PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL ST MICHAEL and ST PAUL ALNWICK Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2024 Incumbent Revd Christian Mitchell St Michael's Vicarage Howling Lane Alnwick, NE66 1DH Bank Barclays Bank plc Alnwick Independent Examiner Mr George Clark FCPFA Registered Charity Number 1131297
Parochial Church Council of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2024 Annual Report of the Parish of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick 2024 Parochial Church Council 2024 The PCC is the governing body of the parish of St Michael and St Paul Alnwick. The PCC is a team made up of members of clergy and lay members of the church. Together they are responsible for the overall wellbeing. practical as well as spiritual, of their church, the church members, and the church buildings. The PCC also has a duty to promote the mission of the church within the wider communty. The PCC is also responsible for the intemal maintenance and running of the Parish Hall. The Hall is leased from the Northumberland Estate which is responsible for Ihe external fabric. Ex officio members: Chairman: Revd Christian Mitchell Churchwardens: Vacant Deanery Synod Members: {elected in 2024 for 3 years) Mrs Annette Playle Mrs Jean Darby Ms Sal Howard Elected Member8: Mrs Rosie Buxton Mr John Cooke Mr Richard Dale Dr Patty Everitt Mrs Pat Tweed Mrs Judy Jobson Mrs Susan O'Neill Mr Henry Playle Mrs Susan Trafford (re-elected in 2022 for 3 years) (re-elected in 2024 for 3 years) (re-elected in 2023 for 3 years) (elected in 2024 for 3 years) {elected in 2024 for 1 year) (elected in 2022 for 3 years) (re-elected in 2023 for 3 years) (re-elected in 2023 for 3 years) (elected in 2023 for 3 years) PCC Officer8: Vice Chairman: PCC Secretary: PCC Treasurer: Mrs Jean Darby Mrs Rosie Buxton Mr Richard Dale Assistant Church Wardens: Mrs Pat Tweed One vacancy PCC Committees and other groups: The Standing Committee is the only committee required by law. It has the power to transact the business of the PCC between meetings (subject to any directions given by the Council). Its members are Revd Christian Mitchell, Mrs Jean Darby, Mr Richard Dale and Mr Henry Playle. Clergy with permission to Officiate: Revd Canon Sue Allen, Revd Canon Philip Bourne Readers: Mr John Cooke, Mrs Annette Playle, Ms Sal Howard
Parochial Church Council of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2024 Safeguarding Officer Dr Patty Everitt Church attendance: Statistics as reported to the Diocese for 2024 (2023 figures in brackets) Baptisms 11 (15) Confirmation 1 (0) Weddings 2(6) Funerals 14 (25) in Church, and 9 (4) at the crematorium or cemetery only. Avorage attendance: 99 adults and 20 children (95 adults and 7 children) Christmas: 131 communicants, 437 attendees (126 communicants, 486 attendees) Easter: 91 communicants, 131 attendees (84 communicants, 99 attendees) People in our'knorshipping community. at the end of 2024: Total Children (Age 0-15) 13 Adults (Age 16+) 112 125 Review of the Year 2024 THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL Volunteers: We would like to thank all the volunteers who work so tirelessly to make our church the lively, welcoming and vibrant community that it is. There are many committees carrying out work in a variety of areas and many parishioners are members of more than one group. Without everybody's contribution we would not be able to keep the church running. Church and School Llnk8: The links between the Church and NCEA Harry Hotspur C of E Primary School remain strong. The Vicar is an ex-officio governor of the school. Communication: The Church website is currently suspended while we build a new one. In the meantime, we are making good use of our 'A Church Near You, site which is regularly updated with all the details of our events and services, including copies of the weekly pew sheets and posters for upcoming events. The parish magazine, 'Gateway', is normally published every month. DEANERY SYNOD - Revd Canon Alison Hardy, A8 Dean ofAlnwick During 2024 Alnwick Deanery Synod met four times: 24 February- St James URC, Alnwick The focus was on children's work in the deanery and presentations were given on Experience Easter (Amble), Schools Ministry (Chevington), Mini Michaels (Alnwick, Messy ChurGh (Warkworth), Bags of Faith (Shilbottle), Baptism Preparation (Felton)
Parochial Church Council of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st Decembor 2024 6th June - St Mary's Longframlington The meeting welcomed Revd Stephen Tranter, the Diocesan Director of Ordinands and Vocations who spoke about his role in the Diocese. 4th September- St Mary's Longframlington We welcomed Izzy McDonald-Booth, a Diocesan representative on General Synod, who spoke about the work of General Synod and its most recent meeting. Izzy emphasised the need for good governance at all levels in the Church of England. As a result of Izzy's input one of our lay vacancies on Diocesan Synod was filled. See below. 2nd November- St Michael's Alnwick Guest speaker Revd Robert Warren The morning consisted of workshops on Leading Intercessions, Reading in church, Preparing the altar, Welcoming worshippers Synod also elected Mary Elizabeth Mcllroy-Hipwell to represent our deanery at Diocesan Synod Throughout the year groups established by the Deanery Development Group have continued to work on strands of our Deanery development plan which focuses on how we can support each across the deanery by learning from each other, sharing experience and resources in 5 main areas: Leadership & Governance Mission & Pastoral Care Sustainable Buildings and churchyards Development of Lay Ministry Generous Giving Synod members attended three Deanery development "check in" events during the year including a celebratory event at the cathedral. Our monthly Deanery service has been held on the first Sunday of each month and has moved around the deanery visiting difference parishes each month. The Deanery Environment group continues to meet regularly convened by Rev Gilly Maude. At year end our hvo vacancies in Upper Coquetdale and Amble & Chevington remain unfilled. The Area Dean is very grateful to the many people in these parishes have sustained ministry with grace and good will, to clergy and readers who have provided cover for services and to those who continue to pray for the people God is calling to these parishes. In 2024 the Deanery offered £364,530 in parish share. At year end only one parish did not manage to pay in full. Because of some overpayments (and some parishes making additional payments after year end) the overall return was slightly more than 100 % . For 2025 the deanery overall has not managed to achieve the Diocesan request for an extra 8 % . The Area Dean is grateful for the support of Synod, for Hugh, our Lay Chair, Sheila our Secretary and Jo our Treasurer all of whom work hard to ensure that deanery synod is focussed, informative and supportive of the Diocesan vision. SAFEGUARDING - Patty Everitt, Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) The PCC believes that it has complied with its duty to have 'due regard, to the House of Bishops, Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance.
