Diocese of Liverpool # **The Parish Church of St Michael, Aughton** # **Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council** **For the year ended 31[st] December 2025** The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Michael, Aughton, Liverpool Registered Charity No 1128623 **WELCOME** Dear friends, The Annual Parish Meeting provides an opportunity to reflect on the life, work, and mission of the parish over the past year. 2025 has been a year of both challenges and encouragement, as we continued to serve our community, strengthen our faith, and develop our church ministry. Sunday worship is at the heart of church life. Our special services held during seasons of Christmas and Easter were well supported and we are grateful to Glen and Anthony for leading the worship. As in previous years we joined with Holy Trinity for Rogation and Harvest and joined with St Thomas, Lydiate for an Advent ‘Darkness to Light’ service. The annual Commemoration of the Departed Service seems to grow each year and brings a lot of comfort to those who attend. In 2025 we had our first ‘Blessing of Pets’ service, which was popular and will become an annual fixture! Throughout the month, we continue to enjoy a variety of worship styles, including Holy Communion (both BCP and Common Worship), Messy Church and midweek Holy Communion and Evening Prayer. In 2026 we are hoping to develop the monthly Family Service and publicise it more widely. The attendance of young families in church worship is in decline and so we need to do all we can to reverse the trend. We are grateful to all to both lead and support the weekly services. The Church has remained actively involved in the wider community. The Church Hall is a popular venue in the area, and we appreciate all that Colin does in attracting and supporting user groups. The annual Harvest Hot Pot and Quiz continue to be popular as does the Men’s Breakfasts and other events. In 2025 we opened the Church building on several Saturday mornings for quiet prayer and refreshments. The Heritage Day in September was popular, and we hope to build on its success. The Christmas Lantern parade grows each year and is popular for all ages. We give thanks for all that has been achieved in 2025 and for the continued faithfulness of our Church community. As we look forward to the coming year, we remain committed to our mission of worship, service, and outreach. _God of Mission, Who alone brings growth to your Church, Send your Holy Spirit to give Vision to our planning, Wisdom to our actions, And power to our witness and Joy to our worship. Help our church to grow in numbers, In spiritual commitment to you, And in service to our local community, Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen_ Andrew ## **ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION** St Michael’s Church, Church Lane, Aughton, Ormskirk L39 6SB. Official correspondence to The PCC Secretary, Parish Office, at the above address. Members of the PCC are either ex-officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. During 2025 the following served as members of PCC: _Incumbent:_ Revd Andrew Housley _(Chairman, ex-officio) Reader:_ Mr Bill Glennon _(ex-officio) Wardens:_ Mrs Pam O’Brien ( _ex-officio)_ _Treasurer:_ Mr Anthony Bearon _(co-opted) Secretary:_ Mr James Parsons _(co-opted) Deanery Synod representatives:_ Mr Jeff Smith, Mr James Parsons, Mr Graham Williams _(ex-officio)_ _Elected representatives:_ Adrian Ball, Elizabeth Makepeace, Brenda Moss, and Joyce Turner – elected 2023 to 2026. Peter Fogden, Denis O’Brien, Alan Thompson and Fiona Whalley – elected 2024 to 2027. Andrea Connelly, Margaret Ellams, Ray Hampson and Janet Smith – elected 2025-2028. _Observers:_ Mr Brian DeVonald ( _Assistant PCC Treasurer)_ **Bankers:** Santander Bank, Bridle Road, Bootle L30 4GB. **Independent Examiner:** Mr D.S. Thomson, 32 Windermere Crescent, Ainsdale, Southport, PR8 3QS. **Architects:** Anthony Grimshaw Associates, 6 Bridgeman Terrace, Wigan, WN1 1SX. Day to day management and control of the Church is exercised by the Rector and Warden: The Rev Andrew Housley and Mrs Pam O’Brien, contactable via the Parish Office on 01695 424457. ## **STRUCTURE, MANAGEMENT AND GOVERNANCE** St Michael’s PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure 1956. The PCC is registered with the Charity Commission – no. 1128623. ## **OTHER RELATED TRUSTS** Aughton United Charities, registered charity number 247409, the Rector is a Trustee. Vanbrugh and Tempest Almshouse Charity Trust, registered charity number 227244, four members of the PCC and one other church member are trustees. St Michael’s VC CE Primary School, the incumbent, one PCC member and one other church member are Foundation Governors. ## **APPOINTMENT TO THE PCC** The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All church members are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC. ## **COMMITTEES** The PCC operates through two sub-committees, which meet as required between full meetings of PCC: **Standing Committee** – required by law, it transacts the business of the PCC between its meetings, subject to any direction given by the