Report for Trustees and Deacon's (2024)
February 2025
We are very happy to report that we have successfully recruited a mlnister for our church
a local gentleman Scott Beaton is now insitu and commenced his position on the l March
2024, and completed his final studies in November, his ordination service will be held in the
new year, mean while he fulfilled all our church's requirements that he is able until his
ordlnation. His position is part time which fulfils our needs. and we feel very optimlstic
about the future, wlth Scott to lead us.
Our aim to provide a weekly service for members and any other worshippers who might like
to attend has been achieved and we managed a regular attendance of 14 plus. Our organist
Ruth ensures we have music each week for which we are very grateful. John has admirably
stepped up to help out if Ruth is indisposed. We had I Christenin& I marriage Blessing and
I funeral over the year.
Church Events:
We have enjoyed several social events over the year, and took part in the Annual Oakamoor
Festlval when our church particlpated by hostin8 a special exhibition In the church of art and
craft work, thls as usual was very well attended and the whole event enjoyed and any
monle5 ralsed donated to local charities We held our usual Christmas Candle Light service
which is always well attended, many thanks to John for setting up the candles and making a
beautlful setting for thls servlce. We all went out for a Christmas meal together at the
Queen's Arms, Freehay, and a social visit as a church to the Denstone Farm Shop, these
were very pleasant occaslons and enabled us to enjoy each otherfs company on a social
level. We are all socially involved with a fortni8htly group (Wednesday Club) where we have
8uest speakers and fvnd raisin8 events, along with joining the recently formed Village
Group, all these events help brlng the village together, whlch Is a bonus for the church, Our
new mlnister has also managed to build up a repore with the Valley Primary School In the
vlllage and vlsits fortnightly and has manged to hold two servlces wlth them In the church, a
positive step forward in involving the children with the church.
Charlty Glvln8:
Our charity giving for this year: Our Lenten giving was donated to the local Home link
Charity which supports elderly and vulnerable people in the local area. We give to Christian
aid annually. Our Harvest Festival Sale proceeds were given to The Honeycomb Group, a
small charity in Cheadle who offer refuge for women and children suffering abuse. The
Salvation Army is 5UPPOrted annually as we hold a Christmas Toy service, the gifted toys
were given to Tunstall Christmas Toy Appeal the toys are distributed in the Staffordshire
area to disadvantaged children and their families.

Property Repalrs:
We are always aware that our church is Grade 2 listed and was opened in 1878, whenever
we have to restore or repair any features, we try to be as discreet as possible and are always
mindful that we are In a conservatlon area. Our stonemason has finally completed hi5 work
on the interior and exterior of the church, extensive work has been completed on the bell
tower and both the interior and exterior has been pointed and any repairs carried out. This
work should we hope now ensure the church's remains in good repair far into the future.
The organ is tuned regularly and any work needed is done without delay. All safety checks
are completed to comply with Health & Safety re8ulations. We give special thanks to John
for keeplng our church clean and tidy on a weekly basis and helping out wlth key holdlng as
well.
We have excellent tenants in our two cottages, unfortunately The Manse has needed
extensive work doing this year with all windows and doors replaced to bring the house up to
standard, all regulatory checks have been undertaken.
Grounds:
The grounds and churchyard are kept in excellent conditlon by our ground men Norman and
John. The approach drives are Included in their work. We thank them both for their
consclentlous work throu8hout the year as our church Is in a conservatlon area. John
con5uIt5 wlth them regarding any work that needs to be done with felling branches etc. so
we comply with the current legislation re8ardln8 the 8rounds.
Another very successful yearl
Dorothy Clowes (Hon Sec) February 2025

|MEMORIAL FREE CHURCH,OAKAMOOR.|MEMORIAL FREE CHURCH,OAKAMOOR.|MEMORIAL FREE CHURCH,OAKAMOOR.||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|TRUSTEES CURRENT ACCOUNT 75446367 - DEBT 2024||||||
||||£p|||
|Scott Beaton salary|||8926.45|||
|Scott Beaton assemblyexpenses|||424.35|||
|Scott Beatonpre appointment services|||150.00|||
|Scott Beaton Ink cartridges etc|||68.65|||
|Nestpension|||691.92|||
|gold cover insurance|||130.00|||
|Church Insurance|||4084.51|||
|Manse/Bluebell cottage/studyinsurance|||1021.72|||
|HMR&C outstanding payment|||602.88|||
|HMR&C|||3623.83|||
|Curtispartnersipfees|||222.90|||
|Curtispartnership pension enrolment|||180.00|||
|Treasurers Expenses -Properties|||339.00|||
|Treaurers Expenses - N.Edwards|||195.00|||
|Treasurers ExpensesDrinks at Christmas lunch(17)|||56.00|||
|Treasurers Expenses token to auditor|||30.00|||
|Churchyard Maintenance(N.Edwards)|||2280.00|||
|Julie Mallory- carpetting|||90.00|||
|CongFed afil fees|||300.00|||
|John Oakes(organ tuning& cello stop)|||179.00|||
|Manse windows/doors Dave Hill|||9222.00|||
|Schoolroom electric|||619.28|||
|Church electric|||2919.97|||
|Solar Star(panel meter repair)|||168.00|||
|I Marsh Landlord checks + work at manse|||240.00|||
|D.Harrison -time clock church heating|||145.00|||
|Water rates Water Plus|||190.64|||
|North Staffs fire|||100.74|||
|repointing (Paul Beardmore)|||5520.00|||
|Expenses to Trustees meetingH.Bolton|||150.00|||
|Paul Lucas  Services taken|||100.00|||
|D.Harrison Manse & Bluebell|||299.00|||
|Organist Weddings/funerals|||85.00|||
|Total Debit 2024|||43355.84|||
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The Memorial Free Church , Oakamoor accounts for 2024 were audited by Judy Ford FCCA  on 10[th] October 2025 and were found to be a correct record of the financial affairs.