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T6e PaYis6 of SL James t6e Great A16ert Hill DaYliKgtOkl Annual Roport and Flnanclal Statomontg 31 Decornbor 2025 Adrnlnlstratlve Inforrnatlon St. James's Church Is situoted ot Allan Street. Dorlington. It Is part of the Dlocese of Durham within the Church of England. The correspondence address is Allan Street, Darlington DLI 2LU The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a charlty registered wlth the Charlty Commission - Registered Number 1127841 PCC members who hove served from Ist Januory 2025 until the dote this raport was approved are: Incumb•nt: The Reverend Michael Woy ( Until 37 August 2025) Wardon•: Mr Davld Warren", Mrs Judlth Wilson 8•cr•tary: Mr Alistair Gill (from 25 May 2025) Tr•a•ur•r Mr David Warren R•prnMntatlv•• on th• D•an•ry Synod (2): Mrs Judith Wilson: Mr David Warren El•et•d M•fflb•r•: Mrs Andrea Burton; Mrs Cynthla Dyer: Mr Ray Flowers; Mr Allstalr Glll; Mr Alfred Hannaford: Mrs Mary Sweeten 8ank•rn: CAF Bank Llmited 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ Indownd•nt Examln•r Adam James MAAT Eric Southwick & Co Accountants 51 The Avenue Seaham Co Durhom SR7 8NS
Structure. governance and management The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All Church attendees ore encouraged to register on the Electoral ROSI and stond for election to the PCC. Oblectlves and Activities The PCC of St James, has the responsibilfty 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 Streot. Darlington. Achlevements and Performance Church attendance The Church of England requires a statistical raturn of attendance based on the month of October. For 2025 tha overage attendonca was 34. (The average weekly attendance figure is based on the number of individuals who hove attended ot least one servlce during the week). The usual Sunday figure was 24. Communlcants: Easter Day Christmas 29 20 Baptisms: Chlld Adult Occoslonal Services: Funerals Weddings Confirmation Electoral Roll The Church Representatlon Rules requlred that the Electoral Roll be revlsed In 2025. This was carried ovt by Raymond Flowers. Electoral Roll Officer. and prior to th8 Annual Meetlng of 2025. the numbors registerad are: Resident: 9 Non-Resident: 16 Total: 25
Review of the Year The full PCC met 4 times during the year with an overoge lev81 of ottendonc8 of over 95% ond at various times during the year considered Liturgical progromme National Lottery Grant and refurbishment of the hall Hall lettings Safeguarding includlng training requirements Church finances Worshlp and Parlsh Lif• The liturgical life of St Jomes the Great continued to flourish throughout 202S. with the full cycle of the Church's year being celebrated with reverence and joy. Holy Week ond the Easter Trlduum were observed with devotion, alongside the May F8Stivol. Patronol Festival and Anniversary of Dedication. Seasonal services of Evensong according to the Book of Common Proyer. followed by Benediction, continued durlng the summer months ond remain a valued part of the porlsh's devotional life. Our annual pilgrimage to Walsingham in Moy proved once again to be a spiritually enriching occasion, wlth ten pilgrims toking part. including a member of St Mark's congregation. Encouragingly. plans have been made for a further pilgrimage in 2026. Strong links with local schools ond organisotions hove contlnued to develop. Father Michael Way maintained his choploincy work ot Gurney Pease School and Victorlo House. operated by Cygnet Heolth Core. We were pleased to welcome children from Gurney Pease School Into church on several occaslons durlng the year, includlng Posslontlde, Harvest Festival and end-of-term celebratlons. Students from St Aidan's Acadomy olso attended services ot the close of the ocodemic year. Postorol mlnlstry to the slck and housebound remained on important aspect of parish life. with Holy Communion regularly brought to porishion8rs unoble to attend church in person. We remain deeply grateful to Roger Ohr for hls falthful ond dedicated service os parish organist. occompanying Sunday Moss and other services throughout the year. Including funerals and special occasions. The parish continued to play an active role within the Deon8ry Synod. whil8 olso mointoining support for the Christians Against Poverty initiative at the neighbouring parish of St Andrew's through o monthly financial contribution. During the colder months. weekday Masses were celebrated in the Chapel of Ss Hilda and Wilfrid within the Community Hall. providing o warm and intimate setting for worship.
