ALBION U.R.C.
BOOK OF REPORTS
2023124
LBIQN
The
United
Reformed
Church
www.urc.org.uk
www.albionurc.org.uk
Albion Church, Stsmford St￿t Easc Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 6QQ

Albion URC Book of Re
orts 2023124
The Elders have put together this book of reports ahead of our AGM on
1 Ph March 2024. It shows just some of the work going on in our Albion
community.
Church Secretary's Report
Dear all, once again, I would like to begin my annual report by thanking
everyone who has contributed to Albion during 2023. We are few in
numbers, but not short on spirit and teamwork. It is an incredible
achievement that we continue to successfully run such a large church
building with so many activities.
Sadly, we lost our friends Ros Schofield and Edmund Kenworthy who
passed away in 2023. We are grateful for their contributions to Albion
over the years and their families remain in our thoughts and prayers.
We currently have a membership of 23 at Albion. We have myself as
Secretary, Gillian Lewis as Treasurer and five serving Elders. Joe Aspin,
Margaret Frost, Ann Hewson, Pat Jones and John Scott. who are due to
serve for this coming year.
In 2023 we continued to support local charities and work with the local
community. In addition to the longstanding groups who use the church,
we started Albion Warm Welcome our Place of Welcomel Warm hub in
November where we open every Wednesday 12.30pm-2.30pm, offering
free food to any visitors in a warm, safe environment. Our Tots Group
continues to grow. We held all the usual church activities that we run
every year. An additional highlight last year was the successful Garden
Paty in the summer.
We continue to face challenges, rising energy prices are a major concern
and events like the floi)d we had January put us under even more
pressure. Again, our members and volunteers face up to these
challenges. We do need more help though and always welcome anyone
who is willing and able to contribute more to the work of Albion in spiritual,
pastoral, and practical temis.
l am mindful of the work involved in running an organisation like Albion
and the strain that can put on individuals. Therefore, we must be careful
and look after our own health and wellbeing.
In the busyness that we all feel, as such a small number of people take
on a large number of tasks, we must stop sometimes and rest. Let's
remember.. God is in control, not us.
So let's try to be still occasionally and listen. He will guide us.
Psalm 46.10 Be still, and know that l am God.
David Hey, Albion Secretary. March 2024

Treasurer's Report
Albion has had to really "balance the books. this year...
Our savings and current account balances have been severely
challenged. We paid £13,790 to insure the building & organ, we made a
claim for £1,828 following the loss of power in December 2023.
In 2023 fuel bills were around £19,000 for electricity and £13,000 for gas.
Some encouraging news for 2024 - we have a new supplier for electricity
with much lower rates- our January bill was £970 compared to £2940 in
January 2023. We are due to renew the gas prices in August. We have a
fault on the frost stat which we have been wasting a lot of gas with the
bills for the last three months totalling over £10,000.
We reclaimed £6,547 from HMRC for Gift Aid and the GASDS scheme. If
you pay income tax please complete a Gift Aid declaration and give
details of any cash donations to Gillian so we can reclaim an extra 25 % at
no cost to you. Thank you to everyone for your generosity of time and
financial support. Thank you for planning, assisting and supporting all our
events, you make a great team.
The quinquennial report on the fabric of the building has presented
challenges. (August 2023) See Joe's report. Putting it in perspective, the
building is in good condition, it just needs some TLC and maintenance to
keep it like that. We asked Mike Aspinall from Synod for his expert advice;
we now have a plan to complete the jobs required within 18 months. (By
the end of 2024). We are fortunate to have investments of £129,584 in
the COIF fund, and £8779 in the Manse Fund, however this prevents us
from being eligible for many grants - certainly no financial help from
Synod.
I recently attended a webinar with Heritage Youth Partnership. They are
encouraging youth groups to get involved with the heritage- can we
develop this to increase awareness of our magnificent building and it's
history. There is funding available from the Heritage England I lottery.
Does anyone have time to investigate grants available
Albion Warm Welcome and Tots AtAlbion are our Mission Outreach and
our link to the community. We are to discuss this at the meeting
Gillian Lewis Albion Treasurer