Parochial Church Council of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2024 Introduction In the latter part of 2024 and early part of 2025, we were presented with disturbing information concerning the safeguarding conduct of some of the Church of England's most senior clergy and the consequences of that behaviour on vulnerable people. One lesson that I have taken from this is that it is important that we do what we say we will do. In that way we know we are doing our absolute best to be a people safely doing Gospel work. Sadly, in 2024 our Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor stepped down from her post. Our DSA had willingly given me helpful advice, support and encouTagement. The DSA is a crucial role for PSOS. In the interim, until a new DSA is recruited, the Archdeacons of Lindisfarne and Northumberland are acting as Diocesan Safeguarding Contscts, I continue to give thanks for all our volunteers and their commitment and dedication to providing a safe and welcoming environment in all our community and church-based work. The House of Blshops. Safeguardlng Pollcy The PCC continues to support our commitment to Ihe House of Bishops, Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance. You will find a copy of the Policy on the Safeguarding Notice Board at the back of the church. The Parlsh Dashboard As a Parish, we continue to keep up-to-date in our compliance to written safeguarding standards with the help and guidance of the Parish Safeguarding Dashboard. Each year the PCC reviews existing policies and procedures to make sure that these are as effective as possible. In 2024 a new part of the Dashboard was launched, the Safeguarding Hub. The Hub is a great help at keeping track of the training carried out by all our volunteers and reminding me when renewal of training is due. Safeguarding Trainlng Safeguarding training is always available online through the Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal. Courses are available to anyone who is interested and on completion of the course, a personal certificate is issued. I have included the link to the Portal at the end of this report. Training is often a richer and more fun experience when taken as part of a group. In 2024- 20251 facilitated several in-person safeguarding training sessions and have learned so much from our group discussions and the wealth of experience that each volunteer brings to their role. Thank you to all of you who continue to educate mel Safeguarding Handbooks, Guidance. Policies and Pmcedures Copies of these documents are in the blue folder near the pigeon-holes at the back of the church.
Parochial Church Council of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2024 My Thanks Again, I thank all our volunteers for their steadfast commitment to safeguarding in all they Questions? If you have any questions or concerns about what safeguarding is or how to access training or what volunteering in any capacity would mean, please talk to me. I would be delighted to have a chat. If you would like to find out more about any of the Church OfficeT roles or about being a Church Officer, again please talk to me. Any questions you may have do not commit you to taking up a role! Helpful Links Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal https:Ilsafeguardingtraining.cofeportal.orgl FABRIC - J88n Darby and Henry Playle Altar Frontal Chest The Altar Frontal Chest which was situated just inside the Duke's door in the south aisle, had to be removed. Initially some fungus at the bottom exterior of the chest was removed and washed down but at later date a large amount of damp and fungus at the rear interior was discovered. Three altar frontals which were no longer used, and another which was folded up on the floor of the cabinet, were badly affected with damp and fungi. were removed. Fortunately, none of the frontals regularly used were affected. Once the chest was emptied it was discovered that, because of the extent of the fungi, the back of the chest was rotten. The cause of the damage were three sheets of hardboard, stacked behind the chest and touching the wall, had drawn the damp and meant there was no air flow. Once the chest was removed the area was brushed and washed. A replacement Ghest is planned The Tower A memorial plaque acknowledging the considerable generosity of the late Richard Allsop which enabled the completion of the Tower Restoralion Project, was placed facing the tower door at the bottom of the staircase. Although the tower is now sound and walerproof, there continues to be concern regarding the uneven stairs, particularly in the area beyond the ringing room. Due to the unexpected and unprecedented popularity of the bells, the ropes which had been expected to last for about 5 years were showing signs of wear and one did break. All 10 ropes have now been replaced from donations from local and visiting ringers. These new ropes have terylene "tops" as opposed to conventional hemp, Gonsequently they will last for years longer. The original ropes will be retained as "spaTes". The Graffiti Cabinet There had been concern that the cabinet which houses the lead graffiti had no locking device. This has now been rectified and the graffiti is now safely stored.