Following Fathar Michael's retlrement on 31 August. the parish entèred a perlod of interregnum. Although this hos inevitably brought changes. the life and worship of the parish have continued with remarkable stobility ond commitment. Sundoy Mass hos been maintoined without interruption. ond monthly weekday Masses have continued through the generosity and support of a numb8r of retired clergy to whom we owe a profound debt of grotituda. Their willingness to assist has enabled the sacramental life of the parish to continue with confidence and continuity. Church RKllftles and Malntenanca Significont progress wos mode during the year In preparing for the next stage of refurbishment works within St James. Community Hall. Following the successful replacement of the Main Holl floor in 2024. further Investigation revealed that flooring In the loungo. kitchen and song room also required renewal. Although an Inltiol opplication to the Notlonal Lottery Communlty Fund was unsuccessful, encouragement wos received to submit a revlsed opplicotion. We were therefore delighted to leorn In Aprll 2025 that a substontiol gront had been awarded towards an extensive progromme of hall refurbishment works. The planned works included replacement flooring, improvements to internal storoge fociliti8s, the oponing up of windows ftjclng Allan Straet to improve natural light. Installotlon of o new semi-commerciol kltchen and complete Internal redecorotion. Progress was ternporarlly delayed while legol requlrements relating to the Epitome of Tltle were completed. wlth work expected to commence early In 2026. The church building itself remained in generally good condition throughout the year. Routlne maSntenance was undertaken, Including servlclng of the boiler and statutory testing of lightning conductors. Preparations also began for the Quinquennial Inspection following the retirement of the previous inspecting archltect. We Were pleased to appolnt Leanne Prott of pw-orchltects. Hunwlck. os the porlsh's new inspècting orchit8Ct. Gratltude and Acknowl•mOnt The continued life and witness of St James the Great d8p8nds greatly upon the quiet dedication and generosity of many people working faithfully behind the scenes. Despite being o comparatlv8ly small congregation. porishioners continu8 to glve generously of their time and talents in maintaining the church ond hall. orranging flowers, cleaning. carrying out maintenance tasks. serving at the altar and supporting porish events and fundraising activities. We record our sincere thanks to oll who contributa in any way to the worshlp, ministry and mlssion of the parish. Their commitment enables St Jomes the Great to remaln a welcoming. proyerful and vibront presence within the community.
Financlal Revlew The parish's financial position during 2025 showed encouroging improvement. Total receipts on unrestricted funds amounted to £40.980. with restricted income totalling £2.769. much of which related to poyments received for the Walsingham pilgrimage. Although giving through the weekly envelope scheme reduced slightly durlng the year, the generosity and faithfulness of parishioners eontinues to be deeply appreciated. Twanty-three donors contributed through the envelope scheme. with odditionol giving receiv8d through bank transfer orrongements. Partlcularly encouraging was the substantiol Increase In Community Holl income. rising from £9.852 to £16,894 following the return of regular hall usage after the completion of floor repalrs. Total outgoings for the year arnounted to £37.035, resultlng In o surplus of £8.774. Expenditure reduced significantly following the exceptional repair costs incurred during the previous year. Energy costs also decreased. assisted by the use of the holl chapel for weekday servlces durlng th8 wlnter months. The PCC remains mindful of tho financial chollenges foced by many churches. but the year's outcome demonstrates both coreful stewardshlp and tho contlnuing support of parishloners, hall users and the wlder communlty. Interregnum Report Father Michael retlred on 31 August 2025 following flve yeors of devoted mlnlstry as Non-stipendiary Priest In Charge. A presentation was made on behalf of the congregation in grateful recognition of his faithful service to tho porish. Slnce 8nt8rlng Interragnum, tho parish has continued to maintain its regular pattern of worship through the generous assistance of a number of clergy. principally retired priests associated with The Society. Their support has ensured the unlntarrupted continuatlon of Sunday Mass ond Christmas Doy celebratlons, together with a monthly weekday Mass. The PCC began engagement with the Diocese's Voconcy Audit Process during the outumn. An introductory presentation was given by the Archdeacon of Durhom at the November PCC meeting, and preparations commenced for the next stages of the process, expected to continue during 2026. Whilst periods of vacancy inevitably bring uncertainty. they also provide an opportunity for reflection, renewal and discernment. The porish enters this next chopter with confidencè. grotitude and ho for the futur8. Approved by the PCC on 27th May 2026 sign on their behalf by David Worren (PCC Vice-chairmon)
