The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of West Kirby
Known as The Parish of St Bridget, West Kirby with Caldy, The Resurrection and All Saints
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1131379
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WEST KIRBY CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 December 2024
| CONTENTS | PAGE |
|---|---|
| Contents | 2 |
| Charity Information | 3–5 |
| Report of the Trustees | 6–16 |
| Report of the Independent Examiner | 17 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 18 |
| Balance Sheet | 19 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 20–26 |
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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WEST KIRBY CHARITY INFORMATION
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Reference and Administration Details
Charity Name
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of West Kirby
Registered Charity Number
1131379
Principal Address
Parish Office St Bridget’s Centre St Bridget’s Lane West Kirby Wirral Merseyside CH48 3JT
The Parish church is St Bridget’s. The Daughter church is The Resurrection and All Saints, Caldy. The Reverend Alexandra Williams was licensed as Rector of the Parish on 9[th] November 2020. Our ministry is assisted and complemented by three Readers, and several active retired clergy with Permission to Officiate.
Governing Document
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure (1956) as amended, and church representation rules. It was registered as a charity on 26[th] August 2009.
Charity Constitution
The membership of the PCC consists of the incumbent (our Rector), churchwardens, treasurer and those elected by members of the congregation who are on the electoral roll of the church.
Members of the PCC are ex officio, elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the Church Representation Rules or co-opted. All regular Church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC. Under the terms of Section 3 of the Parochial Church Council (Powers) Measure 1956 the PCC is a body corporate and is a charity registered with the Charity Commission as required by the Charities Act 2011.
At the first full meeting after elections, the Rector advises members on PCC structures, practices, rights and responsibilities, with written information.
The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish including deciding on how the funds of the PCC are to be spent.
New members receive initial training into the workings of the PCC.
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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WEST KIRBY CHARITY INFORMATION
In addition to the post-APCM PCC meeting that took place on 21st April 2024, PCC members met five times during the year (January, March, July, September, November 2024) with an average attendance of 13 members over this period. The focus of PCC continues to be presented, in rotation, from the working groups, aligned to our strategy and vision ‘Rooted in Christ -growing in the right direction’.
Over the course of the year the PCC has made some significant decisions including:
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Funding repairs and improvements to both churches.
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Parish Website updated.
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Communications coordinator appointed.
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Organ fund successfully implemented.
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Trainee Ordinand on placement in Parish.
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Eco church seeking to achieve Gold Award.
Many issues and topics were discussed during the year. Each meeting had a focus on an aspect of mission and ministry, and we had presentations relating to encouraging giving, nurture and study, social and outreach, communication, children and young people, worship and prayer.
Finance and Safeguarding remain as standing items at every meeting. We are grateful to our treasurer John Smith for his continuing help and guidance and to our Safeguarding officer, Rosemary Morgan, and to Sue Shaw for the work they do in ensuring we fulfil safeguarding requirements. The PCC is grateful to Angela Douglas MBE for her work as PCC Secretary and to Sue Shaw for supporting this work.
Members thank the Rector for her excellent chairing of our meetings this year. Meetings continue to be efficient, achieved by the Rector allocating more time in preparation with the Standing Committee, which meets before each Council Meeting to agree a structured agenda, council and congregation members who lead each Subject Group preparing and circulating reports prior to each meeting and the use of PowerPoint slides in meetings to help Council members focus on the key issues.
Trustees
Rev Alexandra Williams, Rector, Chair, ex officio Miss Ann Holden, Churchwarden (since 2022), ex officio
Mr Gregory Buckridge, Churchwarden (since 2019, 6 years completed in 2025), ex officio Mr John Smith, Reader and Treasurer, (elected 2024, eligible for re-election in 2027) Dr Angela Douglas MBE, PCC Secretary and Deanery Synod, ex officio Miss Susan Shaw, Deanery Synod, ex officio
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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WEST KIRBY CHARITY INFORMATION
Rev Prof. David Chester, co-opted
Mr David Wright (elected May 2022, eligible for re-election in 2025) Mrs Patricia Southworth (elected May 2022, eligible for re-election in 2025) Mr David Hind (elected May 2023, eligible for re-election in 2026) Dr Rosemary Morgan (elected May 2023, eligible for re-election in 2026) Mr Syd Ford (elected May 2023, eligible for re-election in 2026)
Mrs Priscilla Bench-Capon (elected May 2020, re-elected till 2026) Professor Stanley Metcalfe (elected May 2020, re-elected till 2026)
Mr Simon Trout (elected May 2020, re-elected till 2026)
Ms Mary Rees (elected May 2020, re-elected till 2026)
Sir Duncan Nichol (elected May 2024, eligible for re-election in 2027) Ms Anna Gibson (elected May 2024, eligible for re-election in 2027) Mr Rod Tann (elected May 2021, stood down 2024) Mrs Valerie Ford (elected May 2023, stood down 2024)
Bankers
The Co-operative bank
Barclays Bank plc COIF Charities Fund
Independent Examiner
Counting for Communities Ltd, 16 Holmwood Drive, Liverpool, L37 1PQ
Safeguarding
The PCC has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have regard to House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults). All PCC members have a DBS and have completed required training (Basic Awareness, Foundation and Domestic Abuse) There have been no reported safeguarding concerns during 2024.
