# **The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Gabriel’s Heaton Newcastle upon Tyne** 

**(Registered Charity number 1130736)** 

## **Trustees Annual Report** 

**for the year ended 31[st] December 2024** 



## The Parochial Church of the 

## Ecclesiastical Parish of St Gabriel’s Heaton 

Incumbent: The Rev’d Canon Jonathan Lawson St Gabriel’s Vicarage, 9 Holderness Road. Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 5RH Address: St Gabriel’s Parish Office St Gabriel’s Parish Centre 2 St Gabriel’s Avenue Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 5QN Bankers: TSB PO Box 373 Leeds LS14 9GQ Contact (Finance): Mr Robin Long 52 St Julien Gardens Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7LL Independent Examiner: Mr Julian Brown 19 Manor Road Tynemouth Tyne and Wear NE30 4RJ 

Contents 

P.C.C. Annual Report Pages 3 – 12 

2 



## **TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT** 

## **Aims and Purposes** 

To promote the whole mission of the Church – pastoral, social and ecumenical. 

## **Background** 

St Gabriel’s is a suburban parish in the Heaton area of Newcastle upon Tyne (and forms part of the Newcastle East Deanery). The larger proportion of the housing within the parish dates from the early part of the 20[th] century and consists of terrace houses some of which are Tyneside flats. There are areas of more modern housing and some social student housing. There is a healthy blend of students, young families and retired people in the community. 

The Church is a stone built Grade II listed building dating from 1899. Its tower forms a landmark at the corner of Heaton Road and St Gabriel’s Avenue. The Church building is kept open on weekdays for most months of the year for use by those who wish to visit and pray. 

The Parish Centre adjacent to the church provides a space for various parish and community activities including the Parish Office. A number of rooms are let to various individuals, groups and charities principally Caring Hands Charity. 

## **Mission Statement** 

'St. Gabriel’s seeks through God’s grace to serve the people of the parish in which it is set by being: 

A place of prayer. 

A welcoming community. 

A prophetic voice speaking truth to power. 

Open to the stranger, the marginalised and oppressed. Concerned for all creation and its protection and sustainability. 

Fully committed to working together with people of faith and all in the local community for the common good. 

## **Vicar’s Report** 

We celebrated, and are celebrating, 125 years of the current St. Gabriel’s Church this year, and it was very fitting to have the current Bishop of Newcastle, The Rt. Rev’d Dr. Helen-Ann Hartley to preach and preside on the very day of the anniversary of the consecration of the church, Michaelmas 2024. We celebrated with a Patronal Eucharist followed by a celebration lunch and in the evening with Orchestral Evensong. The celebrations continue throughout 2025, and there is a lot to give thanks for. The anniversary has certainly captured my imagination, as I wondered what it was like for those who gathered in 1899, and what they would have thought of our life now and what we would think of their life too. In-between those times, so much has happened, and so many faithful people have worshipped in this place. It is a house of prayer truly soaked in prayer and worship. 

As in any year, there have been particular highlights: one of them has been the completion of the lighting project. As time has gone on, I have come to realise what an important project this has been. On the one hand, there was a very practical need to rewire the whole church, and it was tempting to start with simply replacing the lighting on a like for like basis. Fortunately, that is not what we did, and through the good offices of Michael Screen we now have lighting that befits a church of such beauty. 

St. Gabriel’s Church, for me at least, becomes more beautiful the more time you spend in it. I have a particular interest in lighting, as I used to help with theatre lighting at school, and I am aware that it can be so important for setting the scene, and creating the ambience, for whatever is to happen. Church lighting has been slow to learn about this, and too often it has just been a turn on and turn off affair. Now we can light all the church effectively, but also dim or raise the lighting and also light different parts of the church, all at the flick of a switch. In helping set the scene for worship, it is just what I had hoped for, if not more. Thank you to everyone who made this project possible. 

3 



Vocation is a big theme at St. Gabriel’s, not least the vocation of the church as a whole. What does it mean to be St. Gabriel’s? What are we called to do and be in this place? But it does also refer to a call to ordination and in 2024 we celebrated the ordination to the priesthood of Mairi Howell, and the ordination to the diaconate of James Bartle. Both are hugely gifted individuals, and one of the consequences of all these vocations is that we have said goodbye to some very able people, in the spirit of generosity that St. Gabriel’s is known for. Occasionally, ordained ministry (once experienced), isn’t what a person is expecting or hoped for, and so we sadly saw Alan White withdraw from ministry this year. Alan has been a member of the congregation, reader and then curate here in my time and he is a big miss. 

