PRIORY CHURCH OF ST. MARY AND ST. CUTHBERT, BOLTON ABBEY ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL FOR 2024
1. Administrative information
The Priory Church of St Mary and St Cuthbert is situated in the village of Bolton Abbey
and is part of the Diocese of Leeds. The correspondence address is Church Office, Bolton
Abbey, Skipton, BD23 6AL.
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a charity registered with the Charity Commission.
PCC members who have served since the date of the last report, 31 January 2024, until the
date of this report are:
Clergy
Rev N. J. Mercer Rector, Chairman
Rev T. Cantlow Distinctive Deacon (non-voting)
Churchwardens
Mr M. J. Hey
Mrs J. R. Simpson, Acting PCC Secretary
Diocesan Synod Representative
Deanery Synod Representatives
Mrs S. Barker
Mr P. Lambert
Honorary Member
Duke of Devonshire
Patron
Elected Lay Representatives
Mrs E. Adams-Lambert Environment Officer/Village Hall representative
Mrs S. Barker
Mrs J. Crawford
Mrs R. Fisher Electoral Roll/Friends
Mr M. J. R. Heatley PCC Treasurer
Mrs G. Holme
Mr P. Lambert (non-voting) Verger
Mrs K. J. Templeton Guides organiser
Mr G. Yates Resigned 24 August 2024
2. Structure, Governance and Management
The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules.
All Church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for
election to the PCC.
3. Mission Statement
A community seeking to live well with God, gathered around Jesus Christ in prayer and
fellowship and committed to welcome, worship and witness.
4. Church Attendance
a. There are 113 parishioners on the Church Electoral Roll. Of these 89% live outside the
Parish.
b. During 2024 there were 12 baptisms in the Priory Church and 20 couples were married.
There were also 12 funerals and 7 interments of ashes.
1.
5. Review of the Year
As I write this report at the end of 2024, the Church of England is facing one of the most
turbulent times in its history. In November the Archbishop of Canterbury (Justin Welby)
resigned as a result of safeguarding failures in the Church of England. These are difficult
times as the Church continues to grapple with its historic and current safeguarding
failures and shortcomings. However, having submitted the Statistics for Mission at the
end of 2024, I am pleased to report that, despite these troubled times, Bolton Priory has
continued to hold together and indeed, there is very little difference between the
attendance figures for 2023 and 2024. In addition, we continue to be joined by an on-line
worshipping community which averages about 80 people each Sunday.
Some notable events during the course of 2024, included:
On the 3[rd] March, a service of thanksgiving for the role of High Sherriff was held at the
Priory to mark the end of the tenure of Claire Grainger as High Sherriff of North Yorkshire.
It also marked the end of the Rector’s tenure as chaplain to the High Sherriff.
Five members of the Priory went on a Lent retreat to Ampleforth Abbey between the 4[th] and
6[th] of March. The retreat focused on the Gospel of John and was given by Father Henry
Wansbrough OSB.
On the 9[th] of March, the St Cuthbert’s lecture was given by Professor Sir Ian Kershaw and
Professor David Stocker on the “architectural mystery” of the recess in the South Wall of
Bolton Priory. It was very well attended though not all were persuaded by the explanation
that it had been a liturgical bell tower!
On All Fools’ Day the Rector marked his Quinquennium at Bolton Priory.
On the 21[st] and 28[th] of May the Rector gave the D Day lecture at Ripon Cathedral on the
Just War tradition and International Law.
Reverend Lorna Heatley, who has been a member of the Priory congregation since childhood,
was ordained deacon at Ripon Cathedral by the Bishop of Leeds on the 29[th] June and the
Reverend Tony Cantlow was licensed as a Deacon in the parish of Bolton Abbey by the Bishop
of Ripon on 14[th] July.
On the 16[th] August, Bolton Priory held its very first “Last Night of the Proms” on the lawn
of Bolton Hall courtesy of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. The concert included the
opera singers Alexandra Lowe and Ryan Vaughan Davis and the Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra
conducted by Ben Crick. The event was superbly arranged by Carol Dawson and raised just
short of £12,000 for the Priory.
