Ascension
Trusbees, Annual Reporb (TAR) 2024
Report and Accounts for the Parochial Church Council of
The Church of the Ascension, Bitterne Park
Contents
Trusbees, AnNal Reporb ITAR) 2024.........................................................................................................................
Vision and Values.................................................................
Welcorne............................................................................................................. ............................................... .......
Encountering Jesus.............................................. .
Sunday Services.............................................
Prayer..............................................................................................
Lrfe Events......
Alpha.........................................................................................................................................................
The Rising Generation .
EDGE {Every Day God Encounter5)............................................................................................................ .
Deep community.........
Newcomers................................................................................................................................................
Small Groups.....................................................................................
Ladies Group............................................................................................................................................ io
Men'5 Ministry......................................................................................................................................... io
Social Events...............................................................................................................
.10
Lovlng mission.................................................................................. .
.10
Ascension Running Comrnunity................................................................................................................. 10
Community Café and Social Prescribing..................................................................................................... li
Townhill Christmas Presence..
li
GrACE..................................................................................................................... ..... .......................... 11
Market Place and Basic Clothing Bank....................................................................................................... li
CAP Money Course..
.12
Windovts Community ArtGroup.......................................................
.12
Facilitie5.
.12
Personnel.......
.13
Flnanclal Review..............................-...-..................-................-................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Structurei govemance, and management.................................................
.14
The Parochlal Church Council (PCC}..-............................................-.....................................................
Attendance and Electoral Roll.............
.14
.14
Deanery Synod.
.14
Safeguarding............................................................................................................................................ 15
Administrative information.............................................................................................................
.15
Ascension
Vision and Values
Vision
To see God's kingdom come to our communities through making and growing whole life followers of
Jesus.
Values
We are a warm and welcoming community, rooted in the good news ofjesus Christ, hungering for the
in-filling, presence, and empowerment of the Holy Spirit, and seeking to love the world in the name of
Jesus. Therefore, we value-
Encountering Jesus
Our highest, greatest privilege and deepest joy is to have a relationship with Jesus. It is this relationship
with Him that defines our lives. We are called to be His disciples. follow Him, worship Him, and be
shaped by Him. We believe that our lives are changed forever when we encounter Jesus through the
Holy Spirit.
Deep community
Church is family where you can find your home. We seek to live generously, practice hospitality,
release creativity. and have hearts of compassion. It's a place where we encourage one another to
discover and follow God's call on each of our lives.
Loving mission
God is on a mission to reconcile all things to himself. Together we are called to join him in that mission,
creatively and prophetically engaging with our local area, and seeing people come to faith and
communities thrive.
Welcome
A Year of Transition and Consolidation
Welcome to the Annual Report of Ascension Church in Bitterne Park for 20241 This has been a year
filled with change, growth, and the undeniable presence of God at work in our community. We have
experienced tran51tions, welcomed new faces, and continued to build on the strong foundation5 of the
past. l am filled with excitement. gratitude, and expectancy for all that God is doing in and through the
Ascension Church family.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who serves so faithfully across our ministries in worship,
hospitality, welcome, youth and children's work, small groups, prayer, outreach, and many other areas
of church life. Your dedication, time, gifts, and financial support make all that we do possible.
Transitions in Leadership
This year brought significant leadership transitions. We said farewell to Marc, Lorna, and Charlie, giving
thanks for their faithful service and impact on our church family. At the same time, we have joyfLtIIy
welcomed new leaders stepping into ministry role5. Andy, Bev, and Lucy have joined us as ordinands,
bringing fresh vision and energy. while Sandra has started working part-time alongside Ruth at the
Centre of Mission IEDGEI. These transitions mark not only change but also new opportunities for
8rowth as we continue discerning where God is leading us next.
Consolidation and Growing Ministry
While change has been a theme, so too has consolidation and growth. We have seen ministries flourish
and deepen in exciting ways..
Children and Youth Ministry: Luke has settled into his role as Assistant Children's and Youth
Worker, strengthening our work with young people. Scooch and our partnership with New
Community to support the Christian Union at Bitterne Park Secondary School remain vital areas
of investment.
EDGE Hub in Townhill Park- This community hub, launched in partnership with the Diocese and
the Church Army, has become a thriving presence, offering support and welcome to many.
Small Groups.. Under Steve Waterton's guidance, small groups continue to deepen in
discipleship and community.
Prayer Ministry- Led by Jacqui Finney and Ginny Balchin, our prayer ministry has expanded. In
September, we launched a 6:30 am prayer time in collaboration with New Community Church-
an encouraging step in our commitment to seeking God tO8ether.
Leadership Development.. We have begun a pilot leadership course to equip and encourage
more church leaders and their staff.
