**DERSINGHAM PARISH CHURCH OF ST NICHOLAS - ANNUAL REPORT FOR JANUARY DECEMBER 2025** ## **DERSINGHAM CHURCH MISSION STATEMENT** The Church of St Nicholas in the parish of Dersingham is part of the Church of England, whose mission is to: - Grow deeper roots of faith - Reach out with the love of Jesus - Be attentive to the Spirit’s prompting - Develop children and youth ministry - Nurture an improved care of God’s creation ## **VISION** “ _Helping one another to follow Jesus through the GRACE of God_ ” ## **MARKS OF MISSION** - **G** lory to **G** od - **R** espond and **R** elate - **A** bility to **A** ccess - **C** ommitted to **C** ommunity - **E** nvironmental **E** xcellence ## **BACKGROUND** The Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish of the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It also has responsibilities for the maintenance of the Parish Church and Churchyard. ## **CHARITABLE STATUS** The PCC has charitable status and is registered with the Charity Commission under the title: **"Dersingham PPC** " – Charity No. 250450. ## **PCC MEMBERSHIP** Members of the PCC are either ex officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. At the APCM in April the following were on the church council. Incumbent: Reverend Mark Capron Elected Members: **2025** [all serve for one yr] Curate: Reverend Karen Gower Maggie Anderson ( _from July 2025_ ) Sue Asbridge Clive Browne Churchwardens: Neil Adams Jane Churchill Thomas Wheeler Ron Cossou Emma Dinmore Deanery Synod Representatives: Sue Dubois Thomas Wheeler Anne Hynde Jill Kirbyshire Pat Oughtibridge 1 ## **COMMITTEES** The PCC operates a number of committees, which meet between full meetings of the PCC. - Standing Committee: Has the power to transact business of the PCC between the meetings, subject to any directions given by the council. - Church Reorganisation Sub-Committee: Liaises and works with Architect & Project Lead (Rosemary Bell) to produce plans, costings etc. ( _Final meeting held during 2025_ ). - Fundraising Events Sub-Committee: Ad-hoc group which meets as required to organise events for the purposes of fundraising for the Church Reorganisation. ## **CHURCH STATISTICS** Electoral Roll: 81 |**Average Adult Attendance at Sunday Services:**|**2025**|**2024**| |---|---|---| |09.30|43|39| |11.00|42|42| |10.00 Combined Services (**_including_**August)|61|63| |10.00 Totals for August alone|63|52| |**Special Services:**||| |Mothering Sunday|73 (10 under 16s)|95 (18 under 16s)| |Palm Sunday|89 (27 under 16s)|89 (28 under 16s)| |Easter (as with 2024, NOT combined)|140 (38 under 16s)|130 (24 under 16s)| |Harvest Festival (combined with Flower Festival)|84 (5 under 16s)|73 (3 under (16s)| |Remembrance Sunday|176 (62 under 16s)|181 (92 under 16s)| |Tea and Carols|71 (2 under 16s)|105 (7 under 16s)| |Lessons and Carols|125 (8 under 16s)|103 (6 under 16s)| |Nativity Service (formerly Crib Service)|159 (72 under 16s)|71 (56 under 16s)| |Christmas “Midnight” (starting at 23.00 In 2025)|98 (2 under 16s)|105 (1 under 16)| |Christmas Day|43 (6 under 16s)|45 (7 under 16s)| |**Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals**|**2025**|**2024**| |Baptism|3|3| |Confirmation|-|2* (see below)| |Renewal of Baptismal Vows|-|1* (see below)| |Weddings|1|2| |Thanksgiving for a child|-|-| |Thanksgiving/Blessing on a wedding Anniversary|-|-| |Funerals in Church|7|12| |(5 burials; 2 cremation)||(8 burials; 4 cremations)| |Funerals at the Crematorium only|4|4| |Memorial/Thanksgiving Service after a Funeral|-|1| _*** Note about Confirmations -**_ There were **two** confirmed from our Benefice at Hillington Parish Church on 15[th] December 2024 _*** Note about Renewal of Baptismal Vows -**_ There was **one** member of our Benefice who renewed Baptismal Vows at Hillington Parish Church on 15[th] December 2024 2 ## **Dersingham PCC** ## **Financial Statement for the Year Ended 31 December 2025 Receipts and Payments Accounts** |**Receipts**
**Voluntary receipts:**
Collections at Services