As a church we have the care of three properties, all of which produce some form of income, particularly the Parish Centre and the house on Swindon Terrace. When I first started at St. Gabriel’s there was some thought given as to whether we should sell Swindon Terrace (if the Diocese who is the holding trustee agreed), but we decided not to do so. Heaton is now a sought after place to live and the rents are rising quite sharply in this area. As such, the tenancy at Swindon Terrace provides a helpful income each year. Similarly, the same can be said of the Parish Centre, so it was with a great deal of sadness that we heard that CRUSE Bereavement Care was giving notice to leave the Parish Centre as their base for Newcastle and North Tyneside after many decades. Post pandemic, many people now work from home, and charities are generally using less office space. We prayed a lot about this, and I am so pleased that a local charity: ‘Caring Hands’, found us and are making their home in the Parish Centre. The Parish Centre is gradually being used more regularly, including by the Diocese for spiritual direction courses and spiritual direction supervision. Keeping the Parish Centre in good condition is really important and this last year a large part of the southern external wall and some of the eastern external wall were repointed and a reconditioned photocopier was also purchased for the Parish Office. 

A lot of building work happened in 2024, mainly for the church building, and in the spring of 2024 there was at one point three separate sets of scaffolding in and around the church. The tower roof membrane was replaced as was the north west porch roof, and after the lead was stolen from the clergy vestry roof and nearby roofs, this also was replaced. Both the tower roof renewal and lead replacement was paid for by our insurers. It was, however,  a stark reminder that when things need repairing or replacing at St. Gabriel’s they can be very costly. The Friends of St. Gabriel’s have been very helpful in that respect, not only in raising our profile in the community, but also paying for the restoration of the church bell and in paying for new hymn books for our service of Choral Evensong. 

A church is present in the community, both as a building and as a fellowship. In that respect it has been good to use our 125th anniversary as a way of making explicit some of what God does in this place through 125 Acts of Kindness. Bridging 2024 and 2025, we hope to celebrate all those small acts of kindnesses that make a difference to the church, the local community and the world. It seems very important to articulate and celebrate what God is doing in this place in this way. One of the ways we show our gratitude particularly when we have received a financial gift from someone is to buy something tangible to remember that gift and the giver. This last year we bought a new altar book and a set of rose vestments in gratitude for Eric Horner and his very generous benefaction to the church. 

Last year brought the sad news of the death of the The Rev’d Katie Watson. Katie had risen to national prominence through the television programme: ‘Geordie Hospital’, and she was a well loved member of the local community here in Heaton, at the local hospitals where she was at first a chaplain and then lead chaplain, and here at St. Gabriel’s where she was a member of the congregation for many years along with her family. Many of us went to her funeral and witnessed the powerful impact Katie had had on many people’s lives. 

4 



Over last year it has felt like many green shoots were appearing in the life of this church. A social committee brought people together to have some fun as did the Friends. Family, Fun and Food continues to flourish as does the Toddler Group. The Choir Club and Junior Choir have begun to bring many more young people and families into the life of the church, and ‘Open the Book’ has regained momentum in its work at Ravenswood School. In fact relationships with the local schools feel incredibly positive and open to greater development. We also now have regular gardening days, bringing together church members and people from outside the church to help maintain the church grounds. 

There are some large projects that are being considered, and quite a bit of time was spent last year in considering the offer of a peal of bells for the tower here. At the time of writing we are awaiting a structural report on the tower to see if it is capable of holding a peal of bells, before we make any decision about this. Work has also started on a project to restore the organ and to develop our musical life at St. Gabriel’s. This will form part of a bid for a large grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. 

None of this, nor the day to day life of St. Gabriel’s, would be possible without the hard work and dedication of so many people. I am particularly grateful to my clergy colleagues, Sheila and Jon and to Calum and Mark as churchwardens and to Tim and Jeni who are two employees. I am not sure how parishes of this size cope without a parish administrator! 

But the greatest thanks must go to God who sustains us, encourages us and inspires in our life of service here. To him to be the glory, now and always. 

The Rev’d Canon Jonathan Lawson 

Vicar 

## **Fabric, Goods and Ornaments** 

Mark and Calum Aynsley continued in their roles as Churchwardens following election at the previous APCM. 

The leak in the choir vestry roof highlighted in last year's report seems to have been resolved. Both wardens would like to record their thanks to Rob Davidson for clearing a large amount of debris from the roof that appears to have been a cause of the water leaking in. 

The flower cupboard was painted and decorated as well as receiving a new series of shelves and a re-organisation. The light fitting in the flower cupboard has also been replaced as part of the wider rewiring project. 

The choir vestry, clergy vestry, servers area and the corridor leading from the Lady Chapel to the clergy vestry have been painted and decorated thanks to generous donations from members of the congregation. Again, both wardens would like to record their thanks to Rob Davidson for his work preparing the choir vestry windows ahead of the decoration. In July there was a theft of lead from several sections of the roof. This was replaced and marked with anti-theft measures. 

There have been several instances of leaking from the roof in the Lady chapel. We are in conversations with our roofer to investigate and see what further action may be required. St Gabriel's has been approached with an offer to receive a peal of bells. Whilst no decision has yet been made as to whether they will be accepted, as part of initial investigations into the feasibility of this project, a survey has been carried out on the church tower to see if it is capable of holding a peal of bells. We are still awaiting the results of the survey. 

The planned repointing of the Parish Centre was completed last year. 

