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The Parish of St. James the Great, Albert Hill, Darlington Annual Report and Financial Statements 31[st] December 2024
Administrative information
St. James’s Church is situated at Allan Street, Darlington. It is part of the Diocese of Durham within the Church of England.
The correspondence address is Allan Street, Darlington DL1 2LU
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a charity registered with the Charity Commission– Registered Number 1127841
PCC members who have served from 1st January 2024 until the date this report was approved are:
Incumbent:
The Reverend Michael Way
Wardens :
Mr David Warren; Mrs Judith Wilson
Secretary :
Mr David Warren (Acting)
Treasurer :
Mr David Warren
Representatives on the Deanery Synod (2):
Mrs Judith Wilson; Mr David Warren
Elected Members:
Mrs Andrea Burton; Mrs Cynthia Dyer; Mr Ray Flowers; Mr Alistair Gill (from 19 May 2024); Mr Alfred Hannaford; Mrs Mary Sweeten
Bankers :
CAF Bank Limited 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ
Independent Examiner
Adam James MAAT Eric Southwick & Co Charity Accountants 51 The Avenue Seaham Co Durham SR7 8NS
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Structure, governance and management
The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All Church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.
Objectives and Activities
The PCC of St James' has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent, the Reverend Michael Way, 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 Hall, at Grey Street, Darlington.
Achievements and Performance
Church attendance
The Church of England requires a statistical return of attendance based on the month of October. For 2024 the average weekly attendance was 35. (The average weekly attendance figure is based on the number of individuals who have attended at least one service during the week). The usual Sunday figure was 24.
| Communicants: | |
|---|---|
| Easter Day | 31 |
| Christmas | 21 |
| Baptisms: | |
| Child | 18 |
| Adult | 0 |
| Occasional Services: | |
| Funerals | 3 |
| Weddings | 0 |
| Confrmation | 1 |
Electoral Roll
The Church Representation Rules required that the Electoral Roll be revised in 2022. This was carried out by Raymond Flowers, Electoral Roll Officer, prior to the Annual Meeting of 2022, the numbers registered are:
Resident: 16 Non-Resident: 11 Total: 27
Review of the year
The full PCC met 4 times during the year with an average level of attendance of over 95% and at various times during the year considered
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Liturgical programme
-
Hall floor and potential refurbishment of the hall
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Hall lettings
-
Safeguarding including training requirements
-
Church finances
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Review of the year (Continued)
Church Facilities and Maintenance
One of the most significant achievements of 2024 was the renewal of the main hall floor—a vital improvement for our church community. The project, undertaken by Blackwell Construction Ltd of Norton, Stockton-on-Tees, commenced on January 3[rd] and was successfully completed by the end of the month.
This much-needed refurbishment, costing over £19,000, was entirely funded through our reserves and the extraordinary generosity of our congregation. We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support that made this possible.
Following completion of the work, hall hires resumed in February, and we were delighted to welcome back our main user in April. The renewed floor ensures that our facilities remain safe, welcoming, and fit for purpose for both our church family and the wider community for years to come.
During the renovation, it was discovered that the floors in the lounge, kitchen, and song room areas were also failing and require replacement. Although our initial grant application to the National Lottery Community Fund was unsuccessful, we were invited to reapply in May 2024 for funding towards further hall refurbishment costs. Anew application was submitted and has successfully progressed to the next stage.We expect to receive an outcome in early 2025.
Worship and Parish Life
The full liturgical calendar was upheld throughout the year, including Holy Week, the Easter Triduum, the May Festival, and the Patronal Festival. Evensong, following theBook of Common Prayer and concluding with Benediction, continued to be held on the first Sunday of each month.
In May, a successful pilgrimage to Walsingham took place, with twelve participants, including one member of St Mark’s congregation. Plans are already in place for a pilgrimage in May 2025, with an anticipated group of thirteen pilgrims.
