## **Christ Church Sowerby Bridge End of Year Financial Statements Year ending 31 December 2023** 



Registered Charity Number 1131180 



## 2023 Annual Report 

## **Aim and Purposes** 

The PCC of Christ Church has the responsibility of promoting the whole mission of the Church in the ecclesiastical parish of Sowerby Bridge. This includes pastoral care, social engagement with the community, and ecumenical working with Christians Together in Sowerby Bridge.  We work closely with and provide foundation governors to Christ Church VA Junior School on Park Road, Sowerby Bridge.  Pupils receive an education promoting Christian values, based on Christian principles and on the Anglican foundation of the school. 

## **Objectives and Activities** 

Our mission promotes living out our faith as part of our parish community. We are: 

## **Ordinary people sharing God’s love in our world.** 

## **Growing in faith; Living by prayer; Loving God’s word.** 

## Our values are: **To be Living,    Loving,     Learning   and   Confident,    Growing,     Changing** 

To facilitate this work it is important that the PCC maintain the fabric of Christ Church, our Grade 2 listed building for which we are responsible. This has historic significance and is a prominent feature in the conservation area, at the centre of Sowerby Bridge.  We cooperate with Calderdale Council to maintain our closed graveyard, contributing a regular Gardening Group of volunteers from both church and community to make a green oasis for the community to enjoy. 

In September 2023 we were delighted to welcome Revd Tommy Daglish and his family to Christ Church Sowerby Bridge, on the busiest weekend for our community: the 2 day Rushbearing Festival. They were welcomed by representatives of church, other churches, local schools, community groups and civic leaders. 

## **Vicar’s Report** 

This report only covers the period from September, but it was clear from the moment we arrived how much work had been done throughout the year. I want to start by saying “Thank you” to everyone who helped out during interregnum and who made my transition here so easy. Our family has been made to feel so welcome. I mentioned this to a few people but the day we moved here was difficult as we were leaving behind many friends, our Church and schools. The next day we went to Church (unannounced) and felt at home. People feel that sense of belonging when they come here, we must never take that for granted. I was going to thank individuals but worried I will miss someone out. We need to 



keep that good working going as we move past interregnum and transition. Churches everywhere are faced with the choice of a vicious circle of decline or a virtuous cycle of growth. As we grow the work should become easier as the number of volunteers increase. I don’t want going to Church to be a chore however, in fact quite the opposite: I want it to be a place where people feel alive. Jesus said I came so you may have life and have it more abundantly and that is what we want people to feel in Church. 

It is important to know that we all have a calling. God has given us gifts and did not give us them for us to hide them. When I ask people about volunteering or leading I sometimes get the response – “it’s not my place”. But Church is your place! It is the place where the you that God made, should flourish. To do that, we need to be bold. Boldness and Church growth go together. I have many books littering my shelves about the secrets to Church growth but I think it’s simple – tell people. Tell people you’re going to Church, what we have on and more importantly about Jesus. When we came to Sowerby Bridge people recommended good places to eat (and even places to avoid). This was the best guide for us. The same is true for Church so here is the challenge. Tell one person a week about Church and/or Jesus and invite at least one person a month to come with you to a service. People are aware of the struggle and pain of life – a crucifixion mind-set. What we offer is a resurrection mind-set. We have something everyone needs and it’s hard to find anywhere else but through faith – HOPE.  So let people know that they are God’s beloved, but also know it yourself. 

There have been various groups started throughout the year. It has been impressive to see the “knit and natter” start so quickly and run so well, and seeing the Gardening club is great. The Bible study has brought out lots of interesting conversations and insight, and the growth of Movie Night has been amazing. I remember sitting in December watching Nativity with about 12 others thinking – this isn’t going to work. All age has been really rewarding and is an easy service to invite people to. In February we had 41 adults and 16 children in Church. I hoped this was a glimpse in to the future but numbers continue to fluctuate. Numbers aren’t the be all and end all, but it is so amazing to see the Church full. 

