **8th May**
A very special event occurred on this day. This was a Service at which the new Southwest Cluster Committee Members were commissioned to take Bath & Wells MU forward. This was taken by the Right Reverend Michael Langrish, Honorary Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Bath & Wells, at St. Andrew’s Church, Cheddar. There were around 60 members, family and friends for coffee in the church. A two-minute silence was observed for VE day at midday. **Victory for Europe / VE Day 2025** Our branch meeting celebrated VE Day with prayers, memorabilia and quiet reflections led by Rosemary Maskell. The afternoon was appreciated by the members, who would have been young at the time. The refreshments served reflected that era.
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## **July 10[th]**
In July Elaine Dew, from the charity RAFT (Refugee Aid from Taunton), came to talk about their work in Taunton.
## **June 12[th]**
MU Garden Outing to The Rocking Horse Cafe at Stogumber. Margaret Allen, found this lovely garden tearoom with beautiful views, garden and chickens. Fourteen of us travelled for a visit around the garden, followed by a cream tea.
## **7[th] August**
Tea Party at St. John’s Church and celebrating Mary Sumner Day. We began the day with Morning Prayers led by Revd Paul and finished the morning with coffee and biscuits, prior to setting up for the tea party at 2pm. We had a good turnout of members and non-members. We raised a total of £359. 60 for the worldwide project, Summer of Hope Appeal – a season of giving, praying, planting and fundraising to support women in war torn regions of the Democratic Republican of Congo. This is our main fund-raising event for MU projects.
## **11[th] September**
Hannah Gill gave us a talk, about how she was called to train as a School Pastor. This came about when she was at a Deanery Synod meeting where Alison Vercoe, the School Chaplin for Pyrland school, Taunton, was speaking about her work. Hannah gave us a good insight into the variety of tasks she could be expected to do.
**9[th] October 2025**
Our new Diocesan committee members Moira and Marlene gave a brief update about the changes taking place within the Diocese of Bath & Wells MU, and proposed joining the cluster.
## **13[th] November 2025**
17 members went to the Quantock Restaurant at Bridgwater and Taunton College for a meal. This is cooked and served by the students on catering and hospitality courses. It is always a good occasion – well-cooked, and beautifully presented and hosted by the students. It is a good way to support our young people in Taunton.
**11[th] December 2025** We finished the year with `Christmas Thoughts’. A short service with 3 carols, led by Hazel, with Ruth playing the piano. This was followed by mince pies and hot drinks.
## _**Di Ruff**_
## **22. STAPLEGROVE PARISH JOURNAL**
Firstly, thanks are due to the Journal team: Joan Bird and, occasionally, Jim Read for proofreading; Frances Markham, our Distribution Manager; also Ann and David Bridges for bringing in the advertising revenue, without which the Journal subscription price would be considerably higher.
The printing cost of the Journal is now almost £1.50 per copy even though Character Graphics has been given a full-page ad. This is against the cover price of 80p which I strongly believe should be maintained at about this level and certainly less than £1 so that it’s accessible to even the most impecunious parishioner. Thanks to the advertising, the Journal is still just in surplus.
APCM – Report 2025/2026
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I believe that the Journal should remain in its present printed and paid-for form. I suspect that most readers and, more particularly advertisers, would value the Journal less and would be less willing to pay for adverts if it were available only in electronic form.
The print run is charged at 280 copies although they start making 300 copies to allow for wastage and they deliver all that reach the quality standard. There are generally just a few copies of the old Journal left when the new arrives. Could Paul and Esther please encourage parishioners to take some of the surplus and use them for outreach by giving them to friends or neighbours?
Character Graphics is neither the most expensive nor the cheapest printer but we’ve always had good service and a good quality product. The few problems have been spotted by a sharp-eyed Becky at CG before the print run starts. I should like to continue with Character Graphics.
I’m happy to continue as Editor.
## _**William Allen – Journal Editor**_
## **23. STAPLEGROVE SCHOOL**
It has been another positive year for Staplegrove Church School with the strong links between the School and St John’s continuing to flourish.
In December, the School had its SIAMS Inspection, (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools). Rev Paul and I met with the Inspector online, prior to her visit to the School. We were asked about the links between School and Church and how we were able to evidence that the School does live out its Christian Foundations and Vision. Thankfully, we must have given the right information as following the inspection, the School received a very positive report, achieving Judgement One. This means that, “Staplegrove Church School is living up to its foundation as a Church school and is enabling pupils and adults to flourish.”