3
Planned giving
3
All other giving/voluntary receipts
3
Grant Income
3
Legacies Received (Capital Value)
Gift Aid recovered
**Activities for generating funds**
3
Investment income
Church activities
3
Other income
3
**Total receipts**
**Payments**
**Church activities:**
Parish share
Clergy and Staffing costs
4
Church running expenses
4
Mission giving and donations
4
Building work and repairs
4
Administration Costs
4
Other expenditure
4
**Cost of generating funds**
4
**Total Payments**
**Excess of payments over receipts**
**Transfers between funds**
**Cash at bank and in hand at 1 Jan**
**Cash at bank and in hand at 31 Dec**
**Note**|**Total**
**Total**
**2025**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
6,817.75 - - - 6,817.75 6,027.48
46,377.48 - - - 46,377.48 47,822.60
13,083.07 - 24,039.69 - 37,122.76 24,631.82
6,000.00 - - - 6,000.00 55,195.00
350.00 - - - 350.00 -
14,252.20 1,102.84 - - 15,355.04 19,150.23
**Endowment**
**Fund**
**Restricted Fund**
**Unrestricted**
**Fund**
**Designated**
**Fund**| |---|---| ||86,880.50 1,102.84 24,039.69 - 112,023.03 152,827.13
12,885.89 - - - 12,885.89 25,110.40
- - 1,287.11 - 1,287.11 3,014.96
9,227.55 7,044.39 993.58 - 17,265.52 10,382.20
- - 33.00 - 33.00 0.63| ||**108,993.94 8,147.23 26,353.38 - 143,494.55 191,335.32**
49,575.78 - - - 49,575.78 40,507.00
16,737.61 - - - 16,737.61 10,971.35
13,922.72 - - - 13,922.72 12,269.32
4,028.87 - 600.00 - 4,628.87 2,724.62
5,190.29 8,741.35 94.99 - 14,026.63 41,850.58
7,299.53 - - - 7,299.53 6,365.27
6,079.57 - 38,932.87 - 45,012.44 8,026.99| ||102,834.37 8,741.35 39,627.86 - 151,203.58 122,715.13
5,049.27 - 288.71 - 5,337.98 -| ||**107,883.64 8,741.35 39,916.57 - 156,541.56 122,715.13**
**1,110.30- 594.12 - 13,563.19 -- 13,047.01 68,620.19**
185.00 -- 185.00- - -| ||1,295.30- 594.12 - 13,748.19-- 13,047.0168,620.19
6,676.63 4,601.43 89,991.44 - 101,269.50 126,832.54| ||7,971.93 4,007.31 76,243.25 - 88,222.49 101,269.50| ## **Statement of Assets and Liabilities** |**Cash Funds**
Bank Current Account
5
Bank Savings Account
Deposit Account
6
**Note**|**Total**
**Total**
**2025**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
7,881.93 4,007.31 49,144.31 - 61,033.55 75,367.67
- - - - - -
- - 27,098.94 - 27,098.94 25,811.83
**Endowment**
**Fund**
**Unrestricted**
**Fund**
**Designated**
**Fund**
**Restricted Fund**| |---|---| ||**7,881.93 4,007.31 76,243.25 - 88,132.49 101,179.50**| ## **Notes** **1. The financial statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 using the Receipts & Payments basis.** ## **2. The movement in designated and restricted funds during the year were:** |**Restricted**
Friendship Group
Tower Bellringers
Little Nippers
Dersingham Descanters
Conservation
Mission
PCC Building Reordering
VCW Account
RCW Deposit
Baby Basics
Fundraiser
Choir Fund
**Designated**
South Aisle Project (Reordering Easy Access
Funds)|**Bal b/fwd**
**Receipts**
**Payments**
**Transfers**
**Bal c/fwd**
1,110.75 1,265.00 1,447.49 - 928.26
526.00 - 124.99 - 401.01
204.13 831.08 605.09- 185.00245.12
1,059.14 100.00 201.60 - 957.54
1,000.00 5,006.00 6,006.00 - -
261.98 1,216.50 888.71 - 589.77
22,020.42 1,115.52 - - 23,135.94
559.91 - 27.30 - 532.61
3,791.41 171.59 - - 3,963.00
58,415.70 16,467.59 30,615.39 - 44,267.90
1,042.00 - - - 1,042.00
- 180.10 - - 180.10| |---|---| ||**89,991.44 26,353.38 39,916.57- 185.00 76,243.25**| ||**Bal b/fwd**
**Receipts**
**Payments**
**Transfers**
**Bal c/fwd**
4,601.43 8,147.23 8,741.35 - 4,007.31| ||**4,601.43 8,147.23 8,741.35- 4,007.31**| Friendship Group - Group activities and meetings to foster friendship Tower Bellringers - Funds raised and donated by tower bellringers to help maintain the bells. South Aisle Project (Reordering Easy Access Funds) - Easy access fund for buiding improvements Little Nippers - Church early years group Dersingham Descanters - Funds raised by handbell ringers Conservation - Restoration of painting Mission - Funds donated to help spread the gospel PCC Building Reordering - Funds held to improve the accessibility of the church toilets and provide better kitchen facilities. VCW Account - The vicar and churchwardens account to be used at their discretion RCW Deposit - The vicar and churchwardens account to be used at their discretion Baby Basics - 0 Fundraiser - Donation for the provision of a professional fundraiser to help apply for grants for church re-ordering Choir Fund - Fundraising activity |**3. Receipts**