We have welcomed new family into Church and followed them on their journey to Confirmation. New family is such a blessing to us and it is great to see people become a part of Church so quickly. Looking forward we are starting Messy Church in May and I am hoping to arrange a holiday club during the summer. I am also working with Trinity Academy Grammar to try and provide something for older children to attend. I want to increase visits to our congregation members who can’t attend services and make sure people in hospital get regular visits. To do this we will need a team of people as my diary can get full some months more than others. It has been a real joy to visit the local primary schools and get to know the staff there. Everyone in the schools is working so hard and the Head Teachers at Christ Church and Bolton Brow are fantastic. I started weekly assemblies at Christ Church. The children really engage with the service and there is a genuine interest in the faith.  I’m also a governor. 



Financially I feel that things are going well and through a lot of hard work by you we have been able to pay off our sound system. We now need to find a way to make that investment make money for us. Money is an awkward thing to talk about but if we are to do God’s work we need resources. Like the workload, we need the financial burden spread out otherwise it is the same people paying every time. To do this we need to seek help from our community. I want everyone in Sowerby Bridge to come to Church and be transformed, but I know realistically that is unlikely. However, I still want to serve everyone in our community. If we are asking people for donations, we need to make sure we are giving them their monies worth so movie night, kids club, knit and natter etc. all help. We are commanded to love our neighbour, and this is not meant to be a long distance relationship, but rather we are to journey alongside them and understand their needs. 

Going forward I want us to think about Mary and Martha. I mentioned in the beginning about work, but we can never let that distract us from taking time to stop and listen. I will be starting a prayer group soon and there will be long periods of silence for you to stop, think and hear what God has put on your heart. It has been such a blessing as we have gotten to know each other that people have started telling me their stories. This is my favourite part of ministry and I hope this continues throughout the next year. 

Revd Tommy Daglish 



**Achievements and Performance 2023** 

## _**Growing in Faith – through worship and prayer**_ 

At the annual meeting in 2023 our Electoral Roll fell to 51: 8 new people were added and 5 were removed. The percentage of members living within the parish is unchanged and stands at 39%, and we continue to provide our “Live Streaming” service to housebound members to view via our You Tube channel. Our WhatsApp Prayer and Support group continues to be a way of sharing news and keeping in touch. 

In November we launched our first  “All age service” on the 1[st] Sunday in the month, for families and anyone new to church, which is now attracting more people including some from our local schools.  As a result our Junior Church has grown to 13 regular attenders who teaching us new songs with actions. They work in two age groups to discuss the 3 ‘big’ questions related to the reading, and share their artwork. They also set a weekly challenge for the whole congregation to follow. 

During 2023 for the community, we have: 

- Baptised 4 children welcoming them into our church; 

- Married 2 couples; 

- Held 3 funeral services in church. Other funerals at the crematorium were conducted by local clergy. 

Our Mothers Union met 8 times for interesting discussions and during the year supported the local hospital with emergency toiletry bags, and knitted garments and blankets for the premature baby unit. 

## _**Sharing God’s love in our world, our parish and our community**_ 

Deanery Synod representatives have reported back on their 3 meetings with news from the Diocese and Deanery. One of the major issues was the acceptance of "Prayers of Blessing" for people of same sex civil marriages. Also discussed was the cost of living crisis, with the feeling that the General Synod, by debating this and other subjects and by putting our voice to it, could send a message to the Government about major issues and encourage that the best possible action be taken. A session from Christians in Calderdale schools (CICS) was followed by the new chaplain at Trinity Academy Halifax. She outlined her future plans for pastoral work across the school staff and its 1600 children with staff prayers, church visits, closer ties with local charities, bible class, and student church within the school day.  They also welcomed Bishop Smitha to address the meeting. At Christ Church we once again provided all our year 6 leavers from Christ Church CE VA Junior School, with a gift of a cross together with the “Moving On” booklet from Scripture Union to help their transition to secondary education.  PCC continue to donate monthly to the work of CICS, contributing towards a schools worker’s salary to reach the 95% of children not in contact with a church. 



- a) Children’s events.   We continue to host our local schools for their special services at Christmas, Easter and for Summer leavers service. In September we helped CICS by supplying one person to join a “faith panel” where students could question how they lived out their faith. The pupils then visited church to ask Revd Tommy about his role as a vicar. 

Our Rainbow and Brownie groups continued to thrive and it was with great joy that on 17[th] April 2023 our Guiding group re-formed with four girls. Initially they met at the same time as Brownies working together whilst Captain got back up to speed with the programme and in September numbers grew to six. The joint Guides/ Brownies pack holiday at Waddow was a success and the girls enjoyed zip wire, giant inflatables and sang along at the campfire. It was also fully catered so no cooking and cleaning for leaders. 