Ongoing Mission & New Milestones
Despite transitions, our commitment to our mission remains steadfast. Partnerships with Southampton
City Mission, the Marketplace in Townhill Park, and the NH5 social prescribers, team have continued to
support those in need.
Finance
We are deeply grateful for the generosity of our congregation. which enables us to continue our
mission. However, financial sustainability remains a priority. We are actively exploring ways to increase
income through giving, hiring out our hall, and other initiatives. Encouraging growth in financial
stewardship is key as we seek to ensure a strong and sustainable future.
Looking Ahead
The future is filled with promise I We are excited about plans to develop an evening service, a pastoral
care team, CAP Money courses, and a ministry for older people. As we look ahead, we do so with great
expectancy. knowing that God is leading us. Our vision remains clear.. to see God's kingdom come to
our communities through making and growing whole-life followers of Jesus.
As we continue to encounter Jesus. build deep community, and engage in loving mission. let us step
forward with confidence, trusting in His plans for the year ahead.
I warmly commend this report to you.
Revd Simon Robertson, Vicar
Encountering Jesus
Sunday Services
Throughout 2024 we have continued to gather, in person and online. to worship together. We believe
we are changed through these opportunities, whether in praise and sung worship, preaching, prayer or
Eucharist, at home or at Ascension. God is at work.
On Sundays, we have continued to offer two distinct services each week. A quieter, more formal,
9.00am Eu¢hari5tic service and a 10.45am service which is more informal and contemporary and has
specific provisions for children and young people. In addition, we have continued to offer monthly
evening services of praise and prayer. Our Edge+ service in Townhill Park continues to meet
fortnightly. The church family continues to grow Steadily across all services, in depth and in numbers.
Prayer
Prayer ministry continues to be an integral part of the life of our Church. During the 10.'45 service our
Prayer Ministry Team, identified by coloured lanyards, consistently gather around the coffee area to
offer prayer during ministry time. We have recently been challenged by the Bishop of Winchester to ask
God for'more, and it is such a joy to see more people coming forward for prayer. Please keep coming
forward - we love praying for you ! Recently some individuals from outside of church have approached
us for prayer support and members ofthe Prayer Ministry team have met them to offer prayer. Alpha
has also opened up new opportunities to pray for guests.
We continued to hold prayer walks around the parish over 2024. We have a sense that our prayers
have softened the ground for God to work in people's hearts and that our prayers are continuing to
have a meaningful impact on our community. Please do continue to consider praying simple prayers
such as 'Come Holy Spirit,. we welcome You here, for your neighbours as you walk/drive around where
you live and work.
Since September we have gathered with our brothers and sisters from Central Hall at 6'.30am on a
Wednesday morning to worship and intercede for our city. We have been joined by other churches too
and it's so wonderful to see a visible demonstration of church unity, united by a love for Jesus and a
desire to see the Holy Spirit move and God's Kingdom corne in Southampton.
Jacqui and Ginny have met with the team to review the ministry area and hope to do some further
discussion and training in 2025.
Life Events
There were nine baptisms held during 2024. There were two funerals held in our church, and a further
one conducted by our team at a Crematorium. There were five interments of ashes in Ascension's
Garden of Remembrance.
Alpha
In 2024 we had the joy of running an Alpha course again. This was a wonderful opportunity for people
to meet. build community and relationships, and ask questions about faith. We've seen a broad
spectrum of backgrounds and had great discussions! With your prayers and support we hope to
continue this work in 2025.
The Rising Generation
We continue to have a third of our worshipping community comprising our Sunday Children's and
Youth work. During these sessions we stress the importance of children having a personal encounter
with Jesus as well as well as how He speaks to us through the bible. As in previous years, the children
have a full programme that involves role-play, drama, worship, games, object lessons. a craft. Our
heart is to see children and young people grow in their relationship with Jesus, walking in the fullness
of his plan for their lives. knowing who He says they are and sharing that faith with those around
them. We have 27 volunteer helpers and were excited to run a training day for them last year which
enabled us to improve the quality of what we provide. My heart has alway5 been to build family. for
children and young people to know that they are unconditionally loved and accepted and important to
the body of Christ. One way we do this is by acknowledging each child's birthday with a small gift and
card. At Christmas, each young person receives a gift and card with a prophetic word from the
Prophetic community. Parents as well as young people feedback how wonderful this is.
It has been lovely to See our relationship with local schools and children grow. We currently see
around 900 children three times a year and some of these come to church independent of their
parents.
Last year, the increase in our youth group led to the formation of an older youth group both on a
Sunday morning and a Weekday evening, we began with around eight young people and this number
has more than doubled over the last year with some of our older youth taking a leadership role lone of
them will run a youth Alpha course). They have also volunteered to run a quiz night to raise money for
a local charity.