**COLLECTIONS AT SERVICES**
Sunday Collections
Sunday Collections - Gift Aided
Wedding and Funeral Collections
Contactless Income
**PLANNED GIVING**
Standing Order
Parish Giving Scheme Income
Standing Orders Gift Aid
**GIFT AID RECOVERED**
Gift Aid Reclaim
**ALL OTHER GIVING/VOLUNTARY RECEIPTS**
Donations
Donations - Gift Aided
Wall Boxes
Donations for Others
Friendship Group Income
Conservation|**Total**
**Total**
**2025**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
2,543.55 - - - 2,543.55 2,135.57
520.00 - - - 520.00 1,018.02
- - - - - 1,026.86
3,754.20 - - - 3,754.20 1,847.03
**Endowment**
**Fund**
**Unrestricted**
**Fund**
**Designated**
**Fund**
**Restricted Fund**| |---|---| ||**6,817.75 - - - 6,817.75 6,027.48**| ||1,550.00 - - - 1,550.00 2,315.00
33,964.48 - - - 33,964.48 13,087.50
10,863.00 - - - 10,863.00 32,420.10| ||**46,377.48 - - - 46,377.48 47,822.60**| ||14,252.20 1,102.84 - - 15,355.04 19,150.23| ||**14,252.20 1,102.84 - - 15,355.04 19,150.23**| ||9,239.94 - 2,270.10 - 11,510.04 20,492.62
1,898.00 - - - 1,898.00 1,025.00
745.35 - - - 745.35 611.74
994.78 - 931.00 - 1,925.78 2,227.46
- - 1,265.00 - 1,265.00 -
- - 3,006.00 - 3,006.00 -| |Donations - Mission
Dersingham Descanters
Baby Basics
**ACTIVITIES FOR GENERATING FUNDS**
Magazine
Summer / Flower Festival
Christmas Tree Festival
Coffee Mornings
Sponsored Events
Abseil
Lent Lunches
**CHURCH ACTIVITIES**
Use of Church building
Fees - Statutory
Fees - Additional
VAT Reclaim
Alpha Course / Similar
Little Nippers
Donations - Holiday Club & Youth Work
Memorial Flowers / Flower based Income
Elevation Youth Group
**INVESTMENT INCOME**
Dividends and Interest
**GRANT INCOME**
Recurring Grants
Non-Recurring Grants
Churchyard Grant from Dersingham Parish Council
**OTHER INCOME**
Banking Loyalty Reward
**4. Payments**
**CLERGY AND STAFFING COSTS**
Administrator Parish/Benefice
Clergy Expenses
Organist Fees - Locum & Additional Services
Rector's Secretary Costs
DBS & Safeguarding Related
Organist Fees - Regular
Ministry Team Expenses
Cleaner
**CHURCH RUNNING EXPENSES**
Gas and Electricity Bill
Insurance
Service Costs
Maintenance
Water Bill
Cleaning Materials
PCC Discretionary Expenses
Flower Arrangers / Flower Costs
Septic Tanks
Church Youth Group 'Elevation'
The Gathering Children's Groups
**MISSION GIVING AND DONATIONS**
Charities - Home (UK)
Charities - Overseas
Charities - Secular
Charities - Christian Relief|5.00 - - - 5.00 250.00
200.00 - 100.00 - 300.00 25.00
- - 16,467.59 - 16,467.59 -| |---|---| ||**13,083.07 - 24,039.69 - 37,122.76 24,631.82**| ||1,747.00 - - - 1,747.00 1,944.40
2,847.63 - - - 2,847.63 -
4,833.39 - - - 4,833.39 5,049.46
2,839.40 - - - 2,839.40 2,353.50
216.42 - - - 216.42 -
- - - - - 15,763.04
402.05 - - - 402.05 -| ||**12,885.89 - - - 12,885.89 25,110.40**| ||- - - - - 22.79
6,922.00 - - - 6,922.00 6,772.00
1,683.00 - - - 1,683.00 2,086.00
- 7,044.39 - - 7,044.39 -
72.55 - 195.50 - 268.05 -
- - 798.08 - 798.08 1,285.10
- - - - - 22.00
150.00 - - - 150.00 194.31
400.00 - - - 400.00 -| ||**9,227.55 7,044.39 993.58 - 17,265.52 10,382.20**| ||- - 1,287.11 - 1,287.11 3,014.96| ||**- - 1,287.11 - 1,287.11 3,014.96**| ||500.00 - - - 500.00 6,000.00
- - - - - 49,195.00
5,500.00 - - - 5,500.00 -| ||**6,000.00 - - - 6,000.00 55,195.00**| ||- - 33.00 - 33.00 0.63| ||**- - 33.00 - 33.00 0.63**| ||**Total**
**Total**
**2025**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
8,498.00 - - - 8,498.00 5,837.50
1,227.58 - - - 1,227.58 242.93
1,480.00 - - - 1,480.00 640.00
33.93 - - - 33.93 -
301.86 - - - 301.86 33.30