In the autumn Guides started work on the Natural Remedies badge learning about ingredients in cosmetics and toiletries. They also visited the local library, getting their first library card to check out a book and ended the year with Christmas crafts and a party. 

- ’ 

- b) Adults support for those lonely, isolated or visiting the town. Our Digital Café continues to be popular each Tuesday and we believe it is now the only free “drop in” session available locally. We  open for community coffee mornings every Saturday, and before Christmas expanded opportunities to meet with a fortnightly Knit and Natter group on Tuesday afternoons for those enjoying crafting. Many Christmas angels were created as gifts. 

- c) Support for those in food or fuel poverty In January we extended the hours of our two coffee mornings to become a “Warm Space”. With the help of a grant from Community Foundation Calderdale we made the church warmer, draught free and welcoming with extra things to do and more hot drinks and snacks options. The most appreciated support came from families in need at the 3 primary schools in our parish.  Requests for warm coats, shoes, laundry costs and emergency food used more than 50% of the total. We also signposted people to the weekly “Winter Warmer” free Sunday lunch, which even now is continuing all year round as the “Sunday Get Together”. To help families with stretched budgets we launched our first “Family Film Night” completely free, with hotdogs and drinks for a full cinema experience. 

- d) Seasonal services We “Lit up Christ Church with Love” for Mothering Sunday, and held a pancake party before the solemnity of Ash Wednesday.  Revd Tommy’s installation took place the evening before Rushbearing and he received the rushes alongside Bishop Smitha who later returned to celebrate Harvest Festival with us breaking bread as a family with a home baked loaf. We also celebrated Creationtide, and God’s generosity to us during Generosity Week and again giving donations of money and school materials to CART. In December we welcomed Mr Christingle who was very deflated upon arrival but after being filled with “balloons of joy” by all the people present, he left with his light shining to share to love of Jesus. All donations went towards the work of the Children’s Society. 

- e) Community events We held several fun and fundraising events:  Quiz night, History talk and repeating our “virtual” eco-friendly balloon race.  For Rushbearing we hosted a “Craft Fair” with a variety of local “makers” and raised almost £1,200 towards the final Sound System 



payment. A similar figure was raised at the Christmas Fair.  Local traders on the main street asked for carol singing on the Saturday before Christmas and our song group handed out knitted Christmas angels to families passing and also received cash donations. 

The Heritage Action Zone project is complete: Sowerby Bridge Fire and Water now provide creative activities from their renovated building and we still collaborate with them. For Heritage Open Day a local artist helped us mount an exhibition: “Creativity Unwrapped”. She led a family junk modelling workshop, using domestic plastic waste to sculpt “sea creatures” and print greetings cards from bubble-wrap, highlighting the growing problem of plastic waste in our seas. 

## _**Improving our environment/appearance**_ 

Since 2017 we have been working through the Arocha Eco Church model. Having made improvements in the building in 2023 we focussed on community engagement and bio-diversity in the graveyard. We participated in Plantlife’s “No Mow May”, and entered the Great Yorkshire Churchyard Creature Count. This led to winning a Wildlife Gardening Award from the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and we were finally awarded an Eco Church Silver Award in July 2023. 


The gardening group have also worked hard to cut back encroaching turf and completely clear the path to the East Gate. This has removed much moss and also made it less uneven. 

Our church’s carbon emissions are shown in the table below. We remain in the lowest 10% of churches in the country for our annual total impact. 

||2023|2022|
|---|---|---|
|Gross CO2 emissions ( Tonnes)|13.6|13.7|
|Net CO2 emissions & percentile rank|1.8|1.8|
|No. of hours church is open each week<br>(averaged across the whole year)|9|8|



## _**Maintaining Christ Church -a grade II listed building**_ 

The church wardens consulted our inspecting architect for advice on maintenance of the community room flooring and potential modification to the front of church during 2023. The two vestries were re-organised and flooring has been repainted. Minor repairs were made to the community room boiler and toilets. A full clean and declutter of the church was carried out in August 2023, when  old inventories, service registers and PCC minutes were deposited within the West Yorkshire Archives at Wakefield.  Risk assessments have been 



carried out in the church and churchyard and regular testing and servicing or maintenance done on equipment. 