It has been exciting to see the kids grow in worship and prayer, engaging with the Sunday morning
worship in the main service and their own groups. We are very excited to develop our youth worship
band with the aim of seeing young people more actively involved in wider church ministry.
'Scooch' our drop in for Bitterne park secondary school continues to see growth in both numbers and
relationship. Each week we see around 100 students each week and is a wonderful addition to the
work in Christian Union at the Secondary school which has been growing rapidly with pupils bringing
their non-christian friends. The Christian Union has also grown rapidly with children bringing their
unchurched friends, we recently had to move rooms as our numbers had doubled. It has also been a
privilege to be invited into the school to speak on different panels at BP Secondary with other religious
leaders across the city, enabling young people to ask questions about our faith and views.
As well as our youth family's surf trip to Devon. we have also continued to work together with
Highfield. St James in the Park and Community Church, as founding members, to host YouthFest, both
a Winter addition and summer camp for young people across nine different churche5 across the
city. The numbers have continued to 8row as well as the anticipation of what God will do.
Our annual Light Party was a great success. with around 300 people from the local community
attending and many of the youth helping to run it. This year was a 'Land of Snow and Ice" theme. With
ten different craft stations and ten activities, children were especially delighted by the nine-metre snow
igloo maze and snow cave, as well as the Narnia wardrobe and snowball gauntlet. It was also 8reat to
see so many of the dads in the community getting involved in a tug-of-warl
Because children, families, and the wider community are so interconnected, we also try to develop
relationships with families. For example, a low-cost wreath-making workshop before Christmas for 160
people was a wonderful opportunity to come together, 'pause' and chat and creatively celebrate the
festive season. It is a time for people in the community to get together and many say it IS the beginning
of their Christmas.
Last year we also ran a Parenting workshop with Lorraine Lee a parenting consultant and family
psychologist.
It was also lovely at Christmas to be present in 'Christmas in the Triangle, running a craft table and
chattinB to parents and children was a real privilege and it is lovely to see those inter-church
relationships deepen.
Jo Szedlak, Children & Youth Worker
EDGE {Every Day God Encounters)
The Church Army Southampton Centre of Mission in Bitterne Park has had another eventful year. Ruth
Hills continues as the Lead Evangelist and Sandra Philip joined her as part time Pioneer Evangelist in
June and has settled well into the EDGE community.
The Tuesday morning EDGE Disclples, are a wonderful small group that meets to grow in faith and
understanding of what it means to walk with Jesus, and to share a bible study and discussion. It has
been fun to watch people go from sitting on the edge of the group, pretending they weren't listening,
to becoming engaged participants. It is also beautiful to See how the ladies are growing in discernment.
confidence, and love for one another.
EDGE+ continues to meet on alternate Sunday afternoons and have recently moved to the Hub. The
number attending has dropped, as people have moved out of the area. but it is a warm, friendly, Jesus
centred gathering. We have games and craft each time we meet, with an accessible Jesus story and a
simple meal eaten together.
We have a Stay and Play session each week at the Hub, which attracts a regular group of mums and
carers. A place for tots to play together and the adults to share experiences and concerns, while
enjoying a hot drink and some homemade cakel
Sandra has also introduced the Breakfast Club on Saturday mornings, which is extremely popular with
the locals. A very good, cooked breakfast is served every week.
Following on from last year's successful EDGE Summer Fun event, which we held particularly for the
many families were not able to get away, we decided to repeat the event on the Green. We had loads
of cake, thanks to 311 who donated, drinks, craft, face-paints. very silly games and best of all a pop-up
petting farm and unicorn rides. Families came with picnics, and we were blessed with wonderful
weather.
Another highlight of the year was the Christmas Tree of Hope event. The tree in front of the Hub was lit
up with hundred5 of lights and transformed into a Tree of Hope, decorated with the hopes and dreams
of the community. Lights were strung along the shop fronts, shining the joy and love Jesus brings into
the darkness. Sandra led an excellent event of festive singing, shared memories of past Christmas's in
Townhill Park and the hope Jesus brings. All washed down with mulled wine and party food I
We are so grateful for the hard work and generosity of our wonderful volunteers, cake baker5, and all
those who support and pray for the community of Townhill Park, and the amazingthin8s God is doing
there. We look forward to an exciting and productive year ahead I
Ruth Hills. Lead Evangelist
Deep community
Newcomers
We have had the pleasure of welcoming 46 new people this year who have joined us here at Ascension.
This has been across the whole breadth of our community, from the 9:00 service to Edge+, in our youth
and children's groups, and our 10=45 congregation. To celebrate this, we have held two Newcomer
Meals over 2024-3 wonderful opportunity to share a meal with and get to know new members of our
community. We are delighted with how Jesus is bringing people to us, and we would love to see this
continue.
Small Groups
Small groups continue to be foundational for us at Ascension as they were in the early church. Despite
the busyness of life and the pressures that we commonly face we choose to make time in our week to
gather together with others and encoura8e one another.