Father Michael Way has provided chaplaincy at Gurney Pease School and VictoriaHouse, a secure treatment centre operated by Cygnet Health Care. We have been delighted to welcome children from Gurney Pease School into the church on various occasions, including Passiontide, Harvest Festival, and Christmas Carol services, as well as an end-ofterm service. Similarly, students from St Aidan’s Academy attended end-of-school-year services in July and Christmas Carol services in December.
Father Michael has also taken the Blessed Sacrament to the homes of sick parishioners, offering them Holy Communion on a regular basis.
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The Parish of St. James the Great, Albert Hill, Darlington Annual Re ort and Financial Statements 31[st ] December 2024 p
Review of the year (Continued)
Roger Ohr has continued his invaluable service as our organist throughout 2024, providing music for Sunday Mass and other occasions, including funerals where music was requested.
The parish remained actively engaged in the life of the Deanery Synod, with our elected representatives attending meetings and events. Additionally, we continue to support the neighbouring parish of St Andrew’s by making a monthly financial contribution towards the costs of its Christians Against Poverty group.
During the winter months, the Chapel of SS Hilda and Wilfrid in the hall was used for mid-week Masses, providing a warm and reflective space for worship.
Gratitude and Acknowledgment
Much dedication and effort go on behind the scenes to maintain the beauty of our church. Though our congregation is not large, a committed group of volunteers ensures the church remains a welcoming and reverent space – arranging flowers, cleaning, and undertaking general maintenance both inside and out.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who contribute to upholding the liturgy and preserving our church to such a high standard.
Financial Review
Total receipts on ordinary unrestricted funds were £38,044, as detailed in the Financial Statements. Income of restricted funds totalled £2,703, primarily made up of payments by pilgrims taking part in the Walsingham Pilgrimage.
Giving through the weekly envelope scheme increased to £12,155, compared with £10,199 the previous year. During the year, 23 donors participated in the scheme, plus five others who contributed via bank transfer. As noted in the 2023 report, while the generosity of our congregation is deeply appreciated, weekly giving alone is not sufficient to cover all church and hall expenses.
Due to our main hall user not resuming use until April 2024 following the floor replacement, hall hire income fell to £9,852 from £13,185 in 2023 (£16,137 in 2022)
Outgoings totalled £49,227, resulting in a deficit of £11,183. Excluding the spending on hall floor replacement of £18,534, the net result for the year would have been a surplus of £7,351. The reduction in outgoings was largely due to paying only £4,535 of our pledged £9,000 Parish Share. Energy costs also declined, thanks to mid-week services being held in the Ss Wilfrid and Hilda chapel within the hall, reducing usage of the church’s gas-fired boiler.
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The Parish of St. James the Great, Albert Hill, Darlington Annual Re ort and Financial Statements 31[st ] December 2024 p
Review of the year (Continued)
Reserves Policy
The PCC maintains a balance on unrestricted funds to cover three to six months of payments for emergency situations. With an average monthly expenditure of £2,730 in 2022, the unrestricted funds balance of £1,923 at year-end fell short of the target. However, the forecast income from confirmed bookings of the hall will ensure increasing balances throughout the year and meeting our target by July 2025.
Fabric
Overall, the church building remains in good condition. High-level maintenance was performed, including cleaning of eaves guttering and testing of lightning conductors.
Benching and pointing works were undertaken, and additional realignment of guttering on the hall roof was identified. This will be incorporated into the lounge floor replacement project, for which we are seeking funding. The hall boiler performed well, though two significant leaks occurred in radiator pipework.
A fresh grant application has been submitted to the National Lottery Fund for hall refurbishment. We successfully passed the initial stage and expect a final decision in early 2025.
Flower Fund
The Flower Fund is a restricted account, meaning all donations are used exclusively for floral decorations in the church. At the end of 2024, the account had a credit balance of £750. We remain grateful for the generosity of individuals who purchase flowers directly or make donations, whether in memory of loved ones or for specific occasions.