Highlights from the Report included praise for the inclusiveness of provision, the Biblical roots to the curriculum which enables a richer and wider approach to learning opportunities, enabling the children to “live life in all its fullness.” The Report praises how the School’s Christian vision is clearly understood and actively lived out through its Christian Values, which Iona was very involved with following the previous inspection. Paul’s visits to the School to lead Collective Worship are mentioned, as is Open the Book. I think this following statement from the report shows how the links between St John’s and Staplegrove Church School are highly valued and are having an impact:
“Support from the rector and members of the church enrich the Christian foundation of the school. Together these partnerships help create Staplegrove’s ‘learning family’ and contributes to its offer of ‘life in all its fullness.’”
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Away from SIAMS, children have participated in and experienced the major festivals of Christmas, Easter and Harvest – all led by Paul. They also had a Christingle Service. Last year’s School Leavers had a celebration service at the Church and all were presented with Bibles. We continue to give a voucher to the Year 6 Worship Champions as they leave in gratitude for all their contributions.
Year 5 children took part in MINT’s Easter Cracked, (Mission in North Taunton). Paul Armstrong, the School’s Headteacher, accompanied the children and it was the first time he’d seen it. He told me at a Governors meeting, shortly afterwards, what a powerful experience it was. I think this shows that St John’s financial contribution to MINT is both very worthwhile and impactful.
The Open the Book Team have been into school regularly during the year and are always received enthusiastically! We also still have a couple of Volunteer Readers going in to School from the Church community which I know the School is very grateful for and would welcome more if anyone new is interested.
The School organises an Ethos Week each year during the summer term and two classes came over and used the Church during that week and another class hosted an afternoon tea which Rev Paul attended. I am not sure what the plans are for this year but I am sure they will be exciting and uplifting.
So, another very positive year of growing links between Staplegrove Church School and St Johns and may these links continue to flourish and thrive over the coming year.
## _**Sandy Robertson, Foundation Governor**_
## **24. THE STAPLEGROVE STROLLERS**
Thanks to all who support our monthly walks, and to those who plan and lead them. There can be as many as 20 people walking and the walks themselves are only a part of the story of the Strollers; the camaraderie between those walking, is just as important, as well as the tea and cakes at the end of afternoon walks, or the lunches after morning walks, that form such a key part. And thanks to the weather which was reasonably kind to us over the last year – although in recent
months we did have to avoid most ‘off-road’ routes which were too boggy even for the Strollers. Thanks also to Iain and Annette Brodie who allowed over 20 Strollers to invade their house in February to drink tea and eat cake after visiting the amazing display of snowdrops in their garden.
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Our walks are open to all and usually around 4 to 5 miles. Let us know if you would like to join us, information can always be found in the Staplegrove Journal but be prepared; our walks are sometimes muddy, and we keep walking in all but the very worst of weather.
Our picture shows the Strollers on our walk around the Halse area in September 2025.
## _**Chris and Iona Young**_
## **25. TAUNTON FOODBANK**
The Foodbank has again maintained its service throughout the year, thanks to the hard work of the staff and all the volunteers. 2025 has been another busy year, but fortunately supplies of goods have been plentiful and so far, supplies, and several very generous donations, have continued to meet demand.
The main pick-up point in Taunton is at Unit 4 Belvedere Estate, Albemarle Road. Food donations can be left there on Monday to Friday, 10.00am to 12.00pm.
There are several ways that you can help the Foodbank: money donations, food donations, or by becoming a volunteer. The website has full information about its work, and also the list of foods urgently needed is regularly updated.
Please remember that according to the Trussell Trust 1 in 5 households is in need of help according to current statistics.
Thank you all for your continued support of the Taunton Foodbank during the last year..
## _**Margaret Senior - margaretsenior2@hotmail.com**_
## **26. TOWER REPORT**
It never ceases to amaze me that another year has passed and I am sitting down writing the annual report from the tower again. Last year, in many ways, was a year of consolidation. We tried very hard at the striking competition, and came a very close 2[nd] , there is always another year.