When St. Paul wrote hi5 letter that we know as Ephesians. he summed up for me the purpose of small
groups.
'So we wlll no longer be infants tossed back and forth bythe waves and blown here and there bv
every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men In their deceitful scheming. Instead
Speaking the truth In love we will in all things grow up Into him who is the head, that is Christ. From
him thewhole bodyi joined and held together by every supporting ligament grows and builds Itself
up in love as each person does its work., Ch 4.11-14
In the busyness of life, we can easily neglect our faith without realising it. Our weekly gatherings help
us enormously to maintain a fixed reference point,. Truth is not negotiable, it is fixed, it is absolute, God
doesn't change but we can. We need to be anchored in our faith, fixing our thoughts and eyes to Jesus.
We are all aware that we are living in the information age, and we have to filter that information as so
much of it is not reliable. We come back again and again to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the
authority of hi5 word the Bible.
This past year we have seen one new group established and the merging together of two groups into
one. All our groups except one are currently at full capacity. We have two daytime groups and six
evening groups. We are very grateful for all the leaders who serve us and use their gifts in pastoral care
and teaching. Recently they were prayed for at the 10:45 service and commi55ioned for their work this
year. Please continue to remember them in your prayers and pray also that the Lord will raise up new
leaders to accommodate our growing church family.
Steve Waterton, Smoll Group Co-ordinotor
Ladies Group
The highlight of 2024 for the Ascension Ladies Group was a catered 'ladylike" afternoon tea and
celebration cake to mark our 50 year5 as a group.
We continue to meet most 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month from 2pm in the Ascension cafe space and
have had a selection of talks including on hearing do85, local history, the city's parks, the poems of Pam
Ayres and the history of the jigsaw puzzle together with updates on the church's work with the children
and youn8 people and at Townhill Park following which we raised £300 to be used for equipment etc at
the EDGE Hub. Other meetings were social events with quizzes, games, craft, tea and friendly
conversation and we would always welcome new members to join us, get in touch with the office or
Frances Samphire to find out more.
Men's Ministry
Throughout 2024 we held monthly Men's Breakfasts. These have been a wonderful opportunity for the
men within our church and community to join us for breakfast together with a talk from a guest
speaker. We have also held various other social events aimed specifically at the men in our
congregation. If you would like to know more about this or how to get involved, please do get in touch
with the office.
Social Events
We have enjoyed running social events again this year- creating opportunities for the whole church
family to unite socially or worship together creatively. We held our annual Volunteer's Thank You BBQ
various all-church picnics and, of course, our Christmas Party which saw 86 of us eatin& dancing and
bouncing togetherl As well a5 socialising together, we also worshiped together at special services, a
particular highlight bein8 our stripped back Maundy Thursday service and meal, where we reflected on
Jesus, last supper as we worshiped and ate together. If you would like to get involved in helping at
events such as these in the future, please do get in touch with the office.
Loving mission
Ascension Running Community
Started in 2019. Ascension Running Community is still out running in all weathers with people from our
local community. We are currently maintaining our weekly 5km community social #RunAndTalk
activity as well as a term-time Friday morning 'School Run, a gentle run in Riverside Park followed by
coffee at Woodmill café. Our aim is to promote good health and wellbeing through running together
Iby encouraging people to be active, to meet with our welcoming and friendly runners and also
enabling conversations about mental health and wellbeing). Our group sizes have decreased since
2021 and 2022 but we still have a number of committed regular runners and old friends who join us
when they are able to. We are always keen to invite new people to join us and are training some new
run leaders to support the continuation land development) of our activities.
Anno Gordon. Run Leoder
io
Community Café and Social Prescribing
In 2024 we have continued to host a drop in café each Tuesday afternoon, in partnership with the NH5
Social Prescribers from Living Well Practice- "My Time to Chat" This is a wonderful opportunity to
meet people. build community and access other healthcare services for wider needs. We'd love to see
more people gethng involved, attending, and considering serving as part of the team at this amazing
outreach opportunityl
Townhill Christmas Presence
Once again, we were able to run the Townhill Chri5tma5 Presence where families, identified as being
most in need, were gifted special presents for their children, making sure that no family was forgotten.
Through the amazing generosity of our congregation this project ensured that 80 families had gifts they
would otherwise not have been able to afford,
Ruth Hills, Leod Evangelist
GrACE
GrACE (Greening Ascension's Community and Environment Steering Group) continues to provide
information, encouragement and tips to Church members to reduce their carbon footprint li.e. use less
fossil fuels), appreciate God's creation, and live more simply so that others Ihuman and throughout
nature) may simply live.
During 2024, we ran a series through Lent with weekly posters, both online and displayed in the
Worship Space. on topics that related to the environment and that were useful, money-saving or just
plain fun.