Parochial Church Council of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2024 Church Path Lamps A while before the Christmas Tree Festival it was considered that the lighting on the approach path to the church was inadequate. The glass globes were removed and given a soak and clean. Before they were replaced new led bulbs with a higher wattage were inserted, giving the pathway a brighter light. Church Tower Clock The clock, having finally been re-gilded due to the gilding fading after its refurbishment, then stopped. This was corrected but there are still issues and the rectifying is continuing. Our thanks to Dick Taylor who has been regulating the clock in the meantime. General contlnulng malntenance Gutters and down pipes were cleared in May. PAT (Testing of electrical goods) was Garried out in August. Fire extinguishers were checked in October. TOWER - Jim Cmwther Bell Fabrlc There is very little to report on this front because there has been no change or deterioration to the internal belfry or ringing room fabric. The bells, bellframe and bell fittings are regularly inspectedlmaintained by the ringers and continue to be in excellent condition. Bellringing Visitors Bellringing at Alnwick continues to attracl a significant number of bellringing visitors. The excellent tonal quality of these instruments along with a friendly local band have ensured a high number of ringing visitors. The bellringing standard at Alnwick is much higher than the national average, consequently Ihe ringing attracts many return visitors. Bellringing at St. Michaels has achieved an excellent reputation in a relatively short space of time. Rlnging for Servlces Always a main priority. Bells on Sunday morning and ringing for ad hoc occasions and services has been fully maintained by mainly local ringers. This, along with the further development of individual ringing skills will conlinue to be the objectives during 2025. Local Ringers The current band comprises members of the congregation who have been taught how to ring along with a number of "recycled ringers. (ringers who learnt to ring at other towers in the past who have since moved to Alnwick and returned to bellringing). The band is supported by a number of experienced ringers who regularly travel Northumberland to support the local ringers. These people have bonded well and become a very strong local group who help each other. The band is an even mix of maleslfemales, the youngest aged 11 and oldest 85. A pleasure to teaGhlmentor. Tutors The 4 principal tutors remain unchanged, they travel from Shilbottle and Slaley, they have over 200 years of bellringing and tutoring between them. Teaching the art of Campanology safely and to a high standard is their skill and priority.
Parochial Church Council of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Ststements for year ended 31st December 2024 Local ringers continue to improve their ringing ability and 'striking" accuracy. Ringing Times Unchanged. Ringing after Sunday Morning Service, general practice on Wednesday afternoon and evening. occasionally on Saturday afternoons and other ad hoc times. Members of the congregation, their familylchildren and friends are encouraged to visit the b81fry and see bellringing in action.. ..simply ask Jean Darby. SOUTH AISLE EXHIBITION - Jean Darby, Project coordinator The display of graffiti in the south aisle continued to attract attention but there were concerns relating to the fact that the cabinet was unlocked. This was eventually achieved sympathetically and all the graffiti is now held securely in the cabinet. While new branding including a church logo were being finalised, work on the final designs for the interpretation were put on hold. These are now in the final stages and a faculty will be sought. We are pleased that individuals from interested organisations in the town have agreed to join in making this a true community project. Despite the necessary delays we now look forward to a celebratory launch in September 2025. HARRY HOTSPUR CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL- Jackie Chevaugeon, Chair of Governors Good News - our roll has increased since the start of the academic year by ten childrenl It has been another positive year for the school community centred on our children within our very special ethos and learning environment. We continue to value each of our children, providing the challenge, opportunity and support they need to grow and flourish as individuals, both academically and personally. Our focus on Spirituality with support from Paul Rusby of thé Dlocese has helped us all to "look In, look out and look up" In the last few years our governing board lost several experienced members, however we have recruited new members with a wide range of skills and are planning for the future sustainability of the board. We have two new parents represented, who having moved from out of the area and visited all of the Alnwick schools felt Harry Hotspur provided the most nurturing culture for their children. It was a difficult decision to change the name of our school, but our families embraced the discussion and the children became very excited by the challenge of finding a new name which would best represent the school values within the Northumberland Church of England Academy Trust. The children are always keen to talk about the school's Christian values - they recently grilled the applicanls for Headteacher post about them - in particular courage, perseverance, trust, respect, friendship and love. At the renaming ceremony 'His Grace the Duke of Northumberland, talked of his ancestor, acknowledging that while he was not perfect, Harry Hotspur had always °done his best.. As one of the children said afterwards, ° at our school we are always helped to do our best.. Opportunities for the children to do just that are implicit in our very challenging curriculum and in the day to day. Our curriculum allows each subject to shine with subject specific knowledge to the fore. Previous learning is built upon, with challenge explicit in every lesson. One of the outcomes of this has been the award of the Silver Primary History Quality Mark. One of only two primary schools in Northumberland to have the award, the report highlighted the quality of leadership and enrichment offered to children. as well as the standards achieved. Later this year, the children are to be invited to London for the awards ceremony.