5 



## **Objectives and Activities** 

St Gabriel’s PCC has the responsibility, with co-operation with the Incumbent, of promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It also has the maintenance responsibilities for the Parish Centre as 2. St Gabriel’s Avenue, Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne and a house at 33. Swindon Terrace, Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne. 

## **Structure, governance and management** 

The Parochial Church Council is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. The PCC is a Registered Charity, Number 1130736. 

The appointment of PCC members is governed and set out in the Church Representation Rules. 

## **Membership of the Parochial Church Council (PCC)** 

Incumbent Rev’d Canon Jonathan Lawson Curate Rev’d Alan White (until Summer 2024) Churchwardens Mr Calum Aynsley Mr Mark Aynsley Deanery Synod Mr Calum Aynsley Reps (ex-officio) Mrs Margaret Legge Mrs Elizabeth Screen 

Elected Members 

Mr Robin Long Ms Gill Purves (Term of Office ended 2024) Mr David Forster (Term of Office Ended 2024) Mr Jonathan Quaintrell-Evans (Term of Office Ended 2024) Mr Colin Harrison  (Term of Office Ended 2024) Mrs Wyn Findlay (Co opted 2024) Mrs Corinne Raybould Mrs Melanie Lewis Mrs Clare Davidson Mr Brian Moore Mr Rob Davidson Ms Dee Brownlee Ms Alison Woodward Ms Anne Pickering (Elected May 2024) Mrs Heather Wear (Elected May 2024) Mr Robert Day (Elected May 2024) Mr John Pickering (Elected May 2024) 

6 



## **PCC Committees and Working Groups** 

To assist the work of the PCC there are the following committees and working groups: 

## **Standing Committee** 

This committee is established in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. It has power to transact business of the PCC between its meetings, subject to any direction given by the Council. 

## **Parish Centre Management Task Group** 

The group meets to discuss all aspects of the running and maintenance of the Parish Centre. 

## **Pastoral Visitors Group** 

The group visits parishioners who are housebound or in nursing homes, generally providing Home Communion and pastoral care. 

## **Safeguarding Group** 

The Safeguarding group has oversight for Safeguarding for the Church ensuring particularly that children and young people are kept safe and that good practice and procedures are in place to ensure this. 

## **Mission Group** 

This group arranges the Summer Garden Party, the Winter Wonderland Fair and yearly decides which charities to support with the money raised during the year. 

## **Organ Committee** 

Set up to consider the immediate and long-term future of the organ, and what we as a congregation can and should do to preserve it, given its history and the nature of current restoration work needed. 

## **Review of the Year 2024** 

## **Jan 2024** 

Lighting scheme 60% completed. Cleaning will be required once work completed. Tower roof repairs and North West Porch roof repairs delayed due to bad weather more complex than first thought so costs have doubled. 

A Peal of Bells has been offered to St Gabriel’s - more information to be discussed and a survey of the Tower completed to decide how viable the project would be.  Friends of St Gabriel’s paid to have the existing Church Bell repaired.  Christmas Services praised. Choir Club to include Students from Chillingham Road Primary School. Open the Book now has 5 volunteers. 

The Organ needs to be restored - work being done on grants to help with costs. Income down in 2023 compared to 2022 so have paid less Parish Share. Robin Indicated he wished to step down as Treasurer in May. Discussions around splitting the work of the Treasurer role. 

## **Feb 2024** 

Discussions around setting up a Social Committee to organise events - Bob Day to take lead on this. Need for more Servers for the 9.45am Services especially to avoid others becoming stretched. Eric Horner’s legacy received and thanks given for his generosity to St Gabriel’s. Suggested that from this a set of Rose Vestments be purchased. 

Remainder of the meeting was regarding the possibility of a Peal of Bells being installed at St Gabriel’s and the process involved for PCC to consider. 

7 



## **March 2024** 

Social Committee has been formed and suggested events including - Quiz Night, Garden Games and a Christmas singing evening. Lighting is finished with some minor areas to adjust. Still low on Servers. Tower roof finally completed.  Peal of Bells - most members of PCC positive about the project. Next stage will be an assessment and a structural survey to see if the Tower is suitable. 

Friends of St Gabriel’s to host quarterly Coffee Mornings. Open the Book started work in schools. Family, Fun & Food to take place in April with an Easter theme. 

Energy costs have doubled. Discussions around the workload of the Treasurer and the formation of a PCC finance group to support the role going forward. Heaton Festival to take place this year with Heaton Churches Together.  St Gabriel’s 125 Anniversary this year - various suggestions made and further discussions needed. 

## **April 2024** 

Still awaiting final lighting bill - outside lights to be completed. Acknowledgement that Holy Week and Easter Services were a lot of work for the Clergy Team but quality of the services praised. Some new families at Good Friday and sense of Celebration on Easter Day. 