If I have any issue with the tower this year it is that the door has still not been replaced. Yet another wet carpet season with the current door leaking happily. One day I shall be able to report that the new door is watertight and looks great, not sure which year that will be, but we live in hope.
The bells have performed well this year, regular maintenance has been carried out as usual but nothing has shown up as requiring attention. We have ordered some new ropes for the 2[nd] , 4[th] , 5[th] and tenor, and as I write I am hopeful that they will arrive soon. The tenor rope
APCM – Report 2025/2026
33
was so bad I had to find a spare from my collection, but it is a bit long in the tail so we have had to knot it up a bit to shorten it. Hopefully the new ropes will arrive soon.
We look forward to the Branch Striking competition in April and are practicing hard for that. Our Branch ringing outing this year is going to Teignmouth and some of our ringers will be attending that. Hopefully it will have stopped raining by then.
We had our Christmas meal in January this year (can never find the time before Christmas) at the Cross Keys, and a great evening it turned out to be. Marilyn won my quiz, I was very impressed with her way of working out country names. It was about World Cup countries in anagram form. Must think of something harder next year. I was a little disappointed in 2025 when I arranged a quiz on bellringing facts. I thought they might have got a few more right, they failed miserably.
I look forward to this year and thank all the ringers for their contribution to the life of our Benefice over the past year, they have regularly turned up at Norton and St Johns, and Christmas was once again well supported in both Churches. Bless you all.
## _**Mike Hansford – Tower Captain**_
## **27. YOUTH MISSION GROUP**
The Youth Mission Group continues to work actively with our families and young people. The pattern of bimonthly Messy Church sessions is well established, and we have added additional sessions at Easter and Christmas. We regularly welcome 25 plus children and their families to these sessions, and it is good to see the numbers grow with a solid core of regular attendees joining us each time.
We are very grateful to all who help at these events and really need some extra help on the day to cover the activities. If you feel you could offer your help, if only occasionally, we would love to hear from you. The group plans the activities and provides the resources, but the popularity of these events is such that we are sometimes stretched, and if you would like to join the team of helpers you would be very welcome.
In the school summer holidays we once again ran weekly Messy Morning sessions for toddlers. These were primarily organised by Cathryn with help from others and proved very popular and many of these families now join us at other events. We are very grateful to everyone who helped move chairs, provided refreshments etc and assisted in so many other ways. We couldn’t do it without you. Thank you.
At this point we would like to recognise and give thanks for all that Cathryn brought to our work with families with young children. Her enthusiasm, imaginative approach and innovative ideas were wonderful and we hugely appreciated having her in the team. Thank you, Cathryn!
## _**Iona Young**_
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C h a r i t y N[o] : 1 2 0 8 2 7 4
## **ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST STAPLEGROVE**
## **FINANCIAL STATEMENT**
**For the year ending 31[st] December 2025**
**Diocese of BATH and WELLS**
_Treasurer:_ **David Bridges**
## _Independent Examiner:_
**Antony Yeo** Treasurer, St Andrew’s Church, Taunton
The financial statements have been produced using the Receipts & Payments method which states what is actually received into the accounts during the Calendar year.
## **ASSETS and LIABILITIES**
|**Account**|**Opening Balance**
**01/01/2025**|**Monies IN**|**Monies OUT**|**Closing Balance**
**31/12/2025**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||142,199.74|201,810.28|(215,609.89)|128,400.13|
|**NatWest Current**
60-80-06 70811393|7,119.96|123,108.43|(117,920.76)|12,307.63|
|**CCLA Legacies**
CB3019591|119,640.30|0.00|(91,898.03)|27,742.27|
|**CCLA Bells**
CB3019592|2,201.20|844.00|(0.00)|3,045.20|
|**CCLA Tower Door**
CB1006637|3,185.75|25,729.20|(0.00)|28,914.95|
|**CCLA Ben Share**
CB1006640|4,572.53|1,467.85|(4,052.00)|1,988.38|
|**CCLA Organ**
CB1008337|5,480.00|660.80|(0.00)|6,140.80|
|**CCLA Landscaping**
CB1008966|0.00|25,000.00|(1,025.10)|23,974.90|
|**CCLA Vestry**
CB1008967|0.00|25,000.00|(714.00)|24,286.00|
Our CCLA Accounts ‘ring-fence’ Legacies, donations for Bell Maintenance, the Tower Door, Landscaping and Vestry Projects, the Organ and General Reserve (Benefice Share). Most of our legacies come with specific restrictions. Our preferred wording would be ‘ _solely for the general use of St John the Evangelist Church, Staplegrove.’_
## **ASSETS**
- Total Cash Assets held on 31[st] December 2025 is **£128,400.13**
- Tangible fixed assets are set at £10,000 and are the nominal amount owned by the PCC although the PCC owns a recently valued £15,000 parcel of land to the North of the Graveyard.