full Council. Membership of the Standing Committee is the Rector, the Churchwardens, the Treasurer, the Secretary and two elected PCC members - in 2025 these were: Andrea Connelly, Denis O’Brien and Jeff Smith. **Fabric Committee** – has delegated power to address fabric issues in the Church and Church Hall. Membership in 2025 was Peter Fogden (Chair), Margaret Ellams, Pam O’Brien, Jane Rigby, Brian Devonald, Bryan Cross, Denis O’Brien and Will Thorpe. PCC members receive regular instruction and advice on their roles as Trustees, on health and safety issues, risk assessment and management, and on child and vulnerable adult protection procedures, from the relevant PCC officers. **THE ELECTORAL ROLL** presented to the Annual Meeting in 2025 recorded the names of 102 people, of whom 27 were non-resident in the parish. A new Electoral Roll was commissioned in 2025. **OBJECTIVES -** St Michael’s PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the Rector in promoting the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social, and ecumenical in this parish (PCC (Powers) Measure 1956). It is responsible for the maintenance of the Church and Church Hall in Church Lane, Aughton. St Michael’s is a broad and welcoming church that seeks to provide a spiritual home for all who seek God in Jesus Christ. We proclaim the Gospel of Christ according to the doctrines and practices of the Church of England, as part of the worldwide Anglican Communion of churches. We worship the one true God, enjoy, and share the fellowship of all our members and friends, and aim to live out the commandment to “love our neighbour as ourselves” through practical care and concern for those in our community. ## **REPORTS FROM CHURCH GROUPS AND ACTIVITIES** ## **1. Wednesday Fellowship** Fellowship have enjoyed an interesting programme in 2025 with speakers, group-led meetings and film afternoons. We have been able to support various charities including Cinnamon Trust, St Vincent’s School for the Blind, Lymphoma Action Group and our annual contribution to compassion. Membership declines year on year but we hope to continue to meet in 2026 for coffee and chat without invited speakers. Thank you to everyone who has supported us throughout the year. ## **Janet Glennon** ## **2. Sunbeams** **Sunbeams Baby and Toddler Group** began in 2021 and continues to thrive. We meet in the church hall on Wednesday mornings during term time and we continue to have around twenty families on our books. On an average week we can have about twelve children with their carers who are a mixture of Mums, Dads, and Grandparents. We always have a varied range of activities and games and were able last year to make use of the Forest School area in St. Michael’s School for one of our sessions and we plan to do the same again in 2026. Art and craft are still a real highlight of the session particularly with the carers! We acknowledge and promote the Christian festivals, and it was good to welcome some families to the services on Christmas Eve, Mother’s Day, and Easter Day. Special thanks continue to be due to Irene Rowe who makes and serves our drinks and to Helen Brookes who travels from Liverpool to be our helpers at Sunbeams and are a vital part of the team. We also still extend a warm welcome to any of the St Michael’s Church community who might like to help or visit Sunbeams on either a regular or ad hoc basis. **Messy Church** is an activity-based worship session which takes place on the second Sunday of every month from 9.30am. We have some regular attenders, although not many Sunbeams families as we had hoped. We still pack a lot into an hour session with activities, bible stories, songs, snacks and craft. A lot of time and preparation is devoted to this activity for just a few families, and we question whether there is a better way of introducing young families to our church. As the same for Sunbeams, we will always welcome any of the St. Michael’s Church community who might like to help at Messy Church. ## **Margaret Ellams and Pam O’Brien** ## **3. Friends of St Michael's Church** Some Friends attend Church and some do not, but all share a common passion and enthusiasm for the preservation of this fine building. The PCC has sole responsibility for the upkeep of this ancient building, steeple, bells, perimeter walls, paths, and graveyard. No funding comes from the Church of England. Membership of the Friends gives an opportunity for the residents of Aughton to support the members of our congregation to fund legal requirements in Quinquennial surveys of 2012, 2017, 2022 and next year, 2027. The bedrock of the Friends income is the annual membership subscription of £25 due at the end of June, supplemented by legacies and fundraising activities during the year. This included David Hearn, author and historian ‘Remember the 60s’ illustrated talk with audience participation. He gives guided talking tours of Liverpool which can be arranged. The Skelmersdale Brass Band Concert in December was well supported by the Community. A £500 donation was given them to support their efforts in providing musical opportunities for young people. Nevertheless, a good profit