125 Anniversary - sustainability  - banner made up? Floodlighting? 

Tower is to be inspected re the potential for bells. Family, Fun & Food well attended with over 40 families. Friends of St Gabriel’s Coffee Morning raised £239. PCC agreed to the decoration and shelving for the Flower cupboard. Toddlers restarted for the term with 23 families attending. We An estimate for the restoration of the organ is being sought. Safeguarding Dashboard updated. New PCC members and all volunteers to do relevant training. 

## **May A.P.C.M followed by PCC** 

Minutes of last meetings agreed and appointments confirmed through elections. 

PCC agreed to the purchase of a newly refurbished Photocopier for the Parish Office as the previous one was no longer able to be repaired. 

## **June 2024** 

PCC agreed to have a Bell Hanging Company view the tower with the aim of having a structural Survey done. Our Architect has created a plan with some initial estimated costs. It is thought that the project will cost around £232,000 with £100,000 coming form Jim Crowther and grants, £120,000 from potential Bell Sponsors and leaving £12,000 to be fundraised. 

PCC agreed to the structural survey going ahead  to see of the tower is suitable. 

Quotes being gathered to redecorate the Choir Vestry - however reluctance to decorate until roof leaks sorted. The Church bell has been repaired and re hung - thanks to the Friends of St Gabriel’s for paying for this work. Heaton Festival taking place this month. 

125 anniversary discussed - suggested that one person take the lead on the events for this. 

Nicholson's have provided a quote for the restoration of the Organ at £500,000. A Heritage Fund Lottery Grant is being investigated but might not be known about until next year. 

Social Committee up and running with quiz night planned. 

The charities being supported by this year’s Garden Party are Feeding Families, Mary’s Meals and Launch Pad. 

8 



## **July 2024** 

Quote received to redecorate the Choir Vestry - but did not include the ceiling tiles, support bars or secondary glazing. Also the matter of the roof leaks is not solved. Suggested that a full redecoration was premature at this stage - but given its poor appearance a DIY lick of paint might be suitable for the moment. Summer Garden Party a success with £600 being sent to each of the 3 charities and £120 sent to the Chilli Road Band. 

Missions Giving for last year discussed agreed to fund to continue funding the same projects with the same amounts. Family, Fun, and Food back for August - would like more volunteers. Friends of St Gabriel’s Summer Coffee Morning raised £452. Choir Club recently held a show for parents which was enjoyed. Heaton Festival great success. 

Gardening of church Grounds discussed - more volunteers to take on roles both short term tidying up and longer term maintenance. Investigations to see if the grounds qualify as a community garden which would open up finding opportunities.  Theatre group to preform in the gardens in August with St Gabriel's getting 50% of the proceeds. 

## **September 2024** 

125 Anniversary - Fizz and cake after the 9.45am service and 60 people signed up for Lunch. Display of St Gabriel’s History in the Baptistry. 

Bells - Following meetings the location of the proposed ring of bells was agreed. Specialist Structural Engineer will now asses to tower to see if the project is technically and structurally viable. Then PCC can decide if the project is to continue. 

Family, Fun, and Food went well with over 100 families attending from the wider local community. 

Safeguarding - Currently no Diocesan Safeguarding team so no guidance or support available on any matters arising. There are 2 safeguarding courses that need to be done by volunteers if helping with groups or activities.  These need re doing every 3 years. 

Pantaloons Theatre performance went well - hope to have the group back again and increase advertising efforts to ensure a larger audience. 

## **October 2024** 

125 Anniversary - Tree services and a meal Thanks to all who contributed. “Wonderful day, remarkable music and lunch” Proposal for “125 acts of kindness” A board with space to pledge to do a service / act. Name of pledger on reverse so not seen. Once completed a rainbow sticker to be added. Suggested to launch in Advent and run for a while. 

Roofs and gutters have now been cleared and as no further rain damage a “DIY” repaint of the Vestry can go ahead. Church Garden Morning successful with a large amount of rubbish being disposed of. Another morning is planned. Harvest service went very well and all donations gratefully received. Chillingham Road School also came for their Harvest Service. 

Parish Centre - Cruse give notice they will be vacating both their rooms. Office space being widely advertised with a focus on supporting local charities. 

Toy Service not happened for a few years - still keen to do a toy collection for Cedarwood but future version of a Toy service to be discussed - maybe alongside Open the Book? 

Church Christmas card launched and Friends of St Gabriel’s have purchased 10 extra Large Print Hymn books and 10 extra Words only Hymn books. 

Safeguarding discussed - Jeni is collecting safeguarding documents for the whole church. Any concerns over the courses to be discussed with Mel.  It was noted that would be extremely sad if any group or activity had to be halted due to safeguarding administration and how wonderful it is to have so many active groups, activities and volunteers at St Gabriel’s. 

9 



## **November 2024** 

Congratulations to Jonathan for his appointment as Non-Residentiary Canon at Newcastle Cathedral. 

Lighting - A few snagging issues to be resolved and operating instructions to be revised. 

125 Acts of Kindness - to be launched in Advent and boards for Display are being organised. 

Second Gardening morning very successful another to be organised in the spring. 