Baptisms
We have completed eleven Baptisms, including one adult during the year
since our last report. Two are confirmed for 2024, with enquiries for three
others, yet to be confirmed. We are always pleased to welcome these
families and their young children into our Church family, as we continue
widen our outreach into the local community. Our grateful thanks are due
to the Ministers & Lay preachers, who willingly officiate.
Weddings
Seven weddings are booked & confirmed for 2024, with a further two
awaiting attendance at a Sunday service & confirmation by deposit.
Ministers are in place for all confirmed weddings except one. I have
enquiries for several others going fO￿ard to 2027. Thank you to our
Ministers, Organists, Registrars & Caretakers, who work so hard to
ensure that these important occasions run smoothly.
Margaret Frost- Wedding & Baptism Coordinator.
Funerals
In 2024, we held 52 funerals. The church is a popular venue for the Indian
Community. They are most appreciative of the facilities provided by the
church including using the Memorial Chapel for their private family
service.
Special Services
We hosted special services for
(a) Tameside Scouts
(b) Tameside Hospitsl Baby Memorial Service
(c) Finding Rainbows
(d) Jean Clements Unitarian Memorial Service
(e) Memorial services held by local funeral directors Revells and Perry
Jones
We also hosted 2 concerts for Willow Wood in addition to Light Up A Life
service.
Colin

Albion Building Committee.
As most people are aware we had our quinquennial building inspection in
2023. The 48-page report recommended the work required and gave
timescales for completion. We are awaiting good weather (and Karl from
K.D. Roofing) to proceed with the outside work.
The report suggests replacing the whole of the roof tiles - if only we had a
spare £350,000 . Karl doesn't think it ne￿SSary to replace the roof. He
has given a quote of £13,900 to repoint all ridges, to replace missing tiles
and to reposition others that have slipped out of place. He has included
remedial work to the flat roof areas. We do not have a price for the
scaffolding- it is likely to be a few thousand pounds.
In the church void, the brickwork has moved four inches away from the
roof structure!! Don't worry it is still very safe and needs tie irons to
strengthen it and tie it back to the main beams. We await a quote for this.
Some jobs have started from the quinquennial report. The flat roof above
the staircase down to the old Sunday School was repaired at a cost of
£1640, the wall had become damp- this is now much dryer some
pointing may still be required on the walls.
During the Christmas Tree Festival weekend there was a bad leak over
the main power supply in church, this happened during a storm where the
driving, heavy rain found it's way through the roof and down the wall. This
blew the distribution boards and we lost all power.. This happened just
before a Christmas memorial service! The service went ahead by
candlelight, Derek played the piano by torchlight. The following day,
morning worship was cancelled whilst we prepared for the Willow Wood
Light up a Life Service.
Derek managed to get hold of a generator to give some lighting to the
chancel and power to the sound system. The Light up a life service went
ahead - a little different than the normal Christmas Trees shining
throughout the service and a lot colder - but very enjoyable.
Fish Electricals and Electricity Northwest attended on the Monday and
restored power. We were without some of the heaters and the hand
dryers until February when the new distribution board was installed. The
Costs were Glaimed on the insuranGe.

In August 2023 we had the Electrical Installation Condition Report - work
recommended at this inspection has now been completed. Some
floodlights have been replaced too. We have a quote of £481 to replace
two more floodlights changing them to LED.
In January 2024 there was a leak into the choir vestry which soaked a lot
of old music books in the cupboards and soaked the carpet. Some books
dried ok, but many were damaged and have had to be thrown away. This
was due to the downspout from the flat roof above the choir vestry being
blocked with leaves / wasps, nest. The water rose above the level of the
lead flashing and found its way in. This has damaged the ceiling. Repairs
are needed to this flat roof to prevent it happening again.
Electricity
due to the high cost of running the chandelier heaters we
are reducing the number of heaters we are having on during services so
please be aware this is only so we can redu￿ these high bills we are
getting. Please sit on one side of the church.
Gas.....
we have a faulty frost stat on the gas fuelled radiator system.
Colin noticed the frost stat doesn't cut off when the temperature reaches 5
degrees. The frost stat is set to come on when the temperature drops
below 5 degrees and cut off when back up to 5 degrees. This is not
happening it is staying on even at 11 degrees - ouch!!
This as caused the church to have extremely high gas bills Derek is
liaising with a gas engineer to get this replaced. but in the meantime, we
have to switch boiler off and on manually in the boiler room.
So has you can see 2023124 as been a very challenging time and is
costing the church a great lot of money. and as drained most of our
church funds we will keep you all up to date with building work etc
through the year so please have patience and let's hope things get sorted
out and the church can get back on its feet again .
Please also note we have many events popping up and we need help
with these so we can get money in, to help pay for work to be done. So
come forward and help if you can. It's your church and we need your help
to make a success and keep the church open.
Many thanks
Building Committee Chairman Joe Aspin