Many Church members helped sow some seeds, which were later planted out into the flower beds in
the 8rounds, for all to admire.
Ascension Gardeners worked in tandem with the contract gardeners to keep the compost bin rotation
going and using the compost when it was ready; maintaining the 'wild' area along the hedge behind the
car park- and weaving more green waste into the small dry hedge units that mark the edge of the wild
area.
We continue to have a litter pick around the church grounds on the 1st Sunday of the month and have
also organised occasional litter picks around Townhill Park Green.
We supported those who did the sponsored Ride and Stride in September by asking for Ascension to be
registered as a participating church, and our cyclists raised funds for Ascension and Hampshire Historic
Churches Trust.
Helen Pain, GrACE Group Co-ordinotor
Market Place and Basic Clothing Bank
We continue to partner with Southampton City Mission and others to run the Market Place initiative
from the community centre in Townhill Park. The aim of the Market Place is to offer "choice and
dignity through a personal selection of discounted, quality, fresh, refrigerated, and frozen food
products to supplement people's weekly shopping., They are also intended to be small, welcoming
communities offering all the health and wellbeing benefits of regular contact with a supportive network
of peers and friends. Additional support is offered by having regular visits and workshops by other
charities and agencies such as Social Prescribers, Debt Advice and Mental Health nurses.
li
We also continue to provide a venue for the weekly Basic Clothing Bank. Numbers continue to be high,
due to the ongoing cost of living crisis. This year we clothed people 1,938 times. Clients continue to be
from mixed backgrounds- single parents, couples, families, unemployed, refugee, homeless, retired,
part-time, and full-tirne workers,. those referred in because of a tragic life event, because of addiction
or mental health struggles and those who are just not coping financially in the current climate. We
continue to have regular clothing donations. which allows us to ensure there is a wide selection of
clothing available for the clients. As always, it continues to be a privilege to operate this free service
and welcome people into the space with dignity, respect and warmth.
We continue to collect food donations to pass on as well.
CAP Money Course
In 2024, three members of our congregation underwent trainingto run Christians Against Poverty
(CAP} money courses. In November we ran our first course to help people understand their finances
and how to budget going forward. We started small with a group of 8 of us at Townhill Park, and we
hope to run a 2. course after Easter in 2025
Windows Community Art Group
This year the Windows Community Art Group, a welcoming painting 8roup offering 5UPPOrtive tutoring
across a variety of water-based media, has adopted a new name to reflect our evolving structure and
financial arrangements. While the group operates independently of Ascension, we continue to value
and support the wider mission of the church. This longstanding partnership reflerts a shared
commitment to serving both the local and wider community.
Over the years, groups like the Windows Community Art Group have been widely recognised for their
contribution to wellbeing. Jennws background as a lay minister and spiritual director has deepened this
aspect of the group, creating a space that nurtures both creativity and emotional resilience.
We are deeply grateful to the church for the continued use of Grace Hall for our weekly sessions and
for hosting our Annual Exhibition. In 2024, we were thrilled to raise an additional £1,400 for Cancer
Research UK through the exhibition - a wonderful celebration of community generosity and artistic
expression.
Dave Hewitt- Tutor (Painting)
Jenny Hewitt- Tutor (Wellbeing)
Facilities
The ongoing care of our buildin8 has continued to be a priority this year as we work through our annual
building maintenance schedule based on our latest Quinquennial Report. In 2024 we completed
extensive repairs and maintenance to all our flat roofing, ensuring the building remains watertight. We
carried out essential repair work to both our organ loft and several roof beams repairing damage
caused by water ingress. The PCC would like to extend our thanks to our Architect Tim Sage for his
ongoing advice and support, and to Steve Waterton for the many repairs and maintenance completed
over the year.
12
Personnel
2024 saw some changes to the staff team. We said goodbye to Revd. Marc Allez and Revd. Lorna Allez in
June as they moved to St Marks in Shirley for Marc to take on the role of priest in charge. We also said
goodbye to our ordinand Charlie Gibbs who left in Ottober to finish his training at another local parish.
We are grateful to Marc, Lorna and Charlie for their time with us here at Ascension.
In August, Anna Gordon stepped down from her role as Parish Administrator. Anna, however, continues
to serve at Ascension as our Running Community Co-ordinator. We are grateful to Anna for all she
achieved whilst in the role and for her continued commitment to the Ascension Running Community.
In July, we welcomed Sandra Philips to the Ascension Staff Team. Sandra joins us as a Church Army
Evangelist, based primarily at Townhill Park. In September, we welcomed three new ordinands to our
team here at Ascension. Andy Milligan, Bev Price and Lucy Hoyes, will serve here at Ascension whilst
studying for ordination. Finally, we were a150 joined in September by Tim Nutt as our new Parish
Administrator.