The Parish of St. James the Great, Albert Hill. Darlington Annual Report and Financial Statements 3181 December 2025 Independent examinerfs 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# December 2025, which are set out on pages 7 to 10 is in respect of an examinats'on camed out in aCE0rdan with the Church Accounting Regulab'ons 2W6 {W)e regulab'ons.) arKI section 145 of the Chanties Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). Respectlve responsibilities of the PCC and the examiner As members of the PCC you are responsible for the preparation of the finanaal statements. You consider that the audit requirement of the Regulations and section 144 (21 of the 2011 Act do not apply. It is my responsibility to issue this report on those finanaal statement$ in accordance with the terms of the Regulations. Ba$1$ of Independent examine5 report My examination was carried out in accordance th the General Directions given by the Cttanty Commission under section 145(5)Ib> of the Act and to be found in the chUh Guidance, 2(Y36 edition, issued by the Finance Division of the Archbishop's Council. That examination indud8s review of the accountsng records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the a¢¢ounts presented wnth those records. It also indudes considering any unusual items or disclosures in the finanoal statements and the seeking of explanatsons from you as trustees conceming any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that vffjuld be required in an audit and, consequently, I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. Independent •xamlne¢s statement In connection with my examinat'on, no matter has cM)8 to my attenti". (1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any matwial rospect the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance V•ith secticm 130 of the 2011 Act.. and to prepare financial slalements, which accord wth the accounts'ng records aTrJ comply with the accounting r8quireménts of the Acl arKI thè Regulats.S have not been met,. or (2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drahn in order to enable a proper understarmling of the ac£ounts to be reached. Adam James MAAT Eric Southwick & Co Accountants 51 The Avenue Seaham Co Durham SR7 8NS Date:
The Parish of St. James the Great, Albert Hill, Darfington Annual Report and Financial Ststements 31 St December 2025 Receipts and Payments Accounts For the Year Ended 31st December 2025 Recelpts Planned glvlng Bank Envelopes Othor Plann•d glvlng Income tax recovered - Gfft Ald Collectlons and other gin9 Loose plate collections One-of Gfft Ald glfts Other voluntary r•c•lPts Glvlng through church boxes Donatlons. appeals etc Non-reurrlng onowoff grants Glft hJa recovero(1 Tax rocovered on Gm A Other recelpts other ftjnds generated Payments towards pilgrimag• Actlvrtles for genernllng lund8 Parish breakfast Social tickets 8ank Interest RoColPt$ fr(xn ¢hur¢h a¢tlvltl•s Fees for weddlngs and funerals Church hall lottings - obi•ctiv 1,710 8.570 1.875 8.481 320 8.481 320 2.010 2.010 2.320 250 3.176 3.907 3.255 3.255 4.418 1.871 757 2.628 1.041 1.041 1.109 477 14 13 13 1.905 16.894 40.980 1.905 16.894 43,750 2.854 9.8S2 40,747 2,770
The Parish of St. James the Great, Albert Hill, Darlington Annual Report and Financial Statements 31* December 2025 Receipts and Payments Account (Continued) For the Year Ended 31rt Decembw 2025 Paymonts Cost ol generatln9 fvnds Costs of stewardship Cost of fvt•s and oth•r •v•nts Refreshmants Mlsslonary and Charllable Gmng Rellef and dovel¢)pmont 49on¢lo3 om• Mission Secular ¢harftl•s Parigh $har• Mlnisty parlsh shar• Clergy and stafflng costs slstant staff costs Worklng oxpeng05 of Incumbont Vlsltlng speakers Church runnlng exp•ftM8 Parish training and Mission Insurance Organ i plano tunlng Malntenanca Upkeap of sar¥i¢ A(Imlnl$tratlon Eloctrlc Gas Wat•r Hall runnlng exp•ng•9 Electrlclty Gas Insurance Maintenance Telephone Water Hall rèpairs and maintenance Hall + Major Repairs - Structur• Independent Examiners Feo 113 152 510 510 120 120 4.072 75 120 656 165 75 9.274 9.274 6.498 2.540 1.353 2.162 3.385 3.090 612 1.353 2.447 1.302 1.302 1.220 1.976 127 1.952 1.232 447 1.976 2,708 234 2.708 234 1.489 932 1.027 2.725 838 1.157 932 1.435 1.074 1.435 1.074 629 18.534 576 51.503 {10.7561 576 33.755 7.225 576 37.035 6,715 3.279 (510) Net (Payments) l Recelpts Transfers betsyeen funds Net movom•nt In funds Total fvnds brought lorward 1.923 ,14 492 1.224 3.639 14.395
The Parish of St. James the Great, Albert Hill. Darfington Annual Report and Financial Ststements 31 ¥¢ Dernber 2025 Statement of Assets and Liabilities A$ at 31st December 2025 Monetary ass•ts Bank current account Bank deposri account 9.133 15 9,148 492 714 10.339 15 10.354 3.624 15 492 714 3,639 Llabllttles Accruals 576 576 576 Analy818 of Funds G•n•ral Fund Hall renovatlons I r•paks fvr S•le of calendarn Memortals fund Soquestratlon Church flowers and requlsit•g Curacy Funeral offèrlngs Walsingham pilgrlma98 9.148 9,148 392 13.1C6 392 39 61 392 39 61 61 {4071 703 {407) 703 495 259 157 714 259 157 10.354 259 40 9.148 492 14.395 Fixed assets not valued.. Land and buildings Fixtures and fittings
The financial statements on page 7 to 9 were approved by th8 PCC and s19r on their behalf by.. PCC Treasurer 10