Calderdale Council have responsibility for the Churchyard and have maintained it during the year with the help of the monthly gardening team. The wardens ensure  fall pipes and soakaways are cleared to ensure rainwater does not incur any damage. Together Housing have removed and disposed of all brambles, self set trees and waste. 

The terrier and inventory of assets has been updated so that it is an accurate and up-to-date assessment of Christ Church and the churchyard. The Wardens would like to record their thanks to everyone who has given of their time freely, those in unseen roles which are, nevertheless, vital to the smooth running of the Church. All this forms part of our work and witness to our community and beyond. 

## _**Communication**_ 

As more people use digital media, old ways of communicating are being updated so that we engage more effectively with our community. A full overhaul of our subscriptions and digital providers, including migrating to a network, was made possible by a Ward Forum grant and the IT skills of one of our members.  This is largely unseen but saves us money, improves resilience, gives us clearer projection and has made it easier for the organist, vicar and other presenters to interact with the congregation. Our YouTube subscribers continue to increase with 2.3k views. Our Facebook “reach” was down on 2022, but “follows” have doubled, and “visits” during the year rocketed to over 6000. 

## _**Structure, governance and management**_ 

PCC have met 9 times during 2023 with a mixture of topics to discuss.  These have included finances, Parish Share payments, sound system instalments, utility contracts, fund raising, and Eco Church. We thank Paul and Helen for their expertise in the financial field. 

There have been two safeguarding concerns this year. Both have been correctly reported, contact was made with the diocese, advice was followed, and successfully concluded. 

During the interregnum we held an away day where we worked together to produce a Parish Profile for a new Vicar.  The day went really well and we were pleased with the final advertisement.   Many members took on extra responsibilities during the interregnum and we thank them most sincerely for keeping the Church open and our congregation together. We all gave a sigh of relief mixed with excitement upon the appointment of Revd Tommy and his family.  Under his leadership we continue to share God’s love in our community. 

## _**Administrative information**_ 

Christ Church is situated on Wharf Street, Sowerby Bridge postcode HX6 2LW. It is part of the Diocese of Leeds, within the Church of England.  The correspondence address is: 

The Vicarage, 62 Park Road, Sowerby Bridge, HX6 2BJ, or via the website at www.christchurchsb.org.uk     or info@christchurchsb.org.uk 

Our Facebook page is www.facebook.com/Christchurchsb 



The PCC is a body corporate (PCC Powers Measure 1956, Church Representation Rules 2006) and the method of appointment of its members is set out under these rules. We encourage everyone in Christ Church to register on the electoral roll and stand for election to the PCC. At 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. There are no paid employees but training costs and travel have been reimbursed and occasional office fees are paid at the Church of England annual rates e.g. at funerals, to church members, including members of PCC. 

The PCC is also a charity registered with the Charities Commission, Registration number 1131180.  PCC members who have served from 1 January 2022 until the date this report was approved are: 

## Ex Officio Members 

|**Incumbent**|**Revd Tommy Daglish  (installed 1 Sept 2023)**|**Chairman**|
|---|---|---|
|**Wardens**|**Peter Henry                (re-elected 14 April 2024)**||
||**David Gill                    (re-elected 14 April 2024)**||
|**Elected**|||
|**Members**|||
||**Paul Healey**|**Treasurer**|
||**Helen Pedley  (Acting Chair to 31 August 2023)**|**Vice chair, Data protection lead**|
||**Anthea Gee**|**Secretary & Deanery Synod Rep**|
||**Angela Wilkins**|**Deanery Synod Rep**|
||**Graham Lamb**||
||**Kevin Henry**||
||**Ian Ross**||
||**Sarah Towler**||
||**Janet Turner               (re-elected 14 April 2024)**||
||**Susan Sanderson             (retired 14 April 2024)**||



This summary review of the year’s activities given to members at the APCM was approved by the PCC on the 17[th] June 2024. 

It is to be read in conjunction with the attached financial review, notes and examined financial statements for 2023, approved on 27th March 2024. 