Revd Peter Goodall continues to serve as our Associate Minister with us part-time, and Simon continues
to lead us as the vicar alongside his shared role of Joint Area Dean.
As ever, our staff here at Ascension are supported by those who serve on teams, without which we would
be unable to carry out even a fraction of what we do. We would like to take this opportunity to thank
every member of our congregation who serves with us here at Ascension.
Financial Review
2024 has been another good and stable year for us financially. We have seen a steady increase in
regularly giving which is wonderful and has meant we have relied less on our savings to cover our day-to-
day costs. Income from hall hirings is up, but sadly we have lost a number of regular customers so we
expect a downturn in 2025. There is a plan to focus on increasing this area of income. We still own and
rent out the house at 25 Lacon Close. and this also provides a good income. Our medium-long term
investment value is stable, but we have had to withdraw a large amount of capital to cover the costs of
the structural repairs to the church.
Overall expenditure was in line with our planned budget and the Parish ha5 met all of its routine
commitments including salaries, and the Diocesan Common Mission fund.
I'd like to thank the staff team for being prudent with their expenditure and generally keeping to the
agreed budget.
Reserves policy
It is PCC policy to maintain reserves equivalent to three months, running costs at £27.000.
It is our policy to invest the 5hort-term investment fund balances with the CCLA Church of England
Deposit Fund, and the remainder in the CCLA Church of England Investment Fund. Our financial policies
and procedures have been updated and approved by the PCC.
Tim Nutt, Treasurer
13
Structure, governance, and management
The Parochial Church Council (PCC)
The Parochial Church Council IPCCI is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC
operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure and is a Registered Charity. The PCC
members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the
parish including deciding on how the funds of the PCC are to be spent. The full PCC met in person 7
times during 2024 with the Standing Committee meeting a further 4 times.
At the 2024 APCM, Andy Gordon and Loz Foskett agreed to continue in their roles as Church Wardens
and were duly appointed. Tim Nutt agreed to continue in his role as treasurer and was duly appointed.
There were two PCC members who stepped down after completing their terms of service- Rosemary
Haughton and Alex Walker.
The elertions of their replacements were conducted as set out in the Church Representation Rules and
John Finney, Christopher Allcock and Susan Lancashire were all appointed to the PCC. Craig Gallen and
Steve Alexander were duly appointed as Deanery Synod representatives and PCC members.
We would like to thank all who served on the PCC during 2024. For full details of the current PCC
members please see back page.
Attendance and Electoral Roll
The average weekly attendance, at Ascension, counted during October 2024, was 133 adults and 52
children at our Ascension Services, and 10 adults and 14 children at our EDGE+ service. We continue to
offer a live YouTube broadcast of our 10-45 service, with an average of 35 views per week during the
same period.
All those who attend our services are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll to enable them to
vote for the PCC membership and to stand for election themselves. The electoral roll has been
prepared in accordance Church of England rules. At the APCM on 28th April 2024 the number on the
electoral roll was declared at 113.
Anna Gordon continued as the Electoral Roll Officer within her role a5 Parish Administrator, which
passed overto Tim Nutt when he took over the role in September 2024.
Deanery Synod
The Synod met on three occasions during 2024. Presentations topics included the work of Safe Families
charity. links with the Church in Myanmar. and getting Grants. Archdeacon Jean attended the May
Synod and gave an introductory talk about her work. In October the Synod passing a motion related to
National Financial Support for Church Buildings, which was then forwarded to Diocesan Synod. The
Synod received regular updates on clergy movements and feedback from Deanery Representatives on
Diocesan Synod.
14
Safeguarding
The Safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults continues to be a priority at Ascension. We have
continued to comply with section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Disciplinary Measure 2016 Iduty to
have due regard to the House of Bishops, guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults).
Over 2024 we have continued to work through the Parish Safeguarding Dashboard to ensure that we
are compliant with all safeguarding regulations and best prattice.
Becca Bartlett stepped down from the role of Safe8uarding Officer in the summer of 2024 and Andy
Gordon has taken over this role on a temporary basis.
Any Safeguarding concerns can be reported to safe
uardin
ascension50Utham
ton.co.uk
Administrative information
The Church of the Ascension is on Thorold Road, Bitterne Park, Southampton 5018 IHZ. It is part ofthe
Diocese of Winchester within the Church of England.
The correspondence address is
The Parish Office, Ascension Centre, l Thorold Road, Bitterne Park, Southampton $018 IHZ.
We continue to Bank with National Westminster Bank. and our Independent Examiner is Jonathan
Marchant.