New glass West Doors were installed at the Priory at the beginning of August commemorating
the Coronation of King Charles III and were blessed by Bishop John Flack on the 8[th]
September. New glass South Doors were installed in November and have greatly enhanced the
interior of the Priory. The cost of these doors was completely funded by the Friends of
Bolton Priory.
On 19[th] December Bolton Priory became a Gold Eco Church having been awarded a gold Eco
Church Award by A. Rocha UK. This was due to the superb work by Elaine Adams-Lambert and
her team. Bolton Priory is only the 66[th] Church in the country to receive such an award.
Liturgy and Worship
Worship continued throughout the year. We had a number of visiting preachers who came to
Bolton Priory during the year including Reverend Talisker McLeod, Rector of Cherbury,
Sister Margaret Atkins OSA, Reverend David Gifford (former CEO of the Council for Christians
and Jews) and Reverend Inderjit Bhogal who was the former Head of the Methodist Conference
and founder of the City of Sanctuary.
2.
The outreach of the Priory continued. Donations were made to the Two Ridings Community
Association, British Red Cross, Mary’s Meals, Woodland Trust and Upper Wharfedale Fell
Rescue Association.
Music continued to play a pivotal part in the life and worship of the Priory. In May, Dr
Tim Raymond resigned as the Director of Music and Brian Mason stood in as the organist and
choir master while the post was advertised and interviews held. Duncan Glenday was
appointed as the Organist and Choir Master during the summer and took up his post on the
2[nd] September. Amelie Chaduc stood down as the organ scholar after Easter. It is hoped
to have a new organ scholar in 2025.
Liquid Worship continued to flourish. As well as services on the first Sunday of each
month we, once again, held an All-Ages Service on Palm Sunday and a joint service for
Harvest Festival where 113 people attended. A talk was given on the Priory’s efforts to
acquire gold status as an eco-church. In addition to Liquid Worship, Sedbergh School sang
choral evensong on the 25[th] February followed by Giggleswick School on the 28[th] April. The
Boyle and Petyt School held their carol service at the Priory on the 19[th] December and
Christingle was held on Christmas Eve.
The concert committee had their final season at the Priory with concerts by the York
Railway Institute Brass Band, Skipton Choral Society, the Leeds Philharmonic Chorus and a
piano recital given by Margaret Bruce which included music by Dr Tim Raymond. The Lady
Clare Consort and Cantores Salicium also gave memorable concerts during the year. Professor
Michael Hudson has been appointed as the new concert director for 2025.
Conclusion
I am pleased to report that, once again, Bolton Priory held together very well in 2024,
keeping up numbers and paying our Parish Share in full. However this a time of change and
the fact we have held twelve funerals this year (16% of the parish) illustrates the
demographic changes that are happening in this parish and across the Church of England
as a whole. Whatever the political difficulties the national church finds itself in, we
need to prepare for the transition at the end of this decade and the inevitable succession
that will follow. It is incumbent on the current generation to equip Bolton Priory for
ministry and mission for the coming decade and beyond.
6. Financial Review
Total receipts on ordinary unrestricted funds during the year amounted to £226,236 (2023
- £190,952). Total expenditure from those funds amounted to £223,976 (2023 - £195,659).
The net result of this was a surplus for the year of £2,260 (2023 – Deficit - £4,707).
Total receipts on restricted funds during the year amounted to £33,340 (2023 - £19,515)
Total expenditure from those funds amounted to £63,516 (2023 - £11,581). There was
therefore a deficit on these funds of £30,176 (2023 – Surplus £7,934). This was brought
about by further expenditure on the Heating Project but which is now almost completed.
Our Share for 2024 was set at £88,382 and we paid this in full. We have not yet been
told the amount of our Share for 2025 but the Diocese is aware that, although we will
always pay our Baseline Parish Share in full (2024 - £72,634), we will only pay so much
of the Capping Adjustment (2024 - £15,748) as to keep us out of deficit for the year.
7. Reserves Policy
It is the PCC policy to maintain adequate reserves in unrestricted funds to cover any
eventuality for the maintenance of this ancient church. As a consequence, at the year
end, we held £25,757 in a general reserve account (2023 - £32,450). This account is held
by the Central Board of Finance.
