The Parish Church of St Patrick, Drumbeg Trustees’ Annual Report Year ending 31 December 2025
Trustees’ Report
The trustees present the annual report along with the statements of Receipts and Payments and Assets and Liabilities for the Parish Church for the year ended 31 December 2025.
Chairman’s Report
1.Structure, Governance, and Management:
Drumbeg Parish operates within the Church of Ireland structure at parish level, as outlined in the Constitution of the Church of Ireland and governed by the General Synod and the Synod of the Diocese of Down and Dromore.
The parish is managed by the Select Vestry, who act as trustees and are ordinarily chaired by the incumbent. The Select Vestry is elected annually at the Easter General Vestry by those listed on the Register of Vestrypersons and consists of twelve ordinary members, two Churchwardens, and two Glebe-wardens.
For 2025, the Churchwardens were Ms. Wendy Kidd and Mrs. Loré Ferris, and the Glebe-wardens were Mr. Raymond Kerr and Mr. Roland Brown. Mrs. Stephanie Morrow served as Honorary Secretary, and Mr. William Miscampbell served as Honorary Treasurer. The Reverend Timothy Eldon and Miss Marion Wilcox were admitted as ex-officio members. Following the departure of the Reverend W. S. Nixon in August 2024, the Very Reverend Henry Hull assumed the duties of chairman until 27 January 2026, the Service of Introduction for the incoming Minister in Charge, Captain George Newell.
The Select Vestry remains deeply grateful for the dedication and commitment of the Churchwardens, Glebe-wardens, Honorary Secretary, and Honorary Treasurer.
The Select Vestry is responsible for managing and maintaining parochial finances, buildings, lands, and possessions, both movable and immovable. It also ensures that sufficient resources are provided to support the Rector and Ministry Team in achieving the parish’s mission and ministry objectives.
In carrying out its duties, the Select Vestry is supported by the Diocesan Office of the Diocese of Down and Dromore, including the Diocesan Council, Diocesan Secretary, Diocesan Accountant, and administrative staff. Ultimate responsibility for the provision of worship and pastoral care in the parish rests with the Bishop of Down and Dromore as ordinary of the diocese.
2. Objectives and Activities
We are a Church of Ireland parish within the Diocese of Down and Dromore, part of the wider Anglican Communion, committed to Word and Sacrament and seeking to minister to people of all ages and backgrounds. We express our mission through the following key areas:
| Teaching the Bible | Faithfully teaching the Bible in Church and in homes; equipping everyone in our care to live out the truth whereverthey are. |
|---|---|
| Ministering In Prayer | Praying for one another after church on Sunday mornings; Praying for the life of the Church at regular Prayer Meetings and in our homes. We are available to pray. No prayer request is too big, too smallortooinconvenient. |
| Making disciples of all ages |
Creating a learning community, that helps people at all stages in their faith journey to move towardsmaturityinChrist. |
| Proclaiming Jesus locally and globally |
We believe that we have something so exciting to share that we can’t keep it to ourselves. We want our community and other communities across the globe to meet Jesus and discover real life. |
| Caring for people in Jesus’ name locally and globally |
We believe Jesus commands us to ‘love our neighbour as ourselves’, so we seek to support people in their mental, physical and relational needs. We seek to stand alongside, and advocate for: the forgotten, the oppressed and the poor of body, mind and soul, both on our doorsteps andfurtherafield. |
| Caring for God’s Creation |
We believe the natural environment is God’s gift to humanity and as such it is our responsibility to steward the natural resources of the world in a ‘green’ manner for successive generations. We seek to achieve this by calling on our membership to encourage and to implement sustainable environmental practices in their daily lives. |
3. Select Vestry Activity
The 2025 year was a period of transition for the parish, following the departure of the Reverend W. S. Nixon in August 2024 and before the appointment of Captain George Newell as Minister in Charge from the 27[th of] January 2026. During this time, pastoral care and spiritual oversight were maintained by the Reverend Timothy Eldon as Curate Assistant and Miss Marion Wilcox as Diocesan Lay Reader for most of the year.
In October 2025 we hosted a reception to celebrate Marion’s twelve years of faithful ministry amongst us, as she moved on from the parish. In November 2025, we celebrated Reverend Timothy Eldon’s ministry with us and wished him every success in his new role as Rector of the parishes of Tullanisken and Clonoe in the Diocese of Armagh. We are deeply grateful for the guidance and faithful ministry of Miss Nicola Wadsworth, Diocesan Lay Reader, during this period of transition and on an ongoing basis. The Very Reverend Henry Hull continued to assume the responsibilities of interim chairman of the Select Vestry.