was made and the sale of tickets included wine and mince pies. Two Bridge Drives of 20 tables with afternoon tea and raffle were popular efforts to raise funds. We all understand that ministry and outreach of Andrew and his team are top priority and Church is always open for Sunday worship, Evening Prayers on Tuesday at 4pm, but the building must remain locked for insurance. We hope to encourage more Friends to join us for worship and prayer services. Since our inauguration in 2011 some loyal members have sadly departed, and it would be wonderful to have another campaign in the community to boost our membership. ## **Jean Parker** ## **4. Deanery Synod** ## **June 14th- St Paul's Skelmersdale** Confirmation Fit for Mission discussions were at an end, but churches would be looking to share and learn from the potential benefits of doing more together informally. Diocesan Investment Bid Update - Archdeacon Simon Fisher - What the bid was about and why its success was important, How the money would be used in principle. Good News from Churches - Planning for Surf Stage Music event, Significant confirmation numbers at Skelmersdale, Burscough - hall to become a day nursery enabling a high street - drop in presence "No 57", Open prayer sessions at Ormskirk and across the deanery, Youth work training at Burscough, Appointment of a Youth Worker at Christ Church Aughton. ## **October 25[th] - St Thomas' Lydiate** Presentation by Sharon Parr - Diocesan Secretary - vision of healing and parishes feeling they are in the driving seat not being driven. Deanery informal self-help meetings on Finance and Safeguarding with meeting of Wardens planned. Good news stories - Lydiate Recovery from the Millenium Centre Flood, Ormskirk exploring a resource church plant from St Barnabas Penny Lane, Surf Stage festival had been a bigger than ever success, Pet service at St Michaels Aughton with big numbers. Surprised by Hope and Alpha courses active at Skelmersdale. ## **March 11[th] - St. John The Baptist Burscough** Members had had the opportunity to look at No 57 a house near the church which has been acquired for the church's use with a presence on the High Street. Address by Bishop Ruth who was attending Synod. She urged all members to work together in a spirit of compassion kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Also informed us that the name of the new Bishop of Warrington will be announced soon. She does not yet know whether her own post in Liverpool will be permanent. There were various details of news from the churches, including the fact that resources are to be put into Ormskirk Parish Church with a new minister from Liverpool. This was the last meeting of the old synod and new elections will need to be held before the next meeting in June. Anyone who wishes to have full minutes of the synod meetings, the last of which includes more details of Bishop Ruth's talk, please let me know. ## **Jeff Smith** ## **5. Church Fabric Report** ## **1) Central Heating Gas Boiler** The gas central heating boiler, which had given good service for many years, failed the annual emissions test and the decision was taken to install a new unit. Quotations for the work, which included removal of the old boiler, replacing the flue and installing and commissioning the new boiler, were obtained from four companies. A fund-raising effort was started, and the response was such that the cost of the new boiler was covered. The PCC are very grateful to all church members and many from the wider community who contributed so generously to the fund. Wakefield and Wilson were selected to install the boiler, and the new boiler was handed over on Dec 12th. The Fabric committee were very pleased with the workmanship, and the boiler has been working well. ## **(2) Main Path Lights** Spare parts for the lights were no longer available, and the units had suffered mechanical damage over the years. Replacements were evaluated and seven new lights were installed in September. The response from parishioners has been very favourable. Thanks to the ‘Friends of St. Michael’s for funding this transformation. ## **(3) Lower Path Gate** The gate was in a poor state of repair. A suitable supplier was found and a new gate, of identical design, was fitted in June. ## **Graveyard Report** Flower beds and the ‘Garden of Rest’ are maintained by church members and parishioners. More volunteers are urgently needed to take on some of this work. Grass cutting including grass growing round graves is done by a contractor. Leaves are also removed. We are very fortunate to have the graveyard maintained to such a high standard. West Lancs BC remove green waste via two brown bins and non-recyclable waste in a green bin. In addition, recycling facilities for paper and plastic and metal containers are provided at the Church Hall. ## **Inspections and Servicing** The fire extinguishers were tested and serviced as required. The intruder alarm system was checked and validated. Portable appliances were tested by BES, no issues were reported. Ladders were inspected every three months. The central heating boiler was inspected by BES. The annual asbestos inspection was