3,205.00 - - - 3,205.00 2,785.00
- - - - - 46.80
1,991.24 - - - 1,991.24 1,385.82
**Restricted Fund**
**Endowment**
**Fund**
**Designated**
**Fund**
**Unrestricted**
**Fund**| ||**16,737.61 - - - 16,737.61 10,971.35**| ||7,026.35 - - - 7,026.35 6,720.49
4,168.54 - - - 4,168.54 3,767.50
696.97 - - - 696.97 16.00
- - - - - 45.00
110.88 - - - 110.88 296.20
204.78 - - - 204.78 44.23
176.52 - - - 176.52 337.95
142.97 - - - 142.97 118.49
1,200.00 - - - 1,200.00 900.00
184.60 - - - 184.60 -
11.11 - - - 11.11 23.46| ||**13,922.72 - - - 13,922.72 12,269.32**| ||1,174.37 - - - 1,174.37 160.00
2,342.00 - 600.00 - 2,942.00 2,130.00
201.00 - - - 201.00 -
311.50 - - - 311.50 434.62| ||**4,028.87 - 600.00 - 4,628.87 2,724.62**| **BUILDING WORK AND REPAIRS** |New Building Work
Church Maintenance & Repairs
**COSTS OF GENERATING FUNDS**
Summer/Flower Festival Payments
2024 Christmas Tree Festival Payments
Other Events
Coffee Morning Payments
2025 Christmas Tree Festival Payments
**ADMINISTRATION COSTS**
Bank charges
Printing
Support Costs
Licenses / Subscriptions
Parish Website
Photocopier, Postal Costs & Telephone
**OTHER EXPENDITURE**
Mission and Evangelism Costs
Churchyard Expenses
Trading Costs - Property
Benefice Shared Expenses
Worship Hospitality
Holiday Club & One-Off Youth Work
Conservation Costs
Little Nippers
Alpha Course Expenditure
Dersingham Primary School
Tower bell ringers
Dersingham Descanters
Friendship Group payments
**5. Bank Current Account**
**Dersingham Parochial Church Council**
**Independent Bank Accounts**
**Dersingham Vicar & Churchwardens**
**6. Deposit Account**
**Dersingham,St Nicholas-PCC**
**Dersingham,StNicholas-RCW01/61**|- 8,587.45 - - 8,587.45 39,769.71
5,190.29 - - - 5,190.29 2,080.87| |---|---| ||**5,190.29 8,587.45 - - 13,777.74 41,850.58**| ||1,437.33 - - - 1,437.33 -
90.00 - - - 90.00 -
280.62 - 288.71 - 569.33 -
131.83 - - - 131.83 -
3,109.49 - - - 3,109.49 -| ||**5,049.27 - 288.71 - 5,337.98 -**| ||102.00 - - - 102.00 75.15
133.50 - - - 133.50 318.75
784.78 - - - 784.78 1,076.39
1,356.19 - - - 1,356.19 1,158.77
120.00 - - - 120.00 120.00
4,803.06 - - - 4,803.06 3,616.21| ||**7,299.53 - - - 7,299.53 6,365.27**| ||124.57 - 27.30 - 151.87 1,344.83
5,340.00 - - - 5,340.00 3,600.00
- - - - - 186.69
- - - - - 81.30
370.25 - - - 370.25 -
65.25 - - - 65.25 -
- - 6,006.00 - 6,006.00 2,028.00
- - 605.09 - 605.09 737.18
- - - - - 48.99
29.50 - - - 29.50 -
150.00 - 30.00 - 180.00 -
- - 201.60 - 201.60 -
- - 1,447.49 - 1,447.49 -| ||**6,079.57 - 8,317.48 - 14,397.05 8,026.99**| ||**Total**
**Total**
**2025**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
7,881.93 4,007.31 2,458.00 - 14,347.24 14,222.17
- - 46,153.70 - 46,153.70 60,585.59
- - 532.61 - 532.61 559.91
**Unrestricted**
**Fund**
**Designated**
**Fund**
**Restricted Fund**
**Endowment**
**Fund**| ||**7,881.93 4,007.31 49,144.31 - 61,033.55 75,367.67**| ||**Total**
**Total**
**2025**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
- - 23,135.94 - 23,135.94 22,020.42
- - 3,963.00 - 3,963.00 3,791.41
**Restricted Fund**
**Unrestricted**
**Fund**
**Designated**
**Fund**
**Endowment**
**Fund**| ||**- - 27,098.94 - 27,098.94 25,811.83**| CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trusteesl members of Dersingham Parochial Churth Council On accourts for the year ended 2025 Charity no (if any) 250450 Set out on pages I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above harity (Yhe Trust") for the year ended 3111212025 Responsibilsties and As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation basis of report of the accounts in accordan￿ with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 {'the Acr). 