Korah Selah .- Monday Night Music Group
It gives me great pleasure to contribute to The Albion Church book of
reports for their annual general meeting .2024.
First, thank you Albion Church for facilitating Korah Selah to meet each
Monday in your beautiful building.
There have been challenges this year with the building flooding, the
electricity supply disrupted and juggling Spa￿ and accommodating
groups with last minute requests for practice space. With cooperation and
flexibility from all parties involved suitable space has been found to
practice in.
Thank you.
There have been exciting developments with Korah Selah
Until this year our music has remained within Albion Church Building.
Then we were asked if we could do something for a local care home.
The brief being that residents in care could no longer go out to church to
participate in Christian worship. Could we do something?
Each member of Korah Selah is a believer in Jesus Christ and attends a
local Church of their choice. We come together to sing gospel-based
songs pray, and discuss bible. We decided to give the care home a try.
We collectively prayed about this responsibility and put it into God's hand
for guidance. We put together a programme of Gospel songs, relevant
Bible readings and prayers to fit into an hour slot. We took this
programme (gospel mission) to the care home and Glory Hallelujah by
the grace of God it was a success. The residents loved it .The staff
enjoyed and residents visitors were blessed. We have been invited back
four times now and are preparing for our next visit.
We have a small support following of friends and family which looks like
it's growing.
Korah Selah now has a Gospel Mission. Jesus said, 'Go ye into all the
world, and preach the Gospel to every creature.. Mark 16.15.
We have been invited into other care homes to share this, Gospel
Mission. It is in God's Hands as to how we can manage to progress with
this into the future
My love be with you all in Christ Jesus Amen 1 Cor. 16:24
Roman on behalf of Korah Selah .

Toe Tappers and Tiny Toes Dance School
We have had a very busy year with dancers tsking part in a ballet
scholarship at Blackburn, performed at Blackpool and 5 dancers
auditioning to take part in a gala performance as well as our annual
dance competition.
Our tinies opened the Christmas Fair and then visited Santa in his grotto.
The school were chosen to be the dancers for guide bridge theatre
pantomime sleeping beauty and performed 13 perforMan￿S in a rota. the
dancers loved the experience.
Kaila Whittaker auditioned and perfomed with the English national youth
ballet at the opera house in March 2024
We have invited Tameside college students to give the dancers a make
over continuing links with the local community.
We continue to support the church with events like the Saturday coffee
mornings and donating each month towards heating and the upkeep of
the church
We are lucky as we enter our 19th year to dance in such a lovely building
We look forward to continue to provide dance for all including our adults
who join us and children with disabilities
Janet Robson AAAD
07889137907 janetrobson55@hotmail.com
Principal of Toe Tappers and Tiny Toes
Meetin
times
Monday 6-8pm
Ages 6t0 12
Monday 8pm
Ages13 plus and adults
Thursday 6.30 -9pm
All ages and abilities 6 plus
Saturday 10 -10 45am Tinies 3-6 years

The Circle
The Circle meets every 2nd Thursday, and all are welcome to attend.
During this past year, we have again spent some very pleasant
afternoons of fellowship, with interesting visits & speakers, including Mary
Whitehead on some history ofAshton, Rev Graham Tarn, with more tales
of his pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, Derek Sharples, with an
afternoon of organ music, a visit to Fairfield Moravian Settlement, a
Christmas meal at the Fairfield Arms & a talk by Betty Wade about her
very full & interesting life. Visits & meals out are planned for the rest of
2024, but new ideas are welcome.
Thank you to all who have helped to organise these speakers & visits.
Margaret
Report from Revd. Graham Tarn
Dear friends.
Another year in Christ service with a great deal to ￿lebrate and some
disappointments.
The building.. which isn't the church because the church is the people as
you all know - but the building does serve as a landmark, a great
cathedral of worship. The difficultly is that such a magnificent building
requires constant ongoing repeated maintenance. The good news is that
there are several folk dedicated to doing what they can, finding others for
tasks they cannot carry out themselves - and of course fund raising.
Why do they do this....? I believe and give thanks that it is because they
wish to honour God and the historical Christian roots in Ashton.
Similarly, the organ. Maintenance and loving care. Practice and making
a joyful noise (read sound, hymn, tune) to the Lord. Raising funds and
promoting the profile of Albion United Reformed Church in mission, music
and ministry. Another team effort.
Ministry, whether with a capital M or not, is changing. I continue to be
your first point of contact if a minister is needed and I do what I can,
limited though that 13. Albion has its own ministry team through several
different avenues. The Albion Warm Welcome now aGts as a pastoral
centre in some ways - but could do with a little bit of manure to help the