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The Parish of St. James the Great, Albert Hill, Darlington Annual Re ort and Financial Statements 31st December 2024 p
Parish Priest’s Report 2024
In addition to leading worship and pastoral care, Fr Michael has promoted the parish's mission through:
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Attending Society Clergy Chapter and Darlington Deanery Clergy Chapter
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Participating in Darlington Deanery Synod and Society events
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Parish Priest’s Report 2024 continuedServing as a Governor at Gurney Pease Academy and hosting school services
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Coordinating with St Aidan’s Academy for Christmas Carol and Leavers' services
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Providing chaplaincy at Victoria House, a mental health secure unit
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Acting as an End of Curacy Assessor at the invitation of the Bishop of Jarrow
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Assisting with the delivery of Diocesan Safeguarding Training for clergy and lay leaders
Fr Michael also completed two years of training at St Antony’s Priory in Durham in Spiritual Accompaniment (Spiritual Direction) and is now part of the Durham Diocese’s network offering this ministry.
It has been a joy to welcome new attendees at St James’, including adult confirmands, and to see the return of familiar faces. I extend my sincere gratitude to our Churchwardens, Sacristan, musicians, flower arrangers, and every volunteer who contributes to our vibrant faith community. Thank you all for your love and support.
Fr Michael
Approved by the PCC on 18th May 2025 Approved by the PCC on 18[th] May 2025 and signed on their behalf by Revd Michael Way (PCC Chairman) and signed on their behalf by Revd Michael Way (PCC Chairman)
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The Parish of St. James the Great, Albert Hill, Darlington Annual Re ort and Financial Statements 31[st ] December 2024 p
Independent examiner’s Report to the PCC of St James the Great, Albert Hill, Darlington
This report on the financial statements of the PCC for the year ended 31[st] December 2024, which are set out on pages 7 to 10 is in respect of an examination carried out in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 (“the regulations”) and section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act).
Respective responsibilities of the PCC and the examiner
As members of the PCC you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements. You consider that the audit requirement of the Regulations and section 144 (2) of the 2011 Act do not apply. It is my responsibility to issue this report on those financial statements in accordance with the terms of the Regulations.
Basis of independent examiner’s report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act and to be found in the Church Guidance, 2006 edition, issued by the Finance Division of the Archbishop’s Council. That examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes considering any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements and the seeking of explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently, I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.
Independent examiner’s statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
-
(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
- to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
-
U to prepare financial statements, which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Act and the Regulations
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have not been met; or
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(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Adam James MAAT Date: 2 April 2025 Eric Southwick & Co Accountants 51 The Avenue Seaham Co Durham SR7 8NS
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The Parish of St. James the Great, Albert Hill, Darlington Annual Re ort and Financial Statements 31[st ] December 2024 p
Receipts and Payments Accounts For the Year Ended 31[st] December 2024
| Receipts Planned giving Bank Envelopes Other planned giving Income tax recovered - Gift Aid Collections and other giving Loose plate collections One-of Gift Aid gifts Other voluntary receipts Giving through church boxes Donations, appeals etc Non-reurring one-off grants Gift Aid recovered Tax recovered on Gift Aid Other receipts Other funds generated Payments towards pilgrimage Activities for generating funds Parish breakfast Social tickets Bank interest Receipts from church activities Fees for weddings and funerals Church hall lettings - objectives |