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 the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b} of the Ac*. I have completed my examination. I confim that no material matters have come to my attention (other than that disclosed below "} in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect.. accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or the accounts do not accord with the accounting records Independent examiner's statement I have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. ase delete the words in the brackets rf they do not apply. Signed: Date: Z02L Name: Relevant professional qualificationls) or body (if any): Address: 1tE IER October 2018 ## **Finance Report** It is disappointing that we were unable to meet our obligation to pay the Parish Share in full this year. (This is to pay the costs of clergy, pensions, housing, training etc) We had a shortfall of £20,001. This has been a year of rising costs, including repairs to the fabric of the building, heating repairs, damage from water leakage, and running costs. As an example, church maintenance and repairs totalled £5,190 in 2025 compared with £2,080.87 in 2024. Unfortunately, our income has decreased apart from collections at services which rose from £6,027.48 in 2024 to £6,817.75 in 2025. Planned giving is a very helpful way of guaranteeing a regular income for the church, either through standing orders or the PGS scheme, however this form of giving has not increased and fell slightly last year. Our fundraising activities, except for the Coffee Mornings, did not raise as much as previous years although they were successful by other measures. We are very grateful for **all** forms of giving and are lucky that we continue to have dedicated volunteers who offer their time and skills to raise funds for our church. The Financial Statement shows the columns of different funds, the main account for the church is shown under Unrestricted Fund, Designated relates to money held in that account for the re-ordering of the church. The Restricted Fund includes money that belongs to Baby Basics, the Friendship Group and Dersingham Descanters which are independent of the church accounts but are included because they are connected to the church. The details of those accounts and others that are restricted are shown under Section 2 of the Financial Statement. Restricted funds may only be used for the purpose for which the money was raised. We are lucky that we still have £23,135 remaining from our building re-ordering which is to be used to continue with improvements that were originally planned. We are happy to report that our charitable giving totalled £4,628.87 this year. The money was raised through a mix of activities including donations. ## **Charitable Giving 2025** - Baby Basics UK £180 - Baby Basics West Norfolk £60 - Christian Aid Coffee Morning £311 - Children’s Society £197.45 - Royal British Legion Remembrance Day Service £586.92 - Kings Lynn Night Shelter £261 - Leprosy Mission £161 - MAF £2,241 - Open Doors £540 - Women’s Refuge £60 We thank the Norfolk Churches Trust 2024 participants for raising £216.42 for our church. 8 ## **Reserves Policy 2025- 2006** It is the policy of the PCC to keep two months of running costs in unrestricted reserves, this may also be used for unseen emergencies. The PCC has reserves in a restricted fund to finance the re-ordering of the church building. _Jill Kirbyshire and Pat Oughtibridge - Joint Treasurers_ ## **Safeguarding Update** Our vision is for a world where every child and adult can feel, and be, safe. This ambition guides all our safeguarding efforts within the Dersingham Benefice. By reflecting on past experiences and taking meaningful action, we strive to better support those affected and continually improve our practices. We are committed to fostering a culture of care and protection, ensuring safeguarding remains at the heart of our church community. ## **Recent Cases** Throughout late 2025 and into 2026, several safeguarding cases have required significant dedication and teamwork: - I, with the support and help of Rev Mark, devoted many hours to a complex case in 2025, which, although resolved (with invaluable support from the Diocese of Norwich Safeguarding Team, the Bishop of Lynn, and Archdeacon) our ongoing involvement remains crucial in