- £895.15 and £358.11 credit on our Gas and Electric accounts respectively.
## **RESTRICTED FUNDS**
- Church Assets with ‘conditions’ applied total **£112,148.64**
## **LIABILITIES**
- There are no liabilities on 31[st] December 2025
[2]
|**RECEIPTS**||**2025**||**2024**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|**_Donations & Legacies_**|||||
|Planned giving|35,225.40||34,889.66||
|Collections, donations & other giving|19,470.44
||96,048.21||
|Gift Aid reclaimed|13,304.53||10,298.63||
|Legacies||0.00||1,007.56|
|**_Other trading activities_**|||||
|Magazine, Lettings etc||4,772.40||5,269.20|
|Fundraising & Events||8,707.44||7,861.94|
|**_Receipt from Investments_**|||||
|Interest & Dividends||5,216.98||3,190.22|
|**_Receipts from Charitable activities_**|||||
|Parochial Fees|12,584.00||10,157.00||
|**_Other Receipts_**|||||
|Other|23,827.24|||5,408.68|
|**Total Receipts**
|**123,108.43**
||**174,131.10**||
|**PAYMENTS**|**PAYMENTS**|**2025**||**2024**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|**_Charitable activities_**|||||
|Donations to Charities||1,597.64
|1,906.59||
|Youth Work (Messy Church, MINT, Academy)||1,076.70
|852.06||
|Parish Share||55,652.00
|55,652.00||
|Clergy Expenses||1,190.75
|1,200.87||
|Church Running Expenses||12,342.89
|12,580.27||
|Churchyard Maintenance||8,815.90
|5,262.82||
|Cost of trading (Magazine printing etc)||3,759.69
|4,001.23||
|Administration costs||236.20|120.00||
|Other||8,710.13
|11,089.10||
|**_Major Expenditure_**|||||
|Repairs to Church, grounds, fees etc||24,538.86
|2,453.32||
|**Total Payments**
||**117,920.76**
|**95,118.26**||
[3]
|**DETAILED RECEIPTS ANALYSIS**
**2025**
Tax Efficient Planned giving
35,225.40
Other Planned giving
1,508.00
Other Collections at Services
4,954.61
Other Donations (non-recurring)
8,323.83
Special Appeals: Gift Day 2025
3,840.00
Gift Aid Reclaimed (Q4,Q1,Q2,Q3)
13,304.53
Legacies
0.00
Recurring Grants
0.00
Non-recurring Grants
10.00
Fundraising: Bell Tower
844.00
Film Nights
2,150.90
Coffee shop, Lychgate, events
6,556.54
Parochial Fees
12,584.00
Journal:
Subs
1,771.40
Adverts
2,756.00
Church Hire
245.00
Norton Contribution to Benefice Office
348.51
Interest & Dividends
5,216.98
Other Income
23,468.73
**Total Receipts**
**123,108.43**
**DETAILED PAYMENTS ANALYSIS**
**2025**
Donations to Charity
1,597.64
Parish Share
55,652.00
Parochial Fees to DBF
2,963.00
Payments to visiting Ministers
00.00
Church Youth Work
1,076.70
Insurance
1,587.00
Gas
3,228.00
Electricity
2,064.00
Church Cleaning
2,381.94
Minor Repairs
2,147.64
Major Repairs
18,739.42
Administration
236.20
Benefice Office: BT
372.43
Benefice Office Rental
979.99
Other Expenses / Provision of Services
11,689.97
Governance Costs
0.00
Churchyard: Biffa
419.30
General maintenance
2,534.00
Tree work
5,862.60
Church Flowers
119.39
Music / Organ
156.99
Journal
3,759.69
CC Licences
352.86
**Total Payments**
**117,920.76**
|**2024**
33,791.66
1,098.00
4,971.46
86,951.75
4,125.00
10,298.63
1,007.56
0.00
1,710.00
473.89
2,081.20
5,780.74
10,157.00
1,770.20
2,974.00
525.00
355.77
3,190.22
3,342.91
**174,131.10**
**2024**
1,906.59
55,652.00
3,502.00
47.85
852.06
1,428.26
3,372.00
2,064.00
2,177.00
734.00
1,718.64
120.00
334.51
1,095.98
10,179.50
0.00
427.85
3,780.97
1,054.00
56.10
270.00
4,001.23
343.72
**95,118.26**|
|---|---|
[4]
Thank you to all who give of their time and talent (both practical and financial) to the Church. Thank you to those who have increased their financial giving and a warm ‘welcome’ to those who have joined the ‘regular Standing Order donors’ this year. Lychgate sales, coffee mornings, Film Nights, Concerts and other events, together with the generosity of many parishioners help keep the church open as a warm, welcoming space for the community.