We record our sincere gratitude to all those who generously undertook cover duty by leading and/or preaching at services during the period of interregnum. We are particularly indebted to the Very Reverend Henry Hull; Mrs Glynis Matchett; Reverend Colin Taylor; Canon Ken McGrath; Reverend Alan Barr; Reverend Francis McCrea; Captain Gary Roberts; Mr Tim Burns; Mr Andrew Brannigan; Reverend Desi Maxwell; and Reverend. Dr. Colin Meneely for their valued ministry and support during this time. We also express our thanks to Reverend Gerardo Gimpel for his support in providing pastoral care within the parish during the latter months of 2025.
Mr. Michael Barnett continues to serve as GDPR Controller, effectively overseeing the implementation of GDPR policy in line with the requirements of the Representative Church Body, while also acting as the administrator for the Drumbeg Parish Graveyard.
The Select Vestry is very grateful to Mrs Carla Boyd, appointed as a temporary parish administrator, from August 2025, for her diligence in record keeping, rota management, facilities usage and supporting the development of material for Sunday services.
The Parish Safeguarding Panel was refreshed with the Area Dean (Canon Stanley Gamble) taking on the chair. Two new members Mrs Jill Maguire and Miss Audrey Curry joined the panel alongside existing members Dr Brian Dean and Dr Rosie Steele. Both new members completed the mandatory Safeguarding Training for Parish Panels provided by the Diocese of Down and Dromore.
The Health and Safety Committee, chaired by Dr. Mike Morrow and comprising Mr. Jonathan Keys, Mr. Raymond Kerr, and Mr. Roland Brown, is responsible for ensuring a safe environment within the parish. Its duties include maintaining equipment in a safe condition, ensuring compliance with relevant health and safety regulations, and developing and implementing appropriate policies and procedures. In addition, the committee organises a programmes for fire safety and first aid training, all of which contribute to safeguarding the wellbeing of parishioners and visitors.
At the request of the Honorary Treasurer, Mr. William Miscampbell, the Select Vestry established a Finance Committee to support his work and ensure appropriate accountability. The committee comprises Mr. William Miscampbell, Mrs. Stephanie Morrow, Mr Michael Barnett, Mr. Raymond Kerr, Mr. James Price, and Reverend Tim Eldon. It meets monthly and records its proceedings through regular reports submitted to the Select Vestry.
Mr Nigel Quinn continues as chairman of the Mission Committee with Reverend T. Eldon, Dr Mike Morrow, Miss Marion Wilcox, Miss Nicola Wadsworth and Mrs Sue McFall as members.
A significant programme of work on the parish’s fabric and furnishings was undertaken by the Select Vestry in 2025. The renovation of the Rectory, which began under the 2024 Select Vestry, was successfully completed, restoring it as a suitable residence for ministry in the years ahead. The Rectory was ready to welcome Captain George and Eunice Newell in January 2026. The Select Vestry expresses its sincere gratitude to Mr. Raymond Kerr for his hands-on and expert project management of the renovation, and more broadly for his ongoing contributions to the upkeep of the parish buildings and grounds in his role as Rector’s Glebe-warden.
Within the church building, urgent repairs were carried out over the summer to address underlying floor subsidence and to replace broken and loose tiles. This essential work prepared the way for the installation of new carpet, which has not only improved safety but also greatly enhanced the overall aesthetic of the church.
A major upgrade to our audio-visual and sound system has been implemented, significantly enhancing the worship experience while meeting important health and safety requirements. A further benefit of this upgrade is the restoration of our ability to record and live-stream services – enabling us to engage a wider audience and in turn extending the reach of our worship and supporting the growth of our ministry. The Select Vestry is indebted to parishioner Ryan Roberts for his leadership of this project ably supported by Select Vestry member Jonathan Keys.
With the Rectory renovations, nearing completion, regeneration work in the graveyard resumed at the start of the summer to address the aftermath of the significant storm damage sustained last winter. This included the felling of damaged trees and the removal of logs and debris, enabling the graveyard to reopen safely. As part of ongoing maintenance, volunteer work teams have been spreading chipped bark from the felled trees over untended graves to manage weed growth and
improve the overall appearance of the grounds. A further programme of work is also underway to replace several graveyard benches that are currently in poor repair.
Finally, in response to strong interest from parishioners, a project to reinstate pew cushions in the church, has been successfully completed, enhancing both comfort and the visual warmth of the interior. The project was generously supported by parishioners through a dedicated fundraising campaign. The Select Vestry give thanks to all who have contributed and to Mrs Barbara Farris for leading this project,
Much of what continues to be accomplished is thanks to the shared effort, collaboration, and voluntary labour of Select Vestry members and parishioners alike. We are blessed with a remarkable range of skills and talents across the parish, and with gifted and committed volunteers who are always willing to serve. Their practical support enriches our fellowship through shared endeavour.