General fund Designated funds Restricted funds Total Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023 £ £ £ £ £ 1,710 - - 1,710 1,786 8,570 - - 8,570 6,559 1,875 - - 1,875 1,854 2,320 - - 2,320 2,092 250 - - 250 150 - - - - 3 3,512 - 395 3,907 7,401 500 - - 500 429 4,418 - - 4,418 4,371 585 - - 585 257 - - 2,308 2,308 1,125 1,109 - - 1,109 741 477 - - 477 - 14 - - 14 60 2,854 - - 2,854 2,893 9,852 - - 9,852 13,185 |
|---|---|
| 38,044 - 2,703 40,747 42,907 |
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The Parish of St. James the Great, Albert Hill, Darlington Annual Re ort and Financial Statements 31[st ] December 2024 p
Receipts and Payments Account (Continued) For the Year Ended 31[st] December 2024
| Payments Cost of generating funds Costs of stewardship Cost of fetes and other events Refreshments Missionary and Charitable Giving Relief and development agencies Home Mission Secular charities Parish share Ministry parish share Clergy and staffng costs Assistant staff costs Working expenses of incumbent Visiting speakers Church running expenses Parish training and Mission Insurance Organ / piano tuning Maintenance Upkeep of services Administration Electric Gas Water Hall running expenses Gas Insurance Maintenance Telephone Water Hall repairs and maintenance Hall + Major Repairs - Structure Independent Examiner's Fee Net (Payments) / Receipts Transfers between funds Net movement in funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward Electric |
General fund Designated funds Restricted funds Total Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023 113 - - 113 194 152 - - 152 203 168 - - 168 - 120 - - 120 120 366 - 290 656 2,459 165 - - 165 75 5,498 - - 5,498 4,535 3,385 - - 3,385 2,775 3,090 - - 3,090 3,091 612 - - 612 321 120 - 1,846 1,966 - 2,447 - - 2,447 2,287 - - - - - 1,638 - - 1,638 2,673 1,812 - 140 1,952 968 1,232 - - 1,232 2,297 447 - - 447 385 1,364 - - 1,364 1,823 150 - - 150 120 1,027 - - 1,027 1,152 2,725 - - 2,725 2,174 838 - - 838 783 1,157 - - 1,157 905 863 - - 863 729 629 - - 629 3,508 18,534 - - 18,534 506 576 - - 576 495 |
|---|---|
| 49,227 - 2,276 51,503 34,578 (11,183) - 427 (10,756) 8,329 - - - - - 13,106 492 797 14,395 6,066 |
|
| 1,923 492 1,224 3,639 14,395 |
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The Parish of St. James the Great, Albert Hill, Darlington Annual Re ort and Financial Statements 31[st ] December 2024 p
Statement of Assets and Liabilities As at 31[st] December 2024
| As at 31stDecember 2024 | |
|---|---|
| Analysis of Funds Monetary assets Bank current account Bank deposit account Liabilities Accruals General Fund Hall renovations / repairs fund Sale of calendars Memorials fund Church fowers and requisites Curacy Funeral offerings Walsingham pilgrimage |
General fund Designated funds Restricted funds Total Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023 £ £ £ £ £ 1,908 492 1,224 3,624 11,657 15 - - 15 2,738 |
| 1,923 492 1,224 3,639 14,395 |
|
| General fund Designated funds Restricted funds Total Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023 £ £ £ £ £ 576 - - 576 576 |
|
| General fund Designated funds Restricted funds Total Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023 £ £ £ £ £ 1,923 - - 1,923 13,106 - 392 - 392 392 - 39 - 39 39 - 61 - 61 61 - - 750 750 495 - - 3 3 3 - - 259 259 259 - - 212 212 40 |
|
| 1,923 492 1,224 3,639 14,395 |
Fixed assets not valued: Land and buildings Fixtures and fittings
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The Parish of St. James the Great, Albert Hill, Darlington The Parish of St. James the Great, Albert Hill, Darlington Annual Re ort and Financial Statements 31[st ] December 2024 ~~Annual Report~~ p ~~and Financial Statements 31S December 2024~~
The financial statements on page 7 to 10 were approved by the PCC and signed on their behalf by: pheehali Inancialby: statements on page 7 to 10 were approved by the PCC and signed on their ~~accnnnnfanPhdonnnannennnncansseennnsnnsnnannnnnnnansnnsnsnscssesmnn(AWD~~ e Date: DVQLC! ~~ceeececcecssceeceteeenenene~~ [& ~~pere~~ nneDoli _ D Warren D ren PCC Treasurer PCC Treasurer
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The Parish of St. James the Great, Albert Hill, Darlington Annual Re ort and Financial Statements 31[st ] December 2024 p
Notes to the financial statements
1 Accounting policies
The financial statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 using the receipts and payments basis.
2 Additional assets
The following assets are recognised but not necessarily valued in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities: Movable church furnishings held by the church wardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal.
3 PCC member’ remuneration
The expenses paid to clergy may include a small immaterial proportion, which relates to their function as PCC members. No other payments were made to PCC members.
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