**During 2025 we RECEIVED the following Grants:** Commonwealth Graves Commission £10
## **During 2025 we DONATED to the following causes:**
Pyrland School Chaplaincy (2025/26) £600 Somerset Churches Trust £60 Bath & Wells Association of Change Ringers £20 **M** ission **I** n **N** orth **T** aunton £100 _(An ecumenical group sharing the Good News to schools & local community)_ **M** ission **I** n **N** orth **T** aunton £50 towards _Life Exhibition_ Christian Aid £105.50 Taunton Foodbank £524.14 _(Harvest Lunch & Service)_ Royal British Legion £200.00 Church of England Children’s Society £375.00 _(Christingle & Carol Service)_ The Catcott Appeal £111.00 _(Communal Christmas Card)_ ARC (Taunton Association for the Homeless) £222.00 _(Community Coffee mornings)_
## **No legacies were received during 2025**
**Un-restricted Gifts** to the value of £2,342.36 were received from:
- £1,583 in memory of Duncan Robertson
- £93.60 in memory of Pat Whittall
- £205 in memory of Nigel Farrington
- £120.76 in memory of Shirley Farrington
- £240 in memory of Dr Jonathan Meads
- £100 from The Evergreens
[5]
## **During 2025**
- **Extra lighting** in the Nave and over the Organ Console was installed utilising monies (£844) from the Viv Davys 2022 Legacy
- **Urgent tree work** in the Churchyard was carried out utilising monies (£4,092) from the Janet Kennedy 2023 Legacy
- A new **Sound System** was installed utilising monies (£11,662.67) from the Janet Kennedy 2023 Legacy
- The **Hope Café** was founded with a generous donation from Alec James
- **Choir folders** were purchased with a generous donation from Pam Thorne
- £220 was collected for **Esther Edwards’ Installation Gift**
- £1,205 was collected for **Rev Cathryn Howse’s Leaving Gift**
- £1,169.14 was raised at the **Parish Breakfast**
- **Bespoke furniture in the Porch** (£1,705) has been installed using monies
from the retiring collection at Duncan Robertson’s Funeral
## **Looking ahead to 2026**
- Bath and Wells has raised the Norton 2026 Benefice Share by 24.67% whilst reducing the Staplegrove share by 2.14%. In 2024, Norton’s Benefice Share was £14,504 and in 2026 it would have been £22,934. The Staplegrove PCC have agreed to contribute £55,652 (the same as 2024 and 2025) to help Norton in 2026, reducing their share to £20,394
- The entrance Porch will be redecorated in January
- Major spending will continue to utilise the ‘restricted’ and ‘un-restricted’ funds in the CCLA Account in order to complete (hopefully)
- The Landscaping project
- The Tower Door and Ringing Chamber project
- An upgrade of the Vestry areas
- Repair of the outside Tower floodlight
- Registration of Land to the North of the Graveyard
If you are a regular financial donor to the Church, and are eligible for Gift Aid, please consider setting up a monthly/weekly Standing Order. Thank you.
**----- Start of picture text -----**
PCC Treasurer
**----- End of picture text -----**
[6]
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||keptby the charity and acomparisonoftheaccountspresented withthoserecords.|
||Italso includes considerationofany unusual itemsor disclosuresintheaccounts,|
||andseeking explanationsfromthe trusteesconceminganysuchmatters.The|
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