Toy collection to go ahead but too late to do a service this year. 

Family, Fun and Food- Half Term event was very successful with approx. 70 attending. 

A number of companies had been very generous with food, including MacDonald’s. 

“Tea with Santa” is planned for December. 

The extensive work involved in the Treasurers role discussed - A working party to be set up to look a the role moving forward. 

## **December 2024** 

125th Acts of Kindness (AOK). The main boards are up and running and the launch has happened as intended. Now it is up to individuals to put up their AoK. 

Peal of bells Ian Ness (church architect) had requested two companies to quote for the structural engineering assessment report of the tower’s suitability for the bells. One experienced company (Adelphi) provided a quote. It was understood that if this engineering assessment and report were not to go ahead, there would be no possibility of progress on the bells project. It was also understood that a decision to go ahead with the engineering assessment and report was not a commitment to installing the peal of bells. 

Choir Vestry & Gutters etc. A considerable amount of debris was removed by Rob D and all the water channels within reach from the Heaton Road Entrance roof, cleared. From the lack of water ingress into the choir vestry during the recent very heavy rain, it would appear that this clearing of the debris had had an effect. But we may need further advice from our roofers / Ian Ness as there are still a couple of areas needing attention. 

Parish Centre  “Caring Hands”, a local charity has agreed to take the Hild office from 1/1/2025. Other tenants were still being sought for the other office 

Recent discussions had taken place with the Armstrong Bridge Market to see whether there were useful ways to work together, particularly during the winter weather. 

Toy service. Thanks to those who contributed and collected the toys. Much appreciated by Cedarwood. 

Winter Wonderland. The event was a great success, both from the point of view of the numbers of people coming and the  money raised. 

10 



## **Achievements and Performances Statistics** 

|**Parish Statistics**|**2024**|**2023**|**2022**|**2021***|**2020****|**2019**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Average weekly attendance|127|120|140|83|70|139|
|Average Sunday Communicants|85|80|80|74|50|92|
|Average mid-week Communicants|24|31|20|19|10|18|
|Average afternoon Communicants|4|4|10|N/A|0|11|
|Communicants at Easter|104|106|107|82|0|125|
|Attendance at Easter Services|199|148|186|132|0|251|
|Communicants at Christmas services|94|103|107|106|70|124|
|Attendances at Christmas services|422|498|445|306|90|575|
|Baptisms|16|18|31|21|8|31|
|Weddings|5|3|6|4|0|4|
|Funerals|14|26|21|26|20|28|
|Confirmation candidates|1|2|0|8|0|3|
|Electoral Roll|149|144|139|150|147|140|



_Electoral Roll Revised April 2024    149 on List_ 

_**2022 - Mostly back to Pre Pandemic life although some distancing advised and some people still cautious about returning to in person activities.**_ 

_***2021 - The Covid Pandemic continued with different levels of restrictions on meeting indoors, face coverings, limits on services and advice to stay home unless essential with national school closures in place from January to March.**_ 

_****2020 - Churches were closed from March - June due to the Covid Pandemic with periods of restriction on meeting indoors, face coverings, limits on services and advice to stays home unless essential and school closures continuing throughout the year.**_ 

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## **St Gabriel’s Heaton - Safeguarding** 

_This statement was adopted by St Gabriel’s Parish at a Parochial Church Council meeting held on 20th September 2018 and is reviewed each year by the Parochial Church Council and reaffirmed at the Annual Meeting._ 

Safeguarding Policy Statement of the Church of England 

The Church of England, its Archbishops, Bishops, clergy and leaders are committed to safeguarding as an integral part of the life and ministry of the Church. 

Safeguarding means the action the Church takes to promote a safer culture. This means we will promote the welfare of children, young people and adults, work to prevent abuse from occurring, seek to protect those that are at risk of being abused and respond well to those that have been abused. 

We will take care to identify where a person may present a risk to others, and offer support to them whilst taking steps to mitigate such risks. 

The Church of England affirms the ‘Whole Church’ approach to safeguarding. This approach encompasses a commitment to consistent policy and practice across all Church bodies, Church Officers and that everyone associated with the Church, who comes into contact with children, young people and adults, has a role to play. 

The Church will take appropriate steps to maintain a safer environment for all and to practice fully and positively Christ’s Ministry towards children, young people and adults; to respond sensitively and compassionately to their needs in order to help keep them safe from harm. 

## **St Gabriel’s Safeguarding Policy** 

We are committed to care for one another safely and recognise that everyone has different levels of vulnerability and that each of us may be regarded as at risk at some time in our lives. We are committed to: 

- Safeguarding people who may be at risk, ensuring their well-being in the life of this church. 

- Promoting safe practice by those in positions of trust. 

- Promoting the inclusion and empowerment of people who may be at risk. 

- Recruiting safely following the recognised procedures. 

- Supporting, resourcing, training and regularly reviewing those who undertake work with children/young people and adults who might be at risk. 

It is the responsibility of each of us to prevent physical, emotional, sexual, financial and spiritual abuse. 