Parochial Church Council of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2024 Researching the history of our school, through school log books and the interviewing of past pupils and staff became the catalyst for a wonderful afternoon in school when the children presented their findings to the gathered audience. The children helped us all to reflect on times past and to look forward optimisticallyl In geography, staff have engaged in fieldwork training - along the length of the River Aln - so our children regularly experience fieldwork and develop skills. Every child is included in school educational visits regardless of the ability to contribute financially. In particular the residential experiences such as Ford Castle, would not be possible without the support of our friends at St Michael's Church. As highlighted by the staff these situations promote independence and allow all of the children to shine, however it is often most transformative foi our least confident and l or most disadvantaged pupils. The significance of this is not lost to us as governors when we refer back to the original Trust Deed from the setting up of the school. This year, visits have included: Our town and castle Snvestigating Harry Hotspur Lilidorei World Book Day Alnwick Garden - going to work Hadrian's Wall York (by train - Viking Centre and DIG - archaeologists for the day) Residential; to Ford Castle Y314 One of our governor roles is to monitor the impact of improvement priorities. Pupils attend meetings and report back on their perspective, sharing views, ideas and samples of their work. The developing confidence of the young people - an ongoing focus across school - 18 admirable. They present, respond to questions and explain with enthusiasm, clarity and patience. A group of six pupils from Y3, 4, 5 and 6 formed a panel for the Headteacher interviews, asked their own well thought out questions and made recommendations. We continue to provide whole class and small group violin tuition for every child in Y314 and as a result our Ceilidh Band is developing quite a reputation. Several of our past pupils played for the recent DCHS school production. We also host the area Ceilidh Band which includes Swansfield Park and Hipsburn schools. We have this academic year welcomed to our school, Teddi Redpath as Assistant Headteacher, and more recently we have appointed a new Headteacher John Macfarlane and will welcome him to his new post at the beginning of the summer term. Mr Johnston is leaving us after many years of dedicated service to lead a large prirnary school in Newcastle. We thank Gavin for his constant commitment to developing and improving our school and of ourse wish him every success in his new post. PASTORAL CARE TEAM - Rerfd Sue Allen Church at Home 'Church at Home, is concerned with two different types of activity which provide worship and support to those who are unable to attend church in person. Pastoral Care Team This was set up in November 2023. and has met approximately every two months for mutual support and oversight, and to share good practice. Much appreciated help from Patty Everitt ensures that the requirements for Safeguarding are being met.
Parochial Church Council of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2024 A major focus is to co-ordinate Holy Communion services in Care Homes and to individuals. Three new Lay Communion Ministers were Commissioned in June 2024 to add to the existing Readers active in this ministry. and Communion is now taken every month to five local Care Homes, as well as to a number of individuals. A small team takes a more informal service bimonthly in one Care Home, as part of a rota set up by Christians Together in Alnwick. and other visiting is also undertaken in the name of St Michael's. Online Worship and Fellowship. As well as serving local people who are unable to attend church in person, St Michael's online community involves people who live geographically distant. This community enables them all to feel connected, and an ongoing part of the life of St Michael's. Three strands of this online presence are reported below. Llvestreamed Sunday Worship A small team of operators ensures Ihat the 1 Oam Parish Communion is available online. During 2024 the purchase of new equipment and the improvement of the technology meant that the livestream is now more versatile and more reliable. The sepiice is normally watched live by around a dozen people, and with those who watch later it is seen by at least 20 people each week. A recorded version is also taken into one of the local Care Homes and watched by up to 20 people in the Lounge there. Zoom Compline on Thursday evenings. Around nine people attend regularly for Ihis more interactive service which includes intercessions and lasts about half an hour. Sunday Zoom Cuppa and Chat During 2024 Ihis gathering was held monthly, usually on the first Sunday. It gathers those who are housebound, as well as those out and about locally, and includes contributions frorn USA. Each person is invited to catch up on their news and to share ideas, normally around a theme. The session finishes with a short prayer which all can join in. It has become increasingly clear that this group is very much appreciated as a way of keeping in touch and belonging. MISSION ACTION PLANNING (MAP) GROUP- Christian Mitchell In August of 2024, the PCC commissioned a small working party to develop a Mission Action Plan for the church. The Working Party is led by the Vicar and is made up of a further six people from across Ihe life of St Michael's Church. The objectives of the Working Party were agreed as follows: To prepare a Parish Mission Statement, designed to underpin and guide the future mission of the Parish, and to seek approval for its adoption from the PCC. To develop a Mission Action Plan that sets out the future missional activities of the Parish in the short-term (6-12 months)" medium-term {14 years). and long-term {5- 10 years). The Working Party met inft>rmalSy for the first time in December 2024 and has since met several times in early 2025. The discussions are developing well, and plans are being made for a parish workshop later in 2025 facilitated by Bishop Mark Wroe with a view to developing a MAP for the parish. 10