3.
8. The PCC greatly appreciates and thanks all those from the congregation who contribute
so much to the work of the Priory Church, its worship and mission:
-
a. The Standing Committee: The Rector, the Churchwardens, the Treasurer and Mrs K. Templeton.
-
b. The Serving Team led by Mr Michael Vineall.
-
c. The Liquid Worship team led by Mrs Joan Mason.
-
d. The Administration Department led by Mrs Margaret Cody assisted by Mrs Amanda Wood.
-
e. Mrs Kate Templeton our Secretary and our Treasurer, Mr Michael Heatley.
-
f. The Church cleaning, now JK Cleaning Services, overseen by Mrs J. Simpson and with additional help from members of the congregation.
-
g. The Choir Master and Organist, Mr Duncan Glenday and Deputy Organist, Mr Brian Mason.
-
h. Following the retirement of Mrs Lorna Freegard during the year, the floral teams are co-ordinated by Mrs Liz Clayton and Mrs Rosemarie Fisher is the contact for wedding
-
couples.
-
i. The magazine editor, Mrs Joyce Simpson ably assisted by Mrs Liz Clayton.
-
j. The Welcome Team led by Mrs Kate Templeton.
-
k. The Environment Group, Elaine Adams-Lambert and team.
-
l. The Voluntary Offertory and general money counters.
-
m. The Sacristan, Mrs Jen Hardaker.
-
n. The coffee team led by Mrs Liz Hornby.
-
o. The Priory Verger, Mr Peter Lambert.
-
p. The Sidesmen led by Mrs Susan Whittaker,
-
q. The Friends of Bolton Priory under their Chairman, Mr Richard Watson
-
r. Our webmaster Mrs Aurora Mercer.
-
s. The Skipton Food Bank team led by Mrs Lyn Bartlett
-
t. Our Baby Basics contact, Mrs Mary Vineall.
-
u. Last, but by no means least, our Churchwardens, Mr Matt Hey and Mrs Joyce Simpson.
On behalf of the PCC
N. J. Mercer
6 March 2025 Rev N. J. Mercer
4.
PRIORY CHURCH OF ST. MARY AND ST. CUTHBERT, BOLTON ABBEY
Registered Charity No 1129541
ANNUAL REPORT
AND
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
OF THE
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
RECTOR:
Revd N. J. Mercer
The Rectory
Bolton Abbey
Skipton
BD23 6AL
BANKERS:
Santander UK plc
Bootle
Merseyside
L30 4GB
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER:
T. A. Barker
Chartered Certified Accountant
Barnhill
Wetherby Road
Collingham
LS22 5AY
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE PRIORY CHURCH OF ST. MARY AND ST. CUTHBERT, BOLTON ABBEY
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Note
INCOMING RESOURCES
Incoming resources from
donors
2(a)
Other voluntary incoming
resources
2(b)
Income from ancillary
trading
2(c)
Income from investments 2(d)
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES
RESOURCES USED
Grants
3(a)
Activities directly
relating to the work
of the church
3(b)
Church management and
administration
3(c)
TOTAL RESOURCES USED
NET INCOMING/(OUTGOING)
RESOURCES
9
BALANCES BROUGHT FORWARD AT
1 JANUARY
BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD AT
31 DECEMBER |
Unrestric
ted Funds
£106,852
74,085
42,012
3,287
226,236
4,369
179,589
40,018
223,976
2,260
89,686
£ 91,946 |
Restricted Total Funds
Funds 2024
2023
£ 27,037
£133,889
£120,710
-
74,085
38,551
-
42,012
40,016
6,303
9,590
11,190
33,340
259,576
210,467
-
4,369
4,000
6,468
186,057
157,890
57,048
97,066
45,350
63,516
287,492
207,240
(30,176) (27,916)
3,227
158,715
248,401
245,174
£128,539
£220,485
£248,401 |
|
|
|
5.