If you have any safeguarding concerns please inform the parish safeguarding officer or a member of the clergy as quickly as possible. 

## **The Parish Safeguarding Officer for St Gabriel’s Church is:** 

**Name:  Ms Melanie Lewis 0191 903 1231 E-mail: melelainelew@yahoo.co.uk** 

Vicar, The Rev’d Canon Jonathan Lawson 0191 908 7835 

12 



Parochial Church Council of
Newcastle, St Gabriel.
Financial Report
for the Year Ended
31 December 2024

st
Financial Review of the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Voluntary Income continues to be our main source of income amounting to more than £86,000 before grants and
insurance claim. The Parish Giving Scheme IPGS} enables the contributor to set up a regular direct debit with or
without gift aid which is collected by the scheme. A lump sum is paid into to our bank each month followed by the
Gift Aid. As a result only two monthly entries need to be recorded reducing the workload of the treasurer. Having
promoted the PGS we still gladly receive Banker's Orders and weekly envelopes.
We were remembered by Eric Horner with a legacy of over £72,000 which will be carefully controlled and wisely
spent.
Grants were received from Northumberland Historic Church Trust (£5,000) and The National Churches Trust (£4,000)
towards the cost of repairs to the North West Porch. We also received grants under the Listed Places of Worship
Grants Scheme to cover the VAT on roof repairs as well as the Ilghtlng.
Insurance claims for repairs to the tower roof and the theft of lead amounting to £22,000 were met by our insurers,
Ecclesiastical.
We continue to considerable beneflt from rent and user contributions for the Vestry, Parish Centre and Swlndon
Terrace.
The cost of repairs to the Church building was in excess of £29,000 and a further £4,900 was spent on repointing the
Parish Centre. £2.000 was spent on a new printer/copier machine.
Work on the rewiring and new lighting was completed in April. The total cost was £181,527. Including consultanys
fees. VAT of £30,000 was recovered.
Despite the above we were still able to make a contribution of £70,000 to the Parish Share.
l)etai15 of the funds held in the Designated and Restrlcted accounts are broken down and detailed in note 3 of the
main accounts. Additional information relating to the Friends of St Gabriel's, the Choral Fund and the Choir Club
appear on page 8.
February 2025

Parochial Church Council of Newcastle, St Gabriel.
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Notes
Unrestrlcted
Funds
Designated
Funds
Restrlcted
Funds
Total
Funds
2023
Incoming ResourrAS
Voluntary Income
Planned Giving inc PGS
Gift Aid Recovered (PG)
Open Plate Collections
Gift Aid Recovered (Other)
Legacies. Donations & Gift Days
Granls & Insurance Claim
53,197
12,800
7,418
2,881
9.990
36,442
122,728
53,197
12,800
7,418
2,881
82,016
67.048
225.360
51,818
11,697
6,646
2,563
90,663
30,776
194,163
72,026
30,606
30,606
72,026
Activities for Generating Funds
Mission Activities
Magazine Receipts
Events Inc Festivals
6,879
6,879
588
6719
534
588
588
6,879
7,467
7,253
Income from Church Activities
Vestry and Church Users
Parish Centre
Wedding & Funeral Fees
7,897
31,970
3.528
43,395
7,897
31,970
3,528
43,395
9,732
34,044
3,596
47,372
Incom• from Investments
Rent
Interest
10,018
420
10,438
10.018
4,758
14,776
6,902
4,876
11,778
4,323
4.323
15
15
Other Incomlng Resources
Tlf from Designated
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES
Resources Expended
Church Activities
Mlssionary & Charitable Giving
Diocesan Parish Share
Clergy Expenses (inc 'phone)
Clergy Council Tax & Water
Church & Vestry Running Costs
Church Administration
Parish Centre Running Costs
Parish Centre Administration
Organists & Choral Director
Education
59,362
96,862
59,362
350,360
177,149
76,349
260,566
li
112
70,000
571
2,509
81,021
7,354
17,275
2,374
5,026
900
187,142
6,535
6,647
70,￿0
571
2.509
263,572
7,354
17,275
2,374
9,507
8,454
388,263
7,467
70,000
683
2,341
163.932
8,041
7.991
2.140
6,811
487
269,893
66,466
116.085
4.481
7.554
134.655
66.466
Cost of Generating Funds
Events
maintenan￿ & Costs of Let Ppty
Magazine
1,634
324
1,958
189,100
-11,951
1,634
324
1,958
390,221
-39.861
1,062
234
1,296
271,189
-10,623
TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED
NET INCOMING (OUTGOING)
RESOURCES
Bank & Deposit Account at 1 Jan
Bank & Deposit Account at 31 Dec
66,466
9,883
134.655
-37,793
32,829
20,878
67,973
77,856
47,086
9,293
147,888
108,027
131,328
120,705

