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, A￿8 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