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE PRIORY CHURCH OF ST. MARY AND ST. CUTHBERT, BOLTON ABBEY
BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2024
CURRENT ASSETS
Stock of books and postcards
Debtors
Short term deposits
Cash at bank and in hand
LIABILITIES: AMOUNTS FALLING
DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
NET CURRENT ASSETS
NET ASSETS
FUNDS
Unrestricted
Restricted |
Note
2024
2023
£ 11,440
£ 10,829
6
2,561
1,650
197,260
232,724
12,014
10,070
223,275
255,273
7
(2,790)
(6,872)
220,485
248,401
£220,485
£248,401
5
£ 91,881
£ 89,621
128,604
158,780
£220,485
£248,401 |
|
|
Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 6 March 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
Revd N. J. Mercer Michael J. R. Heatley
Rector Honorary Treasurer
The notes on pages 7 to 10 form part of these accounts.
6.
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE PRIORY CHURCH OF ST. MARY AND ST. CUTHBERT, BOLTON ABBEY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The PCC is a public benefit entity within the meaning of FRS102. The financial
statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 and in accordance with
the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 governing the individual accounts of
PCC’s, and with the Regulations’ “true and fair view” provisions and is prepared
under FRS102(2016) as the applicable accounting standards and the 2016 version of
the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities
(SORP(FRS102)).
ASSETS
Consecrated and benefice property
In so far as consecrated and benefice property of any kind is excluded from the
statutory definition of ‘charity’ by Section 10(2)(a) and (c) of the Charities
Act 2011 such assets are not capitalised in the financial statements.
Short term deposits
These are the cash held on deposit with the CCLA.
FUNDS
Unrestricted Funds
These represent the remaining income funds of the PCC that are available for
spending on the general purposes of the PCC, including amounts designated by the
PCC for fixed assets for its own use or for spending on a future project and
which are therefore not included in its ‘free reserves’ as disclosed in the
trustees’ report.
Restricted Funds
These are income funds that must be spent on restricted purposes and details of
the funds held and restrictions provided are shown in the notes to the accounts.
7.
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE PRIORY CHURCH OF ST. MARY AND ST. CUTHBERT, BOLTON ABBEY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
2. INCOMING RESOURCES
2(a) Income resources from donors
Planned giving
Gift aided
Income tax recoverable
Not gift aided
Collections at all services
Votive candles
Donations
2(b) Other voluntary incoming resour
Church boxes
Fund raising events
2(c) Income from ancillary trading
Bookstall
Magazine
Fees – see note
2(d) Income from investments
Bank interest
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES
Note: Fees
Fees due to the PCC
Weddings
Funerals, cremations etc
Video/Streaming/Photography
As shown above
Heating/Music
Fees passed on to:
Diocese
Organist
Choir
Verger
Total fees received |
Unrestric
ted Funds
£ 61,213
17,211
1,560
22,585
1,282
3,001
106,852
ces
29,019
45,066
74,085
21,878
4,475
15,659
42,012
3,287
3,287
£226,236
£ 5,800
4,310
5,280
15,390
3,270
18,660
7,374
5,125
2,200
2,290
16,989
£ 35,649 |
Restricted Total Funds
Funds 2024
2023
£ -
£ 61,213
£ 63,452
-
17,211
17,816
-
1,560
1,466
-
22,585
21,119
-
1,282
1,524
27,037
30,038
15,333
27,037
133,889
120,710
-
29,019
28,983
-
45,066
9,568
-
74,085
38,551
-
21,878
21,850
-
4,475
4,504
-
15,659
13,662
-
42,012
40,016
6,303
9,590
11,190
6,303
9,590
11,190
£ 33,340
£259,576
£210,467
£ 5,580
3,832
4,250
13,662
3,270
16,932
6,975
4,630
3,520
2,105
17,230
£ 34,162 |
|
|
|
8.