Signed on their behalf by: 


PCC Chairman 



Christ Church Sowerby Bridge
Financial Statements
Year ending 31 December 2023
Christ Church
Serving Sowerby Bridge since 1821
Page I

Financial Review 2023
Income ActNities and G
2023 saw a new chapter in church history opening in January with a PCC away day to prayerfully
prepare our Parish Profi58 and job advertisement for a new priest. With the help of our patron Hilary
and Archdeacon Bill we were successful in attracting Rev Tommy Daglish and his family lo the
parish. Tommy was instslled by Bishop Nick Baines as priest in charge on 1 September. We are
extremely grateful to local and retired clergy and lay ministers Ytho helped us continue our regular
seplices during the 8 months of interregnum. particularly ministers officiattng for services at the
crematorium. At Christ Church this year ￿ Celebrated 4 baptisms, 2 weddings and 3 church family
funerals.
From January the £1,900 cost of living grant awarded in 2023 hew. us extend our opening hours
for Digital Café and Coffee moming to be a designated Warm Space. for anyone to use. The grant
also funded meets'ng emergency needs for families in our local schools and this proved to be the
main source of help requested. We had several requests to launder or buy new items of school
unrform, travel costs and food because there bvas nothing left after paying for heats'ng. From April,
this pressure eased and we resumed usual adivitses. We continue to connect with the parish
through social media signposting infomiation from other charities to h￿hlight what help is available.
and working with Other churches charities to benefft everyone in So￿ErbY Bridge.
sin￿ Rev Tommy's arrival ￿ have tegun making new conneclions. particulatl
wFth our schools,
and in meeting more school families. We now offer an All Age Sèrv* on the 1 Sunday in the
month suitable for anyone new to church, and have just experimented with offering a free Family .
Film Night showing classic children's movtes e.g. Paddington.
We remain reliant on and very grateful to all our regular stewardship givers: having a reliable £1,400
per month enables us to budget and plan. We are grateful to everyone who supports us with
donations through our card reader. websiie or in cash at our ServI￿S and a¢tivitEs. Our
unrestricted giving held steady despite interregnum vthich was encouraging, and raised over
£3,000 through Rushbearing, Chrislmas fairs and refreshrnent donations to almost match last year's
trading activities.
In February we will be launching a new stewardship review for church members wrth a strong focus
on paying as much as we can towards the 2024 Parish share. We'll also introduce communty
activities to attract more people to visit and support church e.g. through a Knit and Natter group,
quiz nights and sp￿la1 events.
The 2023 DI0￿san Parish share request rose once again, this time to £29,349: an increase of
5.4 % . We had thought y￿ woukj not be able to match the amount we sent in 2022 towards the
request. However, after paying the final instalment towards the Sound system £8.683, we
concentrated on increasing our giving towards the parish share. In 2023 we sent £11.000 to the
Diocese which was more in actual temis than 2022's payments but the percentage paid fell to 37¥0.
At our APCM after vratting for previous regular members to retum to church we removed those who
no longer attend from our electoral roll and worshipping communty. This fall in numbers and the
application of the deprivation index has resulted in a I0￿r request for 2024 to £22,882 (a fall of
22Yo) This is still stretching bLrt a N*Elcome revsetting of expectations. Our major expenditure is
always insurance (over £5,400 for our grade11 listed building) and utility bills. Despite fixing our
rates in early 2022 ¥￿ spent £4,560 on power, 75% being on gas in the wnter months. These high
Page 2

overheads hamper our efforts to increase the amount of share can pay and we are seeking
grant funding more often to help with rna1ntenan￿, and pnjning our budgets or seeking donations
for activities. We have still not reinstated our regular monthly giving except for the usual £300 p.a. to
Christians in Calderdale Schools, which helps fund their actNtties and pay their staff. We continue
to host two special services to assist our indNidual membets to generously donate. These are for
CART at Harvest Festival and The Chiklren's Society at Christingle.
Summa
The arrival of our new piiest has given us confidenc8 to ty different adivities and events, to lead
our church into growth, and deeper engagement with the schools and organisations in the parish. It
remains our strategy that our church member5, donations will primarily pay our Parish Share whilst
V￿ wtll hold fundraising events and put on ￿MMUnty activtties to generate funds to meet the
building's running costs. We remain thankful that the Diocese does not request payment of affeafs
from previous years until the currenl year Can be paid in fvll. The PCC aim to in¢rease the
percentsge paid year on year until ￿ can meet the full totsl requested every year.
Page 3