4 . Achievements and Performance
The making of disciples through the teaching of the Bible remains our chief priority in parochial activity.
Attendance at Sunday worship has remained steady and we have several Life Groups active across the parish. Life Groups meet on the second and fourth weeks of the month in the home of a host parishioner. They are an opportunity for Bible study following on from the Sunday morning sermon, as well as for discussion and prayer.
Provision for children and families has also continued to develop. We give thanks for the continued growth of our Sunday School - JAM (Jesus and Me) and we are grateful to all the volunteers who give their time to support this important ministry.
The Boys’ Brigade company, under the leadership of Captain James Cochrane and his team of leaders, continues to grow and develop, particularly within the Anchor and Junior sections. The boys have lots of fun and games each Wednesday night, with football always a favourite. The scripture course for the year revolved around the object of the BB which is “The advancement of Christ’s Kingdom among boys and the promotion of habits of obedience, reverence, discipline, selfrespect and all that tends towards a true Christian manliness.” As well as playing games the boys took part in crafts, painting and colouring in, as well as baking and cooking with the Anchor section making both top hats and cookies. The boys have enjoyed creating displays for both the Harvest and Remembrance services in Church.
The Girls’ Brigade Company has also continued to grow under the leadership of Captain Sarah Price with her team of leaders offering an exciting programme of activities, learning, and faith development – across Labybirds & Explorers; Juniors and Seniors sections. The Scripture Course for the girls has been all about discovering who Jesus is through the people He encountered in the Gospels. All age groups took part in District activities this year, including a Drum Circle for the Juniors and a District Outdoor Survival Skills night for the Seniors. The girls also enjoyed creating displays for the Remembrance Service.
The Little Lambs toddler group has also grown and strengthened this year, continuing to earn an excellent reputation in the local community. Mrs Mabel Quinn leads a wide range of activities for the children and their carers on Thursday mornings, ably supported by her team of volunteers.
We are deeply grateful to all who volunteer their time and resources to support these vital ministries, which engage children and families with the gospel message.
From mid-September, we delivered an Alpha Course on Monday nights led by Mr James Price and his team of volunteers. The programme ran over 11 interactive sessions, each exploring key questions of faith in an open and accessible way. It provided a welcoming environment centred on hospitality, with each session including food, a short video, and facilitated small group discussions. The Alpha Course attracted a diverse range of participants, including individuals with little prior exposure to the Christian faith, as well as those seeking to reconnect with it. We give thanks to God for His work among us through the delivery of the Alpha Course and look forward to delivering further courses in the future
The Mission Committee continued to develop mission links and partnerships at home and abroad. A team from the Parish in September 2025 visited the Nyapeya School Project in Uganda – a mission partnership which has been in place since 2015, through Fields of Life and the Anglican Diocese of Northern Uganda.
In the absence of an incumbent, the Select Vestry continued the tradition of the Rectors Annual Sit-Out which raised £1,892.52 for Christian Aid.
The parish continues to foster fellowship and community through a wide range of regular activities and events. The Heavenly Crafts Group, Bowling Club, and Art Club remain active and continue to grow, alongside the Coffee Stop and Chums and Crumbs gatherings. The monthly Christian Aid lunches and seasonal Parish Afternoon Teas are also well supported and much enjoyed by those who attend. Together, these activities encourage Christian fellowship and help to strengthen relationships within the Body of Christ.
5. Chairman’s Financial Review
We are extremely grateful to Mr. William Miscampbell for his dedicated work as Honorary Treasurer and his commitment to keeping the Select Vestry well informed, ably supported by his Select Vestry colleagues on the Finance Committee. Church income remains steady and the bank account balances have improved. The financial accounts show a surplus of £932 before the costs of renovating the rectory of £142,512. To fund this expenditure the church encashed £140,000 of investments. The balance sheet shows a healthy net worth of £1,004,792. We wish to thank the congregation for their generous support throughout the year to God’s work in Drumbeg and further afield.
The fellowship at Drumbeg continues to grow in faith as disciples of Christ, while also welcoming new members into its life and witness. With a new season of ministry now established under the leadership of Captain George Newell, it remains vital that we, as a worshipping community, continue to seek God in prayer and strive to follow Him ever more faithfully.
Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:19)
Very Reverend Henry Hull (Interim Chairman of the Select Vestry – to January 27[th] , 2026)
Captain George Newell (Minister in Charge – from January 27[th] , 2026)