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE PRIORY CHURCH OF ST. MARY AND ST. CUTHBERT, BOLTON ABBEY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
3. RESOURCES USED
3(a) Grants
Missionary and charitable
giving:
Overseas mission societies
Christian relief agencies
Home mission and Church
societies
Secular charities
3(b) Activities directly relating
to the work of the Church
Ministry: Diocesan share
Clergy expenses
Organists and choir
Verger
Altar and books
Light and heat
Insurance
Repairs and renewals
Fund raising events
Bookstall
Magazine
Boyle Room
Flowers and requisites
3(c) Church management and
Administration
Rectory
Parish administrator
Parish office
Office equipment - running
costs
Printing, stationery,
postage, telephone
Sundries
Heating project
TOTAL RESOURCES USED |
Unrestric
ted Funds
£ -
-
-
4,369
4,369
88,382
1,009
9,083
1,980
1,917
6,796
5,967
15,013
28,541
12,013
3,727
5,161
-
179,589
5,989
14,520
7,235
4,459
3,753
4,062
-
40,018
£223,976 |
Restricted Total Funds
Funds 2024
2023
£ -
£ -
£ -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
4,369
4,000
-
4,369
4,000
-
88,382
93,034
-
1,009
1,206
715
9,798
8,892
-
1,980
1,880
-
1,917
2,290
-
6,796
4,913
-
5,967
5,774
-
15,013
12,833
-
28,541
3,404
-
12,013
9,609
-
3,727
3,838
-
5,161
5,391
5,753
5,753
4,826
6,468
186,057
157,890
-
5,989
6,807
-
14,520
13,800
-
7,235
8,300
-
4,459
5,341
-
3,753
3,566
-
4,062
2,266
57,048
57,048
5,270
57,048
97,066
45,350
£ 63,516
£287,492
£207,240 |
|
|
|
9.
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE PRIORY CHURCH OF ST. MARY AND ST. CUTHBERT, BOLTON ABBEY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
4. STAFF COSTS
4.STAFF COSTS |
|
|
|
Total |
Funds |
|
2024 |
2023 |
Wages and salaries |
£ 21,980 |
£ 22,760 |
Social security costs |
- |
- |
|
£ 21,980 |
£ 22,760 |
During the year the PCC employed a parish administrator, two organists and
a verger, one of whom earned over £10,000.
5. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BY FUND
Unrestric
ted Funds
Current assets
£ 94,671
Current liabilities
(2,790)
Fund balance
£ 91,881
6.DEBTORS
Income tax recoverable
Other debtors
7.LIABILITIES: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Creditors for goods and services
Accruals |
Restricted
Funds Total
£128,604
£223,275
-
(2,790)
£128,604
£220,485
£ 1,202
£ 1,325
1,359
325
£ 2,561
£ 1,650
£ 1,688
£ 5,705
1,102
1,167
£ 2,790
£ 6,872 |
|
|
8. FUND DETAILS
The unrestricted funds comprise the main church account and part of the
restoration account.
The restricted funds comprise part of the restoration account, the music
endowment account and the flower account.
9. NET INCOMING/(OUTGOING) RESOURCES
|
Church account |
£ 281 |
£ (6,860) |
0) |
|
|
|
|
Restoration account |
1,979 |
2,153 |
|
|
2,260 |
(4,707) |
|
Restoration account |
(30,750) |
7,525 |
|
Music endowment account |
(111) |
569 |
|
Flower account |
685 |
(160) |
|
|
(30,176) |
7,934 |
|
|
£(27,916) |
£ 3,227 |
10.
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE PRIORY CHURCH OF ST. MARY AND ST. CUTHBERT, BOLTON ABBEY PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
I report on the accounts of the church for the year ended 31 December 2024 which are
set out on pages 5 to 10.
Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner
The church’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The
church’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section
144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is
needed.
It is my responsibility to:
Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
To follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity
Commissioners (under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act); and
To state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of Independent Examiner’s report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the
Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by
the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also
includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking
explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. 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
Since the gross income for the year exceeds the amount provided in section 145(3) of
the Act, I confirm that I am qualified to act as Independent Examiner under the
provisions of that section of the Act and that my qualification is as shown below.
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the
accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or
2. to which, in my op[inion, attention should be drawn in order to enable proper understanding of the accounts to be reached
T. A. Barker
T. A. Barker
Chartered Certified Accountant
Independent Examiner
Barnhill
Wetherby Road
Collingham
LS22 5AY
7 March 2025
11.