completed. The Church is cleaned weekly by a team of seven volunteers. Thanks are due for their efforts in ensuring that the Church is always presented at its best. Gutters, hoppers and downspouts were inspected and cleaned out as necessary. A ground based visual inspection of the stonework to the steeple was carried out. No serious concerns were observed. ## **5. Church Hall Fabric Report** ## **(1) External Lights** Two outside lights and a spotlight have been renewed. ## **(2) Kitchen** A hot and cold-water mixing tap was replaced. ## **(3) Disabled Washroom** The movement sensor was renewed and calibrated. ## **(4) Church View Streetlight** Lancashire County Council renewed the lamp. ## **Inspections and Servicing** The Buildings Manager maintains hanging baskets and plants flowers in the flower beds. The appearance of the Hall is greatly enhanced. The fire alarm system was tested and a new battery fitted to the control box. Break glass points were tested at regular intervals together with the emergency lighting network. The central heating boilers were serviced and tested for gas safety. Portable appliances were tested by BES and found to be compliant. Ladders were tested at three-monthly intervals. A brown bin is available for the collection of green waste. A grey bin for non-recyclable waste, a blue bin for recyclable bottles and plastic and a green bin for paper and cardboard are also available. WLBC empty all these bins. On behalf of the PCC, we would like to thank all those who assist in running the Hall. ## **Peter Fogden PP Fabric committee** Members of committee are: - Pam O’Brien, Margaret Ellams, Jane Rigby, Brian Devonald, Denis O’Brien, Peter Fogden, Bryan Cross and Will Thorpe. ## Receipts & Payments ||**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**Designated**
**funds**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**Endowment**
**funds**
**Total**
**funds**
**Prior year**
**total**
**funds**| |---|---| |**Receipts**
Donations and legacies
Income from charitable activities
Other trading activities
Investments
Other income
**Total income**
**Payments**
Raising funds
Expenditure on charitable activities
Other expenditure
**Total expenditure**
**Net income / (expenditure) resources before**
**transfer**
**Transfers**
Gross transfers between funds - in
Gross transfers between funds - out
**Other recognised gains / losses**
Gains/losses on investment assets
Gains on revaluation, fixed assets, charity's own
use
**Net movement in funds**
**Reconciliation of funds**
**Total funds brought forward**
**Total funds carried forward**|67,381
47,105
114,486
188,894
10,108
2,137
12,245
9,303
15,385
1,923
17,308
14,455
1,040
1,724
1,920
4,685
3,235
539
539
295| ||**94,455**
**1,724**
**53,086**
**149,265**
**216,183**
604
1,397
2,002
523
108,921
671
44,196
153,789
122,259| ||**109,526**
**671**
**45,594**
**155,792**
**122,782**| ||**(14,964)**
**1,053**
**7,491 **
**(6,527)**
**93,401**
54,300
48,483
29,791
132,576
25,532
(54,254)
(48,531)
(29,792)
(132,577)
(25,533)
7,684
500
8,184
6,433| ||**(7,340)**
**1,006**
**7,991**
**1,658**
**99,835**| ||**87,039**
**366,455**
**55,150**
**12,000**
**520,645**
**420,809**| ||**79,699**
**367,461**
**63,142**
**12,000**
**522,303**
**520,645**| |**Unrestricted**|**Designated**|
**Restricted**|**Endowment**|**Total**|**Prior year**
**total**| |---|---|---|---|---|---| |**funds**|**funds**|
**funds**|**funds**|**funds**|| ||||||**funds**| ## **Represented by** |**Unrestricted**||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |General Fund|79,699||||79,699|87,039| |**Designated**||||||| |Fixed Assets||273,799|||273,799|273,799| |Joan Morris Legacy||73,662|||73,662|92,655| |Mission Opportunities||10,000|||10,000|| |Renovations To Church Hall||10,000|||10,000|| |**Restricted**||||||| |Ann Brown Legacy|||5,558||5,558|4,994| |Bellringers' Kitty|||400||400|| |Child Sponsorship (Compassion UK)|||1,542||1,542|1,257| |Children's Fund|||1,195||1,195|1,144| |Choir Fund|||268||268|256| |Flower Fund|||163||163|227| |Friends Of St Michael's|||39,862||39,862|36,679| |Mothers' Union (defunct)||||||66| |Mrs Berry Legacy||||||2,305| |New Boiler 2025|||5,747||5,747|| |School Governors|||7,296||7,296|7,103| |Wednesday Fellowship|||216||216|263| |Youth Club|||888||888|850| |**Endowment**||||||| |Miss Holmes Legacy||||12,000|12,000|12,000| ## Overview Overall, net assets grew £1.5k through 2025. However, the value of restricted assets continues to grow whilst unrestricted assets reduce. The unrestricted **operational deficit** for 2025 was **£15k** , an increase from £12k in 2024. This deficit is somewhat offset by £7k investment growth. New Bell Ropes have been purchased, paid for from legacies. The old ropes were installed at the turn of the century and were starting to fail. The upper part of the old ropes was still in very good condition, so they will have new tails fitted and will be stored ready for use when needed. Church Hall: Following an increase in rental price, income from church hall lettings (£15k) is healthy compared to expenditure of £14k (including utilities and church buildings manager salary). The church buildings manager is responsible