INDEPENDEKf EXAWJINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF CHRIST CHURCH SOWERBY
BRIDGE, PAROCIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023, which are set out on pages 5 to 10
Re8pectlve responsibilities of Tru8t008 and Independ•nt Examiner
As trustees of the charity, the members of the Parochial Church Council are responsible for the
preparation of the accounts. The members ￿nSider thal an audit is not required for this year (under
Section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (The 2011 Act)) and that an independent exarnination is
needed.
It is my responsibilty lo..
examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act"
to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions gI￿n by the Charrty Commission
under section 145<5)(b) of the 2011 Act); and
to state whether particular matters have c(xne to my attention.
Basis of Indep8ndent Examinerfs Statement
My examination was carried out in ac(X}rdan￿ with General Directions given by the Charty
Commission. An examination indudes a review of the aco)unting records kept by the charity and a
comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also indudes consideration of any
unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the twstees
conceming any such matters. The pro(Edures undertaken do not provide all the evidence thal
would be required in an audiL and consequenuy no opinion is given as to whether the accounts
present a and fairf view arKI the report is limrted to those matters set out in the ststement
below.
Ind•p•ndent Examln•fs statement
In connection %*ith of my examination, material matters have corne to my attention which give me
reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect,
accounting records V￿re not kept in aC(X)rdan￿ with section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
the accounts do not a(£ord those records
I have no con*ms ar¥J have come across no other matters in connection the examinatFon to
which attention shoukl be drawn in this report in order to enabEe a proper understanding of the
accounts to be reached.
Martin Ma¢donald FCA
Broad Head ErKI
Cragg Vale
Hebden Bridge
Date 28 March 2024
Page 4

Statement of Flnanclal Actlvllles
Unr¢strirt¢d DesigD8te41 Rt5tri¢t¢d Ehdovment
foDds
rRnds
fvnds
Totsl Prior year
d$ total funds
Income and endowmertsfr(ffj:
tk)nations and ￿g80£
Incom8 from charit8tikn ac*vthg
Othertrading
In¥8stsn8nts
Totsl inGomo
27.386
975
Z112
30.558
97$
4,178
80.233
1,3¥J
473
35,992
61581
Expend￿￿• on:
RS￿ing lund8
Expenditure on chaitabkn ￿thrt
Total exp8ndi￿re
143
31.778
31
237
2.349
36.956
39AOS
10.163
10267
41829
11A4n
tr4nsf•r
16M361
27376
TTar
Gross tFarnsfers fvnd5_ in
Gross t18nSfe￿ bekneen fijnds. ort
w reGognfjs8d gains I k)55e5
701
701
17011
42,973
142,9731
(1011
461
145181
16.8361
27,275
Tolal lunts ￿￿ght10￿¥aVd
J1216
lion
Totsi fvnds wrlodforward
1725
4n7
31518
Ger*rallund
3,810
Deslgnated
Bullying Resems
3.T25
3.725
BuildirKJ Grants-
Communty SuFWrtgrarts
Fkntr Fund
Opjan Repair FUTh
2.655
4,￿5
241
20280
I,t52
1.252
142
241
20.280
1,152
175
20,fyJO
1.102
1.287
Re50urung Mln
Small project fund £3k
Soufyj Sy51em
142
1,495
Page 5

Balance sheet
G¢Aer*l
8ttd ReStrIrt￿ E￿Oi1￿ent This
C8¥h otbank aTrJ kn h*MI
25.725
518
31518
LlablUO•s
218
218
24rn
32,518
39.364
1725
25.728
32,51e
39.354
725
32A16
Gener81 furKI
3.81
Buik1in9 Rweryes
3.ns
4,297
1,102
175
20,OD)
1287
851
1,495
4,855
Flo*er Fund
Organ Repalr FuTrJ
Resourdng Minwry
Small prolecifuThY £3k
Sound Sy3
Idirrtj Grafts-
Comnwrth SuFpcrflgran
241
241
1.252
142
142
FurKl• ofth•chuYth
2&n7
32.518
Page 6