Parochial Church Council of Newcastle. St Gabriel.
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Statement of Assets & Liabilities
Unrestricted
Funds
Designated
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Notes
Total Funds
Cash Funds
Bank Currenl Accounts
CCLA
4,659
3,045
74,811
9,293
16,997
74,811
16,219
108,027
Monmouthshlre Bl . Soc
16,219
20,878
77,856
9,293
Other Moneta Assets
Gift Aid Recoverable
I,ooi
886
21
191
1.213
1,213
191
Investment Assets
Assets for Church Use
Freehold Land & Bld s
750,000
750,000
Liabilities
Insurance
7,340
7,340
The attached notes on pages 5 -8 fomi part of these financial statements
Approved by the Parochial Church Council on
Signed on their beh
fby:
Canon Fr Jonatha
Chainnan
H Lawso

Parochial Church Council of Newcastle, St Gabriel
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
The financial statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations
2011 using the Receipts & Payments basis.
Fixed assets retained for church use are the Parish Centre and the freehold house at 33 Swindon Terrace at
an estimated valuation.
The movements in the designated and restricted funds during the year were:
Bal.Blfwd
Pa
ments
Bal. Clfwd
Desi
nated
57,665
1,753
71,206
2,725
665
54,490
6,386
1,090
4,928
64,820
3,045
5,063
77.856
Erlc's Le
Friends
Fabric
1,410
8,898
67,973
76,349
66.466
Restricted
Mission Fund
htin
Toilet
Music
Choral
Choir Club
3,049
35,135
6,879
80,300
6,535
115,435
3,393
382
15
3,466
6,202
96,862
397
4.084
7,554
134,005
1,369
6,501
46,436
751
5.149
9,293
Other
Baby & Toddler
4,792
1352
2573
3570
The Rudge Legacy is distributed at the discretlon of the Vicar and Church Wardens as needs arise. It has been used
towards the cost of the new lighting and will be required when the retentlon payment is due.
We have been fortunate to receive a legacy from the estate of Eric Horner which has been used to purchase Rose
Garments and a Book of Common Worship.
The Fabric fund is set aside to cover repairs and Maintenan￿ costs over £5(N).
The Friends of St Gabriel's group was formed during 2021 to promote wider interest in the work of the church. In
2024 it has paid for Bell repairs, Loan of display boards, Hymn books and printing. See last page.
The Mission Fund represents donations and fund raising activities which is distributed amongst charities at home and
abroad on a regular basis.
The Restoration Fund has been withdrawn and used towards the new lighting.
The Toilet fund was set up to hold funds raised for the renovation of the church toilets and has been used for this.
The Music Fund provided for the purchase of choral muslc for use by the choir and has been so used.
The Choral Fund covers the 5ervice5 of our Choral Director in developing choral music and expanding the choir.
The Choir Club fund has been created to receive monies and pay the costs of providing musical training for young
people.
The Baby & Toddler financial summary is as shown.

Open Plate Collections comprise:
2024
608
iii
2023
642
56
Baptism Collection
Funeral Collection
Digital
Loose Collections
Parish Breakfast
Wedding Colls
1070
3987
1203
1318
3497
897
439
236
7,418
6,646
5.Legacles Donatlons & Glft Days
General
Designated
72,026
Legacies
Donations
Book of Remembrance
Patronal Festival
Prayer Candles
4,977
80
4,340
593
9,990
72,026
6. Church & Vestry Running Costs:
Unrestricted
Funds
11,436
8,476
50,391
4,342
2,140
1,875
833
Designated
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total
Funds
11,436
8,476
232,942
4,342
2,140
1,875
833
1,528
263,572
2023
3,920
8,228
142,425
4,091
2,140
1.257
605
1,266
163,932
Church HLW
Church Insurance
Church Malntenance
Music & Organ Maintain
Vestry Cleaning
Vestry Gas
Vestry Maintenance
Wine Wafer Candles
66,466
116,085
1,528
81,021
66,466
116,085
7. Church Administration:
Unrestricted
Funds
1,657
5,350
347
Designated
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Totsl
Funds
1,657
5,350
347
2023
2,142
5,638
261
Printin
& Statione
Salaries
Tele hone
7,354
7,354
8.041
8. parish Centre Adminlstration:
Unrestricted
Funds
2,200
174
Designated
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total
Funds
2,200
174
2,374
2023
1880
Salaries
Tele
one
260
2,374
2140