upholding best safeguarding practices and providing continued reassurance where needed. - Other cases were managed locally, while some needed additional support. - Towards the end of last year and the beginning of this year, we have sought guidance from the Diocese and local Police for two ongoing cases. - I am also working closely with the Head Teacher and pastoral team at the local school. ## **Training Updates** Thank you to everyone who has completed mandatory safeguarding training. To maintain high standards, please note the following updates: - Some regulatory activities and roles require safer recruitment, and mandatory training, and I contact those affected directly. - Local face-to-face training sessions took place in St Nicholas in Dersingham in September 2025 and will take place at Gayton church in 2026, ideal for those preferring in-person learning. - In 2025 there was no longer a requirement to update the any mandatory training other than the higher level for the required role – and this has been cascaded when training updates are due. Foundation course updates can be booked as needed—please let me know if you prefer to attend a face-to-face session and I will endeavour to book you on the course (it usually lasts 3 hours). - The new DBS online system is simpler and cheaper; costs can be reclaimed from the church. Assistance is available if needed. I am now able to verify documents on an online system approved by the DDC (Due Diligence Checking Ltd) if it is online. This route is far quicker than the paper route and there is no need to send important documents away. 9 - I have attended all quarterly safeguarding networking and training days at Diocesan House over the last year to stay informed and connected. - All our records are maintained confidentially. ## **Upcoming Audit** The Diocese of Norwich is committed to continuous improvement. An independent external audit will help us further this commitment: - INEQE Safeguarding Group has been appointed by the Archbishops’ Council to conduct audits. - The Diocese of Norwich will receive an audit visit in January 2027. - Purpose: To ensure that dioceses and cathedrals are creating environments where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected. - Opportunity to review and learn from other dioceses and external organisations. ## **Gratitude and Next Steps** I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support from the Diocesan Safeguarding Team, Rev Mark, and all who have contributed by completing required training and improving our safeguarding culture. Your commitment to training and teamwork is making a real difference. As we await the upcoming audit, we will continue to review our practices and learn from others. Thank you for your ongoing support and for making my volunteering role easier. I invite all church members and leaders to share feedback or suggestions—your input is invaluable as we strive to create an even safer and more welcoming community. _Maggie Anderson PSO._ ## **THANK YOU** We continue to have the church open all year round during the daytime (except when setting up and running major festivals). The Visitors Book records many encouraging comments. Sometimes when we meet visitors when we come to lock the church, we ensure that we do not hurry them. Consequently, we have had many interesting conversations and find that it a real ministry to someone who may be going through difficult times. There is regular on-going monitoring of all aspects of the building to ensure that it is maintained in a sound condition. The PCC would like to express their thanks to all those who contributed to the activities of the Church and to those who give of their time in the maintenance and administration of the Church. This Report and Accounts have been approved by the PCC. The accounts were signed by the Reverend Mark Capron on behalf of the PCC at their meeting on Sunday 29[th] March 2026. ……………………………………………………….. Date …………………………….. Rector – Rev Mark Capron 10