Registered charity number 1128861
PCC members for Aprll 2024-April 2025:
Chair
Revd. Simon Robertson
Church Wardens
Andy Gordon, Loz Foskett
Secretary
Lizi Fewtrell
Treasurer
Tim Nutt
Clergy
Revd. Peter Goodall, Revd. Marc Allez Ileft July 241,
Revd. Lorna Allez Ileft July 241,
Deanery Synod
Sam Nichols, Steve Alexander and Craig Gallen
Ruth Hills (Licensed Lay Workerl
Ex Officio
Other Members
Becca Bartlett. Nneka Igiri. Kevin Reynolds, Sunke Trace-Kleeberg,
John Finney. Christopher Allcock and Susan Lancashire
Annuol Report approved by the PCC on Ifh Morch 2025
Signed on th ir behalf by Simon Robertson
15
Bitterne Park Parish
ststement of Assets and Liabilities
As at: 31 DeCemr 2024
As at 31112r2024
As at 31112r2023
Curwent amets
Cash at bank and in h2nd
35.446 98
29.054.49
CBF Church of England DesIt Fund
2.920.24
2.T13.06
CBF Church of England IreStment Fund al valuation
e74,150 73
971.157.59
Net cuiFènt *ssÈts less tUrt Ilabllities
912,517.95
1.002.985.14
Unrestricted
Unrestricted General fijnd
862.357.95
952.583.47
Repie5ented by
De$igDaied
Oesignaled- Garden of Rem&rnbrance
Design*ed- fithe
38339 7
7.350.53
39.051.37
7.350.53
Restricted
Restricted - Running Club
Reslncted - Lth M8inten8nce
Restricted- Hardship Fund
Total Designated and Restricted Funds
1,32185
150000
1.647 92
1.341.85
1.500.00
1.157.92
50AOI.6T
50,160.IM>
Fund$ of the church
912,517.95
1.002.985.14
Total Income
Total Expenditure
£167.728
£281.172
£169.522
£200.568
Appioved
8th April 2025
## **Bitterne Park Parish Receipts and payments Selected period: 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2024**
|**From**
**To**||**01-Jan-24**
**01-Jan-23**
**31-Dec-24**
**31-Dec-23**|
|---|---|---|
||||
|**General fund (Unrestricted)**
**Income**
Donations and Gift Aid
Alms
Freewill Offerings
Gift Aid
Hirings
Lacon Rent
Easter Lilies
Dividends
Events
Church Army Funding
Fees
Wreath Making
The Christmas Presence (TCP)
Youth & kids subs
Youth Weekend
Townhill Hub donations
Refunds
Staff Leaving Gift
Building
Cleaning
Electricity
Fire Protection
Gas
Insurance
Maintenance, fixtures and fittings
Parish Phone/Broadband
Refuse
Water
General
Marketing
Bank Charges
Children and Youth
Community Engagement
Deanery Synod Fees
Equipment
Events Social
Events Outreach
GRACE Group
Hospitality
IT Operations
Leader's Lunch
_Total Donations and Gift Aid_
Other trading activities
_Total Other trading activities_
Investments
_Total Investments_
Other income
_Total Other income_
**Total income**
**Expenditure**||3,092
2,936
69,147
78,983
16,072
16,345
_88,311_
_98,264_
15066
13606
15000
14400
-
119
_30,066_
_28,125_
24,550
25,715
_24,550_
_25,715_
2,737
2,684
2,985
-
2,214
4,575
2,500
1,710
1,699
2,650
1,835
1,718
3,280
1,980
4,789
-
30.68
-
669.42
-
_22,739_
_15,317_|
||||
|||**165,665**
**167,422**
8,033
8,097
5,941
7,289
849
474
8,901
10,594
5,856
5,536
82,534
9,322
925
932
1,328
865
845
1,297
271
699
388
364
7,103
6,765
790
1,216
125
75
1,807
1,221
2,058
1,598
1,969
2,145
54
38
1,115
1,224
1,334
3,616
-
284|
|Licences
Music
Office expenses
Real Easter Eggs
Sanctuary
Stripe Charges
Students
The Christmas Presence (TCP)
Townhill Hub
Worship Team Expenses
Youth Weekend
Staffing
Administrator Costs
Children & Youth Worker Costs
Curates' expenses
Discretionary fund
Assistant Youth Worker Costs
Ops Co-ordinator costs
Ordinands' expenses
Outreach worker's expenses
Payroll Costs
Staff Leaving Gift
Staff Training
Vicar's expenses
Diocese
Common Mission Fund (CMF)
Fees
Excess of Income over Expenditure
Brought forward balance
Transfers to/(from)
Gardening
Freewill Offerings
Dividends
**Total carried forward balance**
**Total expenditure**
Brought forward balance
**Total income**
**Expenditure**
**Garden of Remembrance (Designated) Fund**
**Income**
**Total carried forward balance**
**Total expenditure**
Excess of Income over Expenditure||1,212
1,153
170
170
1,960
2,068
-
58
544
405
672
439
42
115
1,546
2,284
2,447
1,035
1,012
2,063
1,906
10,544
12,612
29,607
28,379
1,387
1,179
168
355
22,158
12,706
17,129
16,438
50
0
2,116
3,281
414
512
681
-
1,230
1,125
474
707
46,620
44,664
1,498
2,419|
|---|---|---|
||||
|||**277,992**
**197,637**
-112,327
-30,215
51,312
-1,360
**27,409**
**19,735**
19,735
1,062
1,046
120,000
—
-|
||||