for managing the hall rentals including opening and closing the hall, and for cleaning of both buildings in conjunction with the church cleaning team. The New Boiler appeal raised £35k. The cost of the boiler was £29k + VAT. The accounts show a balance of £6k representing the VAT that will be reclaimed in 2026. A Gift Aid reclaim of £5k will show in 2026 accounts. This £11k excess will be used for future heating maintenance. The Parish Share was reduced from £75k in 2024 to £65k in 2025. For 2026 it increases to £67k. This covers stipends, pension and NI contributions for clergy, clergy housing and training of curates / clergy / lay ministers. It does not pay for bishops’ stipends / staff / offices, the cathedral or St. James’ House. Regular Unrestricted Donations: Thank you to all those who donate regularly; donations represent 70% of the total income of the church and cover the Parish Share. Over the next 5-10 years, it is anticipated that ~£2,000 per month of regular donations will need replacing by new donors. Aberdeen Investment Bond: to maintain sufficient unrestricted cash flow throughout the year, £20k of the bond is now designated as Friends of St. Michaels instead of General Fund. Any gain / loss of the bond will be apportioned proportionally between the funds. Insurance: The separate buildings insurance policies have been amalgamated into a single policy covering both buildings, with the cost apportioned to codes 2301 (church) and 2550 (hall). ## Reserves Policy _Based on https://parishresources.org.uk/the-pcc-as-a-charity/managing-reserves/sample-reserves-policies/_ To hold in cash the equivalent of two months general running costs (£20k). To retain the investment bond capital value such that capital gains can help offset future operating losses. To maintain a Mission Opportunities fund. To retain £10k reserved in 2024 for new windows and carpet in the church hall. The PCC will decide how to use any excess funds. This policy will be reviewed in twelve months’ time. ## Grants to others The church donated £100 to Churches Together in Ormskirk District. ## Agent Transactions The PCC acted as Financial Agent for the following people/organisations: - Liverpool Diocesan Board of Finance re Clergy Fees. - Fees for Bell Ringers, Organists and Grave Diggers at Weddings / Funerals. - Bickerstaffe Holy Trinity for shared cost of rectory council tax & water and other miscellaneous expenses (£2k) - Compassion for sponsorship of 4 children (£1561) - Special collections for Children’s Society (£337), Alzheimer’s (£289), Christian Aid (£199). ## Payments to Trustees or Connected Persons Anthony Bearon (Treasurer) was paid £102 (total) as a substitute organist for 3 services during 2025. This was at the standard rate of pay of £34 / service. ## Independent Examiner Statement ## _**Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner**_ _The PCC are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. They consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed._ ## _**It is my responsibility to:**_ - _examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,_ - _to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act), and_ - _to state any matters of concern._ - _confirm that I have no conflict of interest and have no connection with the PCC of St Michael Aughton._ ## _**Basis of independent Examiner’s statement**_ _My examination is carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission._ _It is worth noting that my access to the Diocese accounting system was restricted to transaction listing only. Over and above what is mentioned above, this was sufficient to sample check 2025, and to reach a satisfactory conclusion._ _The new computing system continues to be an asset to the church in terms of the transparency aligning to the diocese._ _In general, a review and sample check of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records was undertaken._ _It included consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts requiring explanations from the PCC, and as stated in the overview of the accounts._ _I am satisfied with all of the movement contained within the overview therein, and the narrative._ _No question with regards to the valuation of the only Fixed Asset, and inherently material to the accounts, was raised with the Diocese this year, but further checks may take place in future years._ _It remains pertinent upon myself to review the documentation underlying the asset value and aligning to the Diocese response therefore._ _The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below._ ## _**Independent Examiner’s statement**_ _In connection with my examination, no matters have come to my attention which give me cause to think that:_ - _Accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act_ - _Accounts do not agree with the accounting records._ ## **Independent Examiner: Mr. D. S. Thomson** , **32 Windermere Crescent, Ainsdale, PR8 3QS** The Annual Report for the year 2025 was approved by the PCC on 7[th] May 2026 and signed on its behalf by: ## **Rev. Andrew Housley** **Mrs Pamela O’Brien** ## Andrew Housley ## Pamela O’Brien **RECTOR** **CHURCH WARDEN**