Parochial Church Council of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2024 MESSY CHURCH- Jane Bmwn Messy Church conlinues monthly within our church building. We have a regular cohort of families who come most months to Messy Church. The average monthly attendance is 21 children and 25 adults including the team. We start with tealcoffee for the adults, then have our bible story and Christian songs together. The children spend 30 minutes doing crafts at various stations. We have introduced having the choice of a game this year too. Then we have soup, rolls, sandwiches, snacks and cake together. Many thanks to our volunteers who make food, create crafts and games, tell the bible story, and set it all up. MINI MICHAEL'S- Pat Tweed We continue to meet in term time and use the holidays to recover!! Numbers attending our Thursday sessions are reasonably consistent and although we have said goodbye to children going either to nursery or school, we have several babies coming up into the more planned activity group. However, we are always aware of the need to encourage more to come and join us in our friendly, very child-based Thursday mornings. Refreshments are always provided so please spread the word. Mini Michaels is a joyous part of our week, and we would welcome any new members who would like to come to help in any way. The team is a strong one, but MORE people would make it even stronger. We would also like to congratulate Revd Mitch on how well he has learnt his nursery rhymes, he's practically a professional now!!I THE MOTHERS, UNION- Anne Cooke We have continued to meet in church on the second Wednesday of the month, with no meetings in January and August. In December we held our Advent service and on this occasion we admitted our vicar Mitch to Mothers, Union. We now have nine members and one indoor member. Some rural branches have had to close recently through lack of numbers so please come along and give us a try. ECO CHURCH - Elizabeth Bland St Michael's Eco Church group met several times during 2024. They organised an Eco Church Coffee Morning, held in October 2024, which was very much enjoyed by all who attended. Beautiful, sustainably-sourced goods were acquired on a 'sale or return, basis from World of Difference (Alnwick) and Gallery 45 (Felton). Some great refreshments were supplied by the church congregation. Over £100 was raised which was sent to the charity Cool Earth, which works with local communities in the rainforests and helps them to protect themselves and their land (VW.Coo1earth.orgj. At their final meeting of the year, in early November 2024, it was agreed that having achieved the Bronze Eco Church Award in August 2024. it was time to explore what st Michael's needs to do to achieve its Silver Eco Church Award. Members of the group are now working their way through the lengthy survey on the Eco Church UK website and are also completing the Carbon 360 seGtion of the Climate Stewards website. Thanks to Revd Mitch, Richard Dale and Jean Darby for their assistance in helping us answer the questions. and also to Gilly Maude from the Alnwick Deanery Environmental Group for her help and advice and for putting us in touch with Tim Mayfield, the Diocesan Environmental Officer. 11
Parochial Church Council of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2024 Members of the group have continued to attend online meetings of Alnwick Deanery Environmental Group over the course of the year. We are grateful to Annette Playle for all she has contributed in terms of time, work and enthusiasm to St Michael's Eco Church group. CHRISTIANS TOGETHER IN ALNWICK {CTiA) - Sue Wiltshire Chairperson Sue Smith (Alnwick Baptist Church) Vice Chair Gill Lyons Secretary Jear Barr (St James's Church) Treasurer John Knight (St Paul's) Hello and Goodbye This year has seen important changes in our Alnwick church family. Joan Grindrod-Helm retired from St James's church in April last year after 22 years of service. In the due course of time, her place will be filled by a minister who will work with six other parishes in the area. In the meantime, St James's own worship group continues to work hard organizing services and welcoming visiting preachers. Kim Hurst from the Methodist church was relocated creating a vacancy into which Tim Moore and his wife Hazel have stepped. At Alnwick Baptist church Karen Smith was inducted as a new leader while Caroline Friend stepped back from heading up Alnwick Messy Church. The Year In General As we have said both goodbye and hello through the seasons, the rhythm of our churches, year has gently continued. The Week Of Prayer for Christian Unity took place in January and in the Spring Gill Lyons and June Etterley hosted an ecumenical Lent course. The Good Friday service of witness took place in the Market Place led by Bob Bain, and moving into May, the 24hours of prayer in May was well supported. May also brought a wonderful new addition to our fund raising for Christian Aid week. St James's church held a Domino Drive which was great fun, well supported and very successful in the monetary sense, as was the Plant Sale and Refreshments hosled by Michelle and Andrew Duff. Despite the difficult financial climate bringing so many problems for so many people it was marvellous that this year saw no decline in the overall money raised when compared with the lasl year or so. Sue Wiltshire has stepped down from her role has Christian Aid coordinator for the local churches. This position has been filled by Stanley Trafford. In November the Remembrance Day Service was led this year by Padre David Haslam and the prayers at the War Memorial were led by Mitch. A rota for the next few years has been organised. During the Christmas season angels where knitted and distributed around the town and, as always, delighted children and adults alike. About 30 businesses where pleased to receive a crib scene for their window. It was fabulous to see the effort which some shops made to display the figures in the best possible way. Information about Christmas service was Gollated and made available to the public in several different places. Throughout the year Bob and Mary Bain from Welcome Network have continued to host 'stories of Hope, in the Costello Centre, and from October to June the open door of the CtiA coffee mornings has welcomed many visitors. 12