seeds grow more fully. The activities on Wednesday- lots of very loud
young girls - leaming life skills thanks to the dedication of Gillian and
others. The monthly Saturday coffee and here I should mention Joe and
Carol - but others as well. Serving tea, coffee, bacon butties, cakes
(baked at home) and more- while all the time the church offers a
welcoming space and on occasion welcomes folk passing through who
take the opportunity to learn about the building. The same sometimes
happens on the Wednesday warm hub.
Colin - polishing the floor, making sure the microphones are up and
running - again supported by others at need. All this underlines the
commitment of many people to honour God with the talents, abilities,
skills that others may come to know Christ.
The Elders and Committee meetings similarly seek to honour God. Some
of this is about standing still rather than moving forward. But the standing
still is in some ways about not back sliding. However, new ideas,
exploration of re-jigging the building to make it more friendly and
welcoming, new toilets, we seek to find the best way forward
Girlguiding Albion
Celebrating 50 Years with Glrlguiding at Albion
In October 20241 will have been a leader with Albion Brownies for 50
years and celebrate 59 years since I first walked into Albion Sunday
School as an Albion Brownie. Christine Smith (became Mrs Jenkinson)
was my first "Brown Owl. and Wanda Bennett (became Mrs Bain) my
second Brown Owl with Anne Scott as Tawny Owl. l Ylew up" to Guides
when I was 11 where I met the "Gregson Family°_ Janet, Judith, Janine
and of course mum Eileen. I returned to Brownies as a Pack Leader for
the "service. part of the Queen's Guide Award and was one of the first
"Young Leaders" at 16, going on to be an adult leader. I remember
Michelle Mellor joining Brownies..
In those days you had to give up
running the unit to be a commissioner; so, when Irene Whitehead was
asked to be District Commissioner, Christine Bradley became "Brown
Owl" and I was Tawny Owl at 17 /2. 1 became Brown Owl at 23 and still
am..

I can't count all the Brownie holidays I have been on. My mum Irene
Kinder, better known as Duchess, did the cooking having her holiday
favourites of Rabbits on Grass (Pears decorated to look like a bunny on a
tray of green jelly!) If you were awake early enough you could see real
rabbits playing on the grass at Seven Springs Campsite. We did a few
coach l Euro-Tunnel trips to Disneyland Paris with Brownies & Guides. I
have taken Guides & Rangers to Berlin, Prague, Paris and London.
I have had many roles within Guiding, commissioner, brownie holiday
adviser, treasurer, mentor, and more. They have given me the opportunity
to develop life skills in a fun, safe environment. It is rewarding to be able
to extend those opportunities to the girls and young women joining
Girlguiding at Albion. We have many "Guiding Families" in the Albion
Fellowship - ex-Brownies bringing their daughters to Albion as Brownies.
I tell myself that when the first one brings a Brownie telling me their
grandma was one of my Brownies - it's time to retire! !
This year, Brownies Celebrate 110 years (1914- 2024) and 9th Ashton
Albion Brownies are 75 (1949-2024). Albion Guides celebrated 100 years
in 2022 - we know Brownies were open before the second world war but
closed and were reregistered in 1949. There is a display in Albion
showing the change of Promise Badges, Uniforms etc. and lots of photos
taken over my years as a leader.
One aspect of Guiding that hasn't changed is the fun and friendship.
Gillian Lewis- Leader ofAlbion Brownies, Guides & Rangers
Rainbows are 4 /2 to 7 and meet 6pm to 7pm
Brownies are 7 to 10 years and meet 6pm to 7.15pm
Guides are 10 to 14 years, Rangers 14-18 years and meet 7.20 to 8.35
We meet at church each Wednesday during term time.
Tots at Albion
Tuesday 10am - 11.30am Temi Time Only - £2 per family
For pre-school children and their grown up. We have around 15 to 20
children each week. We have a theme for our activities and crafts. We
enjoyed decorating a board for the Easter display as we integrate with
church events. Could you join our team and come in and chat with the
"grown ups"

Albion Warm Welcome
Wednesday 12.30 to 2.30
Free refreshments and a wami Spa￿ to chat. Our team of volunteers has
grown as has our number of visitors We have homemade soup or beans
on toast and a "pudding". It is developing in to a ￿1￿ community activity.
Everyone is welcome to join us every Wednesday
Do Your Thing Choir
The Do Your Thing community choir, still meet twice a week, for
rehearsals. Tuesday evening at Albion 7:30-9:30pm and Wednesday
evening at the Methodist church on Cavendish Road Stockport 7:30-
9:30pm. (Term time only)
As for everyone, Lockdown brought its challenges, but we are slowly
increasing our membership again, at around 100 across both venues.
We continue to support many local charities and community events,
including the Christie, the NSPCC and Age COn￿rn. Since my last report,
we have also performed at Manchester Cathedral and Gorton Monastery,
where later this year, we will be singing for a wedding, in November. We
also performed at the Ashton Christmas Light switch-on.
This coming May 13th we will be helping support the Alzheimer's
Association at their Music & Memories event, here at Albion.
Looking forward to supporting Angle once again.
As ever, we expect a busy year ahead but as always, we find great
pleasure and enjoyment in what we do. Not just as a hobby but with a
passion to share the joy of music, so good for the soul!
Having the privilege to use our wonderful cathedral-like Albion, the perfect
venue in which to rehearse, is ￿rtainlY beneficial.
A great place in which to raise our Vol￿S.
Long may we continue, thank you.
Ann