Fund movement by type
Ineo
oth Trnnsfers G*iDslknsu Journa15 Cknsin
1.152
1,152
1.102
Restri(X
17S
175
241
241
Sublotsl forFIwws
Reslricbts
20 280
20.280
Su1￿10￿1 for R•Tror￿n
R95111nry. Res￿￿r￿j Mlnlstry
Restiirtsd
415
418
1.252
1262
$mai_Small wolect
41
41
142
142
Sutylotsl forswqll
1.495
SU￿10￿1 frysowd
UnrestlK*ed
3,810
4810
>).473
31.921
31.921
701
fte8lyJlld. B￿ldIng Qr*ts-
2.655
2.688
BDF. 818Mp Dwelop￿ F
sul￿b)t*1 for BOF
CSH. C•mmLtt* Suppryt gr
1.198
SubtolalforCSH
F¥brtc- Bulldlng II•Bth•
D8￿n￿ed
4297
in5
42029
518
Page 7

Analysis of incoThw and expgDdlturn
TotAI
E*dowrnEMt Th"
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donatjons and l•g•¢l
GtR Aid Bank
Grft Aid Envebpes
Other PLanned giving
Sunday o￿le(￿on$
Coll￿t￿m8 at servKe8
Spec4al appeals
Donations by pu￿[¢
Vduntsry ContiitMrtW8 to CC4t8
Grft aid irw)Jn* tax ￿Mer•I
Grants one off
15.398
471
15.8
258
3.5
1,151
230
17,037
1.980
2.455
2.229
1.458
20.426
1.151
2.307
24
216
S,405
2C
2(KJ
30,558
60.233
Incom• from Gharii•tA• activili•B
Fee$ retained by PCC
975
975
975
975
1.393
Other tradlng aedvltl
Fairs and events
Refreshments
Room hire twThr fees
Other sales
3.107
3,678
205
205
295
Total
2.112
4,178
4.949
Inv08tments
Interest R￿￿ved
INCOME TOTAL
20.4TJ
EXPENDrruRE
Rahlng funds
Cost8 offtJnd￿sin9 events
Costs ofslth¥ard8hip
121
21
143
215
21
237
2,319
Exp•ndlÉurn on charllable actl¥ltl••
Iliss￿n gMr¥J and (kJnaii(
Dior£san Comrrrtjn F￿nd
sal8￿$ wages h￿￿[10
Clergy expenses ofoffice
PCC and ¥isitiro dergy
Iricarage expen
Mi58K)n in parish
lfisuE8nL*
Church te￿
Media.Website NotSc•bo
se￿￿ supph"e9
SeNth rnu￿ liturgy rnat•ri
Admin ylnt post stalror
Admin Softwa￿ & other
Church Se￿nty tsalth 6a
Church rnaintenance ￿terior
chU￿h rnwrttenar￿ etsior
Utilty 9as
lty eWic
utilty water
C08t8 of Tfading
315
11,(
315
11.CO)
10.836
372
414
275
73
1.214
703
5.418
5,418
926
282
1.0
178
274
313
1,280
178
274
427
1,328
9,671
2.976
421
11.432
421
2.474
1.077
1,077
10.163
10.257
EXPENDMJRE TOTAL
GRAND TOTAL
31.921
42,829
fj,836
39.305
27,275
571
Page 8