Parochial Church Council of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2024 Other events were also planned and enjoyed. In September St James, Shilbottle held a flower festival in memory of their long-serving organist Lillian Hume raising three thousand pounds for charity. November saw St Paul's church full of nearly 100 nativity scenes from all around the world while December of course, saw St Michael's full of beautifully decorated and lit Christmas Trees. Food Bank People locally and as far North as Belford continue to be supported by Alnwick and District Food Bank, which is run entirely by volunteers. Unfortunately there is also a need to help individuals who are actually homeless and without any cooking facilities. Donations are collected from supermarkets, churches and businesses and are, of course, always gratefully received, as are monitory gifts which allow the organisers to supplement package and tinned food with fresh produce. Current needs are regularly updated on the Facebook page and there is also a website - w*•M.alnwickdictrictfoodbank.com. Here you can learn that 'Our rooms are kitted out like a corner shop so that instead of being handed a parcel, people choose for themselves, accompanied by a Food Bank Volunteerf Anna Chaplaincy Across the country there is a growing Anna Chaplaincy network of trained chaplains and volunteers offering spiritual support to elderly people, their carers and supporters. Annette Playle has received training. Locally this work is supported by Welcome Network. LOUDfence An ecumenical safeguarding organization. An important event is taking place in St Paul's Church on the 1st May. On this day there will be a special service led by Bishop Steven Wright during which crafted items made earlier in the year will be displayed to show solidarity and support to those people who have been abused in a faith-based setting. Financ88 John Knight, a member of St Paul's congregation, continues in the role as treasurer for CtiA. Outgoings during the year are largely to do with publicity while incoming funds are from the 'subs' each church pays and money collected at Lent Lunches . As in previous years, we have been able to make a charitable donation, this year to Ignite. Our churches are, separately and together, a lively community of peop5e, each serving God according to their own particular calling. Coming together to meet throughout the year allows for shared activities, awareness of each other's events and is, I think, a source of great encouragernent to all. The CtiA group is now a member of n.e.c.a.t. (north east churches acting together) SOCIAL EVENTS There were two main social events in 2024; the ceilidh for Bums Night and the strawberry tea at the vicarage in September. More events are planned for 2025 and all ideas and help (however small) are very much appreciated. Please contact Susan O'Neill. Grateful thanks go to Pat Taylor who has been a drFving for in organizing many of the church events over the years. 13
Parochial Church Council of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2024 FINANCIAL REVIEW - Richard Dale, PCC Treasurer 2024 saw some quite remarkable generosity to the church which transformed our financial position and enabled us to start to plan for the long-term future of our wonderful building and the church community. In January we very sadly learned of the death of Richard Allsop. Under the terms of his £120,000 loan to the church, which was used to fund repairs to the tower, this loan was converted to a restricted donation to the Tower Fund on his death which means that the Tower project is now fully funded. We received a second and final very large donation of £318,000 from the Bill Hugonin Trust in January. During the year, we also received legacies of £101.948 from the estate of Robin Black, £10,052 from the estate of Eileen Pringle and an interim payment of £10,000 from the estate of Annie Houseman Middleton. Most of these legacies were added to our development fund for the future (which may in time include a pump priming donation to a potential Friends of St Michael's) although some were retained for shorter tenn projects. These amazing examples of generosity have had a very significant impact on our financial position. We no longer have the liability of a loan to repay on our balance sheet and we now have a development fund totalling some £510,000 which we can use to invest for the future of our church. We have much to be thankful for. Important though these large legacies are, we need to treat them as one-off incom8 for future development rather than being used to prop up the General Fund. where our day to day giving and fundraising needs to be sufficient to meet our day-to-day operating expenses. The General Fund recorded a surplus of £2,981 in 2024 increasing the balance from £3,941 to £6,922. In August 2024, the PCC set a reserves policy for its General Fund to aim for a target reserve of at least: Three months budgeted fixed cost liability (excluding the Parish Share which is a 'debt of honourf,) plus One month's budgeted variable expenditure On current trends, this sets a target General Reserve level of £7,700 so our position at the end of the year was close to, but not quite meeting, our target position. Looking to the future, we along with all other parishes in the Diocese, need to significantly increase our Parish Share offer if the Diocese is to maintain the current size and shape of paid clergy. For 2025, this means an increase in our Parish Share from £75,000 to £81,000 which will be a challenge. Our Week of Renewal in October 2024 saw pledges by members of the church to increase regular giving by 20 % which was a fantastic act of commitment. However, it should be remembered that this increase is then offset by the loss of regular givers through death or moving away from the area. The exciting news that we will have a Curate from summer 2025 will also increase our costs. Regular giving declined by 30/0 in the year reflecting loss of members of the community and some one-off backdated Gift Aid claims in 2023, partly offset by the immediate benefits of the Week of Renewal. Collections at services declined by 14 % due mainly to fewer funerals in 2024. The lower nurnber of funerals and weddings also impacted the fees charged for those services which were down 37% on the previous year. Fundraising income increased from £3,271 in 2023 to £10,066 in 2024, thanks to the enormously successful Christmas Tree Festival. There was an increase in the associated costs but the events produced a significant surplus which helped us to address the loss of 14
Parochial Church Council of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2024 income in other areas of our activity. Parish Hall income was largely unchanged year on year but with a significantly higher contribution (after expenses) of £4,049 (compared to £962 in 2023) due mainly to lower energy costs. Church running expenses increased by 2½0A in the year with increases in Council Tax and clergy expenses (due to the Vicar having been in post for the full year in 2024) offset by lower gas prices and the full year impact of our latest photocopier lease (which is much cheaper than the previous machine). Charitable giving was suspended in 2024, reflecting the challenges we face on General Fund finances. Our reserves policy allows for us to reinstate this giving if we record surpluses in future years and we will continue to encourage specific dedicated fundraising activity and special collections for a small number of charitable causes. As ever, l am grateful to my Standing Committee colleagues for their support to me through the year. l also want to thank our small band of counters who turn up every Monday morning to count the week's cash. We are grateful to the many individuals and organisations who have continued to support us through this period. 15