|||**1,062**
2,650
1,427
**1,046**|
||||
|||**2,650**
-1,588
**-807**
**781**
781
1,161
**1,427**
-381|
## **Hardship Fund (Restricted)**
## **Income**
|General Support
Freewill Offerings
New Wine Support
New Wine Support
**Total income**
**Expenditure**
**Total expenditure**
Excess of Income over Expenditure
Brought forward balance
Transfers to/(from)
**Total carried forward balance**
**Designated) Fund**
**Expenditure**
Charities
**Total carried forward balance**
**Total expenditure**
Excess of Income over Expenditure
Brought forward balance||-
125
1000
849|
|---|---|---|
||||
|||510
432
-
1002
**1,000**
**974**|
||||
||||
|||**510**
1360
**1648**
-
-
**1434**
490
-460
1158
258
-
**1158**|
||||
|||7,350
7,350
**7,350**
**7,350**
**-**
**-**
-
-|
## **Tithe (Designated) Fund**
## **Lift-Fund - Lift Maintenance (Restricted) Fund**
|Brought forward balance
**Income**
Donations and legacies
Freewill Offerings
**Total income**
Excess of Income over Expenditure
**Total carried forward balance**
**_There may be minor discrepancies in the totals as the pence ar_**
Salaries
**Total expenditure**
**Expenditure**
Courses and training
Equipment
Events Outreach
**Total income**
**Ascension Running Club (Restricted) Fund**
**Income**
Takings
Excess of Income over Expenditure
Brought forward balance
**Total carried forward balance**||—
-|
|---|---|---|
||||
|||**1,500**
1,500
1,500
**—**
**-**
—
-
**1,500**
-
80|
||||
|||-
80
-
-
-
20
-
-
**0**
**80**|
||||
||1,341
**1,321**
**_e not being shown_**
**1,341**
**20**
**80**
-20
0
1,341||
||||
Independent examlnerfs report to the tru5tee5 of Bttterne Park PCC
I report to the trustees on my examinat¢on of the account5 of The Parochial Church Council Of The
Ecclesiastical Parish Of Bitterne Park, Southampton I'the PCC'I for the year ended 31 December
2024.
Re5ponslbllftles and bas1$ of report
As the chèrity trustees of the PCC you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in
6civrddiiLv wiLlI (Fie reyuirefflent5 of the Charitles Acr 20111'the ACYI.
I report in respect of my examination of the PCC5 accounts carried out under section 145 of the
2011 Act and in carrying out my examinatlon I have followed all the applicable Directions given by
the Charity Commission under section 14515llbl of the Act.
IndepÈndent examlnerf5 Statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in
connection with the examination giving me cause to beleve that in any material respect..
accounting records were not kept in respect of the PCC as required by settion 130 of the
Act.. or
the accounts do not accord with those records.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to
which attention should be drawn in this report irb order to enable a proper understanding of the
accounts to be reached.
Signed..
Name.. Jonathan Marchant
Address.. 53 Wood End Way, Chandlerfs Ford. Eastleigh. S053 4LN
Date..
ts AeArL IG'g5
Independent examlnerfs reportto the trustees of Bltterne Park PCC
I report to the trustees on my examinatlon of the accounts of The Parochial Church Council Of The
Ecclesiastical Parish Of Bitterne Park, Southampton I'the PCC'I for the year ended 31 December
2024.
Responslbllltles and l)a515 01 report
As the charitytru5tees of the PCC you are responsible forthe preparation of the accounts in
accordance with the requIreMet$ of the Charities Act 20111'the Act'l.
I report in respert of my examlnation of the PCUS accounts carried out under section 145 of the
2011 Att and in carryin8 Out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by
the Charity Commission under sertion 14515llbl of the Act.
Independent exarninerfs ststement
I have completed my exarnination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in
connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect..
accounting records were not kept in respect of the PCC as requlred by section 130 of the
Act,. or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records.
I have no concerns and have come across no other rnatters in connection with the examination to
which attention shoyld be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the
accounts to be reached.
Signed..
Name.. Jonathan Marchant
Address.. 53 Wood End Way, Chandlerfs Ford. Eastleigh, 5053 4LN
Date..
g 4PRfL Ic,