9. Parish Centre Running Costs:
Unrestrlcted
Funds
2,546
6,207
1,099
7,423
17,275
Deslgnated
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total
Funds
2,546
6,207
1,099
7,423
17,275
2023
2,140
2.702
984
2,165
7.991
Parish Centre Cleaning
Parish Centre HLW
Parish Centre Insurance
Parish Centre Main'ce
10. Misslon Income and Distribution:
Income
Cake Stsll
Christmas services
Summer Fayre
Famity Fund & Food
Appeals
Winter Wonderland
Donatlon
Glft Aid
2024
492
662
2023
91
578
1862
2,296
250
720
i)
147
2738
258
320
2,889
246
50
6,879
6,720
Distribution
Cedarwood Trust
Co
meela Communi
Church Arm
Action Foundation
Le
ros
Mission
Licenced Readers
Ma
ate House
Mission to Seafarers
Newcastle Women's Ald
Northbrian Deaf fiAission
Peo
le's Kitchen
P.l.C.A.
U.S.P.G
2024
240
200
120
200
2023
240
200
120
2￿
120
120
35
70
35
70
60
185
120
135
150
500
185
120
135
150
500
187
200
70
150
350
259
150
Turkey
Societ of St Francis
Chan
in
Lives
Church Urban Fund
Martha & Ma
Gaza
Misslon Initiative
West End Refu
Haven Tyneside
Feeding Families
Launchpad
Ma s Meals
Ex
enses and E
ui
ment
MSF
Chrislmas 2023
Famil Food & Fun
200
70
150
350
160
150
Gaza
ees
180
150
600
600
600
120
662
408
150
150
650
650
650
233
578
451
MNE
Alzeimers
Save the Chlldren
Street Games
6.535
7,013

Friends of St Gabriel
Receipts and Payments
For the year ended 31 December 2024
2024
2023
Income
Donations
Gift Aid
Membership
Events and sales
277
250
1,018
1,180
327
162
980
2,725
1,469
Payments
Bell Repair
Display Boards
Hymn Books
Notice Boards
Printing
Shield
Trimmer
-800
-25
-196
-1,128
-69
-75
-363
-1,090
-1,566
Total for year
1,635
-97
Fund5 at 31 December 2023
Income for 2024
Less Outgoings
Funds at 31 December 2024
1410
2725
-1090
3045
Choral
Attount
For the year ended 31 December 2024
Choir Club
For the year ended 31 December 2024
Income
Donations
Gift Aid
3,066
400
Income
Fees
605
5500
97
Grants
Donations
3,466
6202
Expenses
Salary
-4,084
-4,084
Expense5
Refreshments
Tuition
-214
-7340
Surplus/ Deficit
-618
-7554
-1352
Surplus/Deficit
Balance at 1st January 2024
1369.14
-618
751
6501
-1352
5149
Balance at 31 December 2024

CHARITY COMM15510N
FOR ENGLANO AND WALES
Independent examiner's report on the
accounts
Section A
Independent Examiner's Report
Report to the trusteesl
members of
Ecclesiastical Parish of St Gabriel, Heaton, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
On accounts for the year
ended
316t December, 2024
Charity no
(if any)
1130736
Set out on pages
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above
charity ("the Trust") for the year ended 31" December, 2024
Responsibilties and
basls of report
As the charity's trustees. you are responsible for the preparation of the
accounts in accordan￿ with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011
('the Act.).
I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried out
under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carying out my examination, I
have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charty Commission
under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have
examinerfs statement come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me
cause to believe that in, any malerial respect:
the accounting records were not kept In accordance With section 130
of the Charities Act: or
the accounts did not accord wlth the accounting records,. or
the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements
concernlng the fonm and content of accounts set out in the Charities
(Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement
that the accounts give a Irue and fair. view which is not a matter
considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection
with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in
order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Date:
16th May. 2025
Signed:
Name..
Julian Brown
Relevant professional
qualification(s) or body
(if any):
Not Applicable
Address:
19, Manor Road, Tynemouth
IER
Oct 2018

North Shields. Tyne and Wear.
NE30 4RJ
Section B
Disclosure
Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concem
(see CC32. Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and
guidance for examiners).
Give here brief details of
any items that the
examiner wishes to
dlsclose.
No Items to disclose.
IER
Oct 2018

## **Independent examiner's report on the accounts** 

## **Section A                        Independent Examiner’s Report** 

|**Report to the trustees/**<br>**members of**|Charity Name<br>Ecclesiastical Parish of St Gabriel, Heaton, Newcastle-upon-Tyne|Charity Name<br>Ecclesiastical Parish of St Gabriel, Heaton, Newcastle-upon-Tyne|Charity Name<br>Ecclesiastical Parish of St Gabriel, Heaton, Newcastle-upon-Tyne|
|---|---|---|---|
|||||
|**On accounts for the year**|.|**Charity no**||
|**ended**|31stDecember, 2024|**(if any)**|1130736|
|||||
|**Set out on pages**|4 - 8|||



I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31[st] December, 2024 **Responsibilties and** As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the **basis of report** accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”). 

I report in respect of my examination of the Charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. 

**Independent** I have completed my examination.  I confirm that no material matters have **examiner's statement** come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: 

- the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or 

- the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or 

- the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. 

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 in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. 

**Date:** 16[th] May, 2025 

**Signed: Name:** Julian Brown **Relevant professional** Not Applicable **qualification(s) or body (if any):** 

**Address:** 19, Manor Road, Tynemouth 

**Oct 2018** 

1 

**IER** 



North Shields, Tyne and Wear. NE30 4RJ 

## **Section B                           Disclosure** 

Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners). 

**Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose** . 

No Items to disclose. 

**Oct 2018** 

2 

**IER**