Parochial Church Council of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2024 Independent Examiner's Report To the Parochial Church Council (PCC) of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick This report on the attached financial statements of the PCC of St Michael and St Paul for the year ended 31st December 2024 is in respect of an examination carried out in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 (the Regulations) and section 43 of the Charities Act 1993 (the Act). Respective Responslbllitle8 of the PCC and the Examiner As members of the PCC you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements: you consider that the audit requirement under section 144{2) of the Charities Act 2011 does not apply and that an independent examination is needed. Basis of this report My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 43(7) of the Act and to be found in the Church guidance, 2006 edition. That examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the accounts with those records. It also includes considering any unusual items or disclosures in the finanGial statements 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 I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. Independent Examiners Statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: _ which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements: to keep accounting records in accordance with section 41 of the Act, and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Act. have not been met; 2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be leached. George Clark FCPFA Independent Examiner February 2025 16
Parochial Church Council of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2024 ststement of Financial Activities For the period 1st January to 31st December 2024 Unrestricted Restrlcted Funds Funds Endowment Funds Total Funds Note 2023 Incoming Resources Incoming resources from generated funds Voluntary income Fundraising Income from investments Incoming resources from charitable activities Church activities Other incoming resources Total Incoming Resources 534.105 30,840 14,797 122,000 656,105 30,840 23,414 195,121 24,471 4,087 8,617 5,055 239 585.036 5,055 239 714,653 8,022 184 231,729 130,617 Resourc88 used Cost of ganerating fund8 Cost of generating voluntary income Fundraising costs Church activities Paiish Share Church running expenses Charitable giving Governance costs Total Resource8 Used 2,948 14,876 2,948 16,120 1,188 17,427 1,244 75,000 50,416 75,000 55,454 67,700 54,078 5,666 902 146,961 5,038 917 144,157 917 150,439 6,282 Transfer8 between funds (311) 311 Net Incomingloutgoing Resources 440,568 124.646 565.214 84,768 Balances Brought Forward 79.011 58.860 51.350 189,221 104,453 Balances Carried Forward General Funds Designated Funds Restricted Funds Total 6,923 512,656 6,923 512,656 234,856 754,435 3,941 75,070 110,210 189.221 183,506 183,506 51,350 51,350 519 779 17
Parochial Church Council of St Micha81 and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2024 Balance Sheet as at 318t December 2024 Note 2024 2023 Flxed Assets Tangible assets Forster Bequest Capital 10 150,263 40,640 190,903 154,546 40,640 195,186 Current Assets Barclays Community Account Barclays Business Premium Account Cash in hand CBF Fabric Capital account CBF Fabric Income account Accounts receivable (Debtors) 1,729 50,532 (60) 98,798 10,710 518,201 4,288 585,460 21,928 10,710 28,035 4,471 141,954 27,919 120 000 189 221 11 Accounts payable (Creditors) Loans Total asset8 12 754 435 Ropre8ented by Balance at 1st January 2024 Surplusl(Deficit) for year Balance at 31 st December 2024 189,221 565,214 754 435 104,453 84,768 189 221 Distribution of total equity by funds Unrestricted funds General Fund Designated Funds Restricted funds Fabric Fund Parish Hall Fund Church Tower Fund Endowment funds Forster Bequest D E Reavell Fund A Hogg Fund 6,923 512,656 3,941 75,070 35,114 5,592 142,800 26,497 6,524 25,839 58,860 40,640 10,000 710 51,350 189 221 183,506 40.640 10,000 710 51,350 754 435 Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 25th March 2025 and signed on its behalf by: Revd Christian Mitchell Chair Richard Dale PCC Treasurer 18
Parochial Church Council of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2024 Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31st December 2024 Accounting policies General The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting regulations 2006 together with applicable accounting standards and the Statement of Recommended Practice Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP) 2005. The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The financial statements include all transactions. assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body (e.g. the Mothers, Union), nor those that are informal gatherings of church members. Funds Endowment funds are funds, the capital of which must be retained either permanently or at the PCC'S discretion; the income derived from the endowment is to be used either as restricted or unrestricted funds depending on the purpose for which the endowment was established in the first place. The parish's endowment funds consist of: The Forster Bequest. The capital for this fund is held by The Newcastle Diocesan Society and is invested in The Investment Fund of the Central Board of Finance of the Church of England. The book cost is as shown on the Balance Sheet (£40,640) and its market value at 31st December 2024 was £92,994 (2023: £90,914). The Fabric Capital Fund (CBF 625063004D). This consists of the D E Reavell Fund (£10,000) and the Alan Hogg Fund {£710). The income from all these funds is paid into The Fabric Income Account (CBF 625063003D) which is a Restrlcted fund (see below) and is only available towards the maintenance and repair of the fabric of St Michael's Church, Alnwick as the Vicar and churchwardens in their absolute discretion think fit. This was laid down by those who gave the endowments. Restricted funds represent (a) income from trusts or endowments which may be expended only on those restricted purposes intended by the donor, and (b) revenue donations or grants for a specific PCC activity intended by the donor. Where these funds have unspent balances, interest on their pooled investment is apportioned to the individual funds on an average balance basis. Unrestricted funds are income funds which are to be spent on the PCC'S general purposes. Designated Funds are unrestricted funds set aside by the PCC for a specific purpose. They may be "undesignated" by the PCC at any time. 19