Notes to the accounts 2023
l. The financial statements of the PCC have been prepared In accordance with the Church Accounting
Regulations 20Q6 using the Receipts and Payments basis.
2. The PCC Ik*s rKJt consider that it has any fixed assets. Items purchased with Brant funding and used to
maInta￿n the consecrated fabric of the church th) rKst generate income and are used to provide activities to the
community.
3. Funds-The PCC has no endowed funds. Restritted funds must be spent on the restricted purposes for which
they were given or raised. The PCC tries to focus on one major ministry and one building project at a time, but
has also intrOdU￿d a fund for"Small projects" each less than £3k.
As previous year5. projects are COMp￿ted, the ￿$tricted fvnds associated with them are dosetl and new one5
begun. In 2023 the Communty Foundation for Calderdale ICFFC} Fund for the 2022123 Winter Support
projert was closed. The Sourbd System fund remains open after the final bill was paid a5 gtft aid on donations
to it had not yet been received from HMRC. Once the wft aid is received, we will contact the individuals
involved as to their wishes for its use.
Designate(I lunds are accumulated transfers of unrestricted fund5 set aside by the PCC for use in the fubjre.
The designated bulldlng fund represents accumulated transfer of unrestrirted funds to provide a reSe￿e to
draw upon should there be major repairs needed. and forms part of our continuity plan. They remain
unrestricted and the PCC may move any surplu5 to other general funds.
4. Arrears-The 2023 request for parish share1£29,3491 could not be met in full, and £18.349 was added to our
arrears. We had alerted the Diocese that we were unliketyto exceed last yearfs payment due to meeting the
final payments for the Sound System. In the event we did match tt, but the percentage paid fell to only 37%,
Ilast year 3YA}. We are gratefrjl that the Diocese does not request payment of ar￿arS from prewou5 years
until the current year can be paid in full. The notional backlog is now £99,854 built up over 11 years.
The Diocese of Leeds Parish Share formula 15 based on the allocation of cost for cler8Yi and then adjusted for
church attendance and Social deprivation in parish. Our parish share varies each year depending on
significant changes in these three drNers. For 2024 the new share calculation has fallen by 22% to a far more
manageable request of £22,882. PCC are launching a stewardship rewew and funding campaign in Lent 2024,
with increased priority and new vigour. It is our long temi intention that we are able to pay our annual Parish
Share each year in full.
5. Analysis of Income and expenditure -clergy expense5 may include a small proportion relatlng to thelr function
as a PCC member.
6. Commttments- The PCC has now completed the payment schedule for the sound system in frjll, and now has
only one remaining commitment extending beyond a 12 month period.
On 24 March 2022 PCC entered into a new°Long Temi Undertaking and Rate stsbility Weemerbv, with its
insurers Ecclesiastical Insurance offi￿ PLC, gNing a discount of IO% and expiring on 24 March 2025. The
current basic annual payment including discount & insurance premium tax for the 12 months until 25 March
2025 is £5.713. an increase of 4% over 2022's COSL
Page 9

7. Reserves Policy- It is the P￿S polici to maintain sufficient unrestricted funds to ensure the church continues
its actSvitles, can smooth out fluctuations in cash flowto pay ts suppliers on time. and can cover emergency
situations which may arise. In the long temi it is the PCCS hope to rebuild the total reserves to coverthree
months unrestrlcted paymertrts lapproL £IO.CiKJI with £5,c￿ of this designated to maintaining the fabric of
our listed building. This designated fund És reviewed annually as part of the reserves and for its ability to be
match-funding towards grants needed for major W0￿S.
Approved by the Pccon 28 March 2024 and signed on their behalf ty:
Chair of PCC
Revd Tommy Daglish
Page 10

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF CHRIST CHURCH SOWERBY
BRIDGE. PAROCIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
I report on the aixounts for the year ernjed 31" 21r23, whth are set out on pages 5 to 10
Regpocllvo re8ponslbllltles of Tn￿t￿$ and Indopgndont Examlnor
As trustees of the charity, tr* members of the Parochial Church Council are responsible for the
preparation of the ac(yJunts. The member5 collsKleF that an audit is not required for thrs year (under
section 144(2) of the Charities Ad 2011 (Tre 2011 Act)) and that an independent examination vs
needed.
It is my responsibility to:
examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act:
to follow the procedures laid dob%m in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission
under section 145(5){b) of the 2011 ACE)," arKI
to state whetsr partI￿18r matters have come to my attention.
Basis of Indopendent Examlnerfs Statement
My examination was carried out in aC(X)rdan￿ with G￿eral Dlrections gtven by the Charty
ComTnission. An examination indudes a review of the a(x>)unting records kept by the diarity and a
comparison of the acuunts presented with those records. ft also includes consideration of any
unusual items or disclosures in the accounts. and s*king explanations from the trustees
conceming any such matters. The procedures urKlertaken do not provide all the eviden￿ tha.1
woukl be required in an a￿1( and consequenty no opinion t8 given as to thether the accounts
present a true and fairf view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement
below.
Independent Examinae$ $tatsm•nt
In connec*on with of my examination, no material matters have COFre to my attenti￿ which give me
reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect,
• accounting records were rK)t kept in acwrdance with 130 of the 2011 Nit or
. the a￿Unts do not a￿rd with those reLX)rds
I no Can￿m5 and have c(Tr a¢TOSS no oihernkn in Cl￿neCtIon Imth the examination to
which attention shoukl be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understsnding of the
aw)unts to be reached.
Martin Ma￿Onald FCA
Broad Head End
Cragg Vale
Hebden Bridge
Dat• 28 March 2024
Page 4