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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 examine￿5 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 chU￿h 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 gi￿n9
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 ¥¢ De￿rnber 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