Parochial Church Council of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2024 Receipts Planned giving, collections and donations are recognised when received. Tax refunds are recognised when the incoming resource to which they relate is received. Grants and legacies are accounted for when the PCC is entitled to the use of the resource, their ultimate receipt is considered reasonably certain and the amounts due are reliably quantifiable. Dividends are accounted for when declared receivable, and interest as and when accrued by the payer. All incoming resources are accounted for Gross. Payments Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded if that award creates a binding or constructive obligation on the PCC. The diocesan parish share is accounted for as and when (and if) it is paid. All other expenditure is generally recognised when it is incurred and is accounted for gross. Fixed assets Consecrated and benefice property is not included in the accounts in accordance with sections 10(2)(a) and (c) of the Charilies Act 2011. Moveable church furnishings held by the vicar and churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal are inalienable property listed in the church's inventory which can be inspected at any reasonable time. Office equipment and similar items used within the church premises are written off when the asset is acquired. Capitalised assets are stated at cost and depreciated over their expected useful life as follows.. Parish Hall boiler Church bells 10 years 50 years Investments are valued at historical cost with a note of the value at 31 st December if available. Current assets and liabilities Amounts owed to the PCC on 31st December are shown as °Accounts Receivable" commonly referred to as Debtors. Amounts owed by the PCC on 31 st December are shown as °Accounts Payable" and are commonly known as Creditors. Short term deposits are held either at Barclays or with the Central Board of Finance of the Church of England. Staff costs During the year the PCC paid an honorarium to a parish hall caretaker and fees and expenses to two organists. None of these persons are members of the PCC. Fees were also paid to organists and vergers in respect of Occasional Offices (funerals, weddings etc) but these amounts do not form part of these financial statements. 20
Parochial Church Council of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Ststements for year ended 31st December 2024 Voluntary income Unrestrlcted Restricted Funds Funds Total Funds 2023 Regular giving Gift Aid Non Gift Aid Parish Giving Scheme Income tax recovered Sub-total Collections Regular services Occasional services Sub-total Legacies Donations and grants Total 41,970 1,955 19,808 20.106 83,839 41,970 1.955 19,808 20,106 83,839 42,306 3,281 17,409 23,766 86,762 3,425 1,306 4,731 440,000 5,535 534,105 3,425 1,306 4,731 560.000 7,535 656,105 3,125 2,350 5,475 85,600 17,284 195,121 120,000 2,000 122,000 Fundraising Unrestrlctsd Funds Ro8trlcted Fund$ Total Funds 2023 Fundraising activities Christmas Tree Festival Winter Market Organ recital Celidh Other events Sub-total Parish Hall Magazine Catering incorne Other Total 7,527 1,083 661 287 508 10,066 18,119 1,052 272 1.331 30,840 7,527 1,083 661 287 508 10,066 18,119 1,052 272 1,331 30,840 2,435 836 3,271 18,189 1,073 286 1.652 24,471 Church activities This income relates to PCC fees ielating to weddings and funerals. During 2024, we collected £913 for weddings (2023: £2,108) and £4,142 (2023.. £5,914) for funerals. Fees for clergy, vergers and organists and third party collections at funerals are handled by the PCC on an agency basis and are excluded from these accounts. 21
Parochial Church Council of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2024 Cost of generating voluntary income Unrestrlcted Restrlcted Funds Funds Total Funds 2023 Fundraising expenses Planned giving expenses Total 3,172 130 3,302 3,172 130 3,302 1.058 130 1.188 Fundraising costs Unrestrictsd Restricted Fund8 Funds Tolal Funds 2023 Parish Hall Gas, electricity and water Maintenance Caretaker Depreciation Other expenses Sub-total other Total 7,750 879 3,500 7,750 879 3,500 1,244 1,941 15.314 806 16,120 9,533 832 4,200 1,244 1,418 17,227 200 17,427 1,244 1,941 14,070 806 14,876 1,244 1,244 Church running expen8e8 Unrestrlctod R•strlcted Funds Funds Total Funds 2023 Church Gas, electricity and water Insurance Repairs and maintenance Refurbishment Wine, wafers and candles Organists Organ maintenance Worship Depreciation Other costs Sub-total Clergy Council Tax Expenses and other costs Sub-total Administration Photocopier Offi'ce supplies etc Telephone and internet Sub-total Total 11,774 7,516 4,910 5,850 788 3,080 1,943 2,082 11,774 7,516 5,174 7,586 788 3,080 1,943 2,082 3,038 276 43,257 12,819 6,740 1,657 12,910 682 1,905 2,438 1,957 3,038 976 45,122 264 1,736 3,038 276 38,219 5,038 4,105 2,323 6,428 4,105 2,323 6,428 2,369 1,247 3,616 2.996 1,815 958 5.769 50,416 2.996 1,815 958 5,769 55,454 3,397 1,199 723 5,340 54,078 5,038 22
Parochial Church Council of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2024 Charitable giving Unrestrlctèd Funds Rèstrlcted Funds Total Givlng 2023 from PCC Funds St Michael's School Alnwick Foodbank Gallery Youth Contagious Children's Society Total 2,500 1,000 1,000 785 381 5,666 Special collections, donations and fundraising events which are specifically on behalf of another charity are not included in the accounts. Governance costs Unrestrlcted Restrlcted Funds Funds Total Funds 2023 Bank charges Independent examination PCC officer expenses Total 505 200 212 917 505 200 212 917 582 180 140 902 10 Tangible fixed assets Church Bells Parlsh Hall Boiler Tolal Asset8 Cost Balance at 18t January 2024 Additions Balance at 31" December 2024 151,915 12,438 164.353 151,915 12,438 164,353 Depreciation Balance at 1" January 2024 Charge for year Balance at 31 st December 2024 6,076 3,039 9,115 3,731 1,244 4.975 9,807 4,283 14.090 Net Book Value at 31•t December 2024 142,800 7,463 150,363 23
Parochlal Church Council of St Michael and St Paul, Alnwick Annual Report and Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2024 11 Accounts receivable Unrestrlcted Reslricted Funds Funds Total Funds 2023 Income tax recoverable Electricity refund Parish Hall rental income Other Total 2,788 550 396 554 4,288 2,788 550 396 554 4,288 3,386 492 59 534 4,471 12 Accounts payable Unrestrlcted Restrlcted Funds Funds Total Funds 2023 Parish share Gas Charitable giving Other Total 1 ,447 17,950 2,531 21,928 1,447 17,950 2,531 21.928 1,312 25,235 1,355 27,902 24