Gardening
Preparation is already under way for maintaining the gardens, with the
main lawn mower currently in dock for annual service. We have most of
the gear we need - we just need more helpers. There is no specific
agenda for what we do with the garden areas, so if you have any ideas
please come along and use your skills to tidy up particular areas.
We particularly want to have the grounds in top condition to host the
planned garden paty in June, so your help is needed soon after Easter.
Concerts
Following cancellation of Jonathan Scotvs planned Christmas Concert
last year, we were fortunate in organising a maNellous concert with
Gordon Stewart. (Gordon has recently retired from his role as
Huddersfield Town Organist but has previously been organist at both
Manchester and Blackbum Cathedrals.) We have secured his services
once again this year on Monday 16th December- so please keep the date
free. Gordon is kindly fitting our concert in with the series he hosts at his
own Church (Providen￿ URC in New Mills) that same week.
On Saturday 18th May, the Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside Organists,
Association are holding a composite recital where a number of their
members will contribute to the programme.
We have a visit of Bromley and Croyden Organists, Association planned
for the aftemoon of Wednesday 17th July, and also have an enquiry from
a group ofAmerican Organ Builders who want to visit us in May.
Still to be confirmed is Saturday 7th September at 3.00pm, when we hope
Alex Fishburn (assistant organist at Liverpool Cathedral) will be the
recitalist in another event organised by Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside.
Unfortunately, we may miss out on this one if Rochdale Town Hall Organ
is fully restored by then.
Derek

ALBION UNITED REFORMED CHURCH
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Sunda
17th March 2024
Apologies
Reflection
Approval of Minutes of AGM 2023 1 half yearly meeting 2023
Reports from Groups
Treasurer's Report
Confirmation of Elders for 2024
Proposed New Members
Approval of Church Appointments
A enda Items
Albion Mission and Development Project
Diary Dates 2024
nd
Next Church meeting Sunday 22 September 2024
A.O.B

Albion Events & Dia
Dates
1st Thursda
in month
Elders -even months I Committee odd months
1 St Frida
in month
10am- 12 Cleanin
Da
4th Saturda
in month
10am- 12 Coffee Mornin
28th March Thursda
7 m Maund Thursda
Communion
29th March Frida
11am Good Frida
Servi
31st March Sunda
10.30am Easter Sunda
Service
19th April Frida
Willow Wood event-Ashton Brass Band
11th Ma
Saturda
Craft Fair & Plant Sale 11am-3
13th Ma
Monda
12.45-3
m Music & Memories
Saturda
ORTOA Com
osite Recital
22 June Saturda
Garden Pa
23rd June Sunda
Gift Da
14th Jul Sunda
Tameside Festival Chorus
7th Se
t Saturday
an Recital TBC
t Saturday
Herita
eDa
t Sunda
22nd SeL.-.
Church Meetin
13th October Sunda
Harvest
17th Nov Sunda
Bab Memorial Service 2
23rd Nov Saturda
Christmas & Craft Fair
1st December Sunda
Joint Advent Service
1st December Sunda
Willow Wood Festival of Music 2
th
6 to 8th December
Christmas Tree Festival
15 December Sunda
Carol Service 6.30
th
16 December Monda
m Gordon Stewart Christmas Concert
24 December Tuesday
Christin
le3
24th December Tuesday
Carols b Candleli
nd
112
earl
ht 11.30
Regular Activities - Groups
weekl
Monda
weekly
Monday
weekl
Tuesda
weekl
Tuesda
weekl
Wednesda
weekl
Wednesda
Monthl
Thursday
weekl
Thursda
Korah Selah
Dancin
Tots
Do Your Thin
Choir
Albion Warm Welcome
Girl
uidin
The Circle
Dancin
18:00 to 21:00
10:OOto 11:30
evenin
12.30 to 14.30
18:00 to 21:00
13".30
18:30 to 21:00

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