The PCC is grateful to Rosemary Morgan the Parish Safeguarding Officer and Sue Shaw the Parish Safeguarding Administrator.
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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WEST KIRBY TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 December 2024
AIMS AND PURPOSES
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) of St Bridget’s West Kirby and Caldy churches has the responsibility of cooperating with the incumbent, the Reverend Alexandra Williams, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC is also specifically responsible for the maintenance of St Bridget’s Centre and Caldy Church Hall.
Parish Buildings Report for 2024
The Buildings Team regularly monitor the condition of the two churches in the parish, Caldy church hall and the parish house 64,Covertside.
We are grateful to Gregory Buckridge, David Hind and David Wright for their time, skills and advice.
St Bridget’s Church
The fabric of the church is in good order. The interior is regularly cleaned, professionally.
A new central heating control was fitted in April by Scoffields of West Kirby.
In August 2024 the Quinquennial inspection was carried out by the Diocesan Architect, Alf Plant of Ainsley
Gommon Architects. Nothing urgent/major needs to be done, but some minor remedial work is required:
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Repairs to the Dormer windows to ensure they are keeping the building watertight
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Investigating the damp on the South aisle likely due to high soil level on the exterior. Clean off and replaster wall once dry
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Continued monitoring of South-west window to monitor for any movement
The buildings team has a plan of implementation to ensure this work is completed.
During August the carpets were replaced. The ground floor work included the laying of steel plating to cover the old heating grills in the North and South Aisles, thus ensuring an even surface. The outcome is highly satisfactory.
The boiler received its annual service in September by AP Mitchell of Neston.
The church had its five-year electrical safety check in October, which was carried out by Barry J Fogg Electrical Ltd.
In November the tower clock received its annual service, and some minor adjustments were made by the Cumbrian Clock Company.
All Saints Caldy
The fabric of the church is in good order. The interior is regularly cleaned, professionally.
The Quinquennial inspection carried out in August by the Diocesan Architect Alf Plant revealed some urgent works
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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WEST KIRBY TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 December 2024
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The main valley between the nave and north aisle roof needed cleaning out.
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The polycarbonate guard needed replacing on the windows of the south elevation of the nave
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The fire extinguishers required an overhaul to comply with the requirements of insurance
The first item, clearing of the valley, has been completed and the buildings team has a plan of implementation to ensure the remaining work is completed.
Though not urgent, it was also recommended that cracked and spalled areas of stonework need monitoring to ensure no further deterioration.
For much of the year David Hind has been negotiating with BT/OpenReach to have an underground internet cable laid to provide a reliable internet connection for the Payaz machine and to have live streaming. Wireless connections have proved to be unreliable. In September the job was finally completed – the cable is entirely underground and enters the church through a small drilled hole in the gable end. Our thanks to David Hind for his great persistence in the matter.
Caldy Church Hall
The fabric of the hall is in good order. The interior is regularly cleaned, professionally.
We are aware that there is significant moss on the Caldy Manor side of the roof. The moss will have to be removed, in order to identify whether further work needs to be done and this work is planned for 2025. There are no signs of any roof leaks.
64 Covertside – tenanted property owned by the parish The fabric of the property is in good order. The tenants are happy.
St Bridget’s Centre
During 2024 the Centre continued to be well used, despite losing one of our significant regular hirers. The Centre has a volunteer manager (Richard Williams), a treasurer (Rosie Heenan) and together with the Centre committee they make decisions about improvements and the day-to-day running of the Centre. The Treasurer was able to report that we have covered our “normal” running costs and maintain a good level of reserves.
No major works were undertaken during the year although minor replacements and repairs were required. There have been continuing concerns with the heating system and the committee are looking at potentially replacing the gas boiler with an air source heat pump. A report from an independent heating expert has been received and quotes for the work need to be obtained.
The Centre is reliant on the cooperation of all concerned with its life and particular thanks are due to the Centre Manager and Committee, and the parish administrator for all their work dealing with bookings and enquiries, and to the caretaker, who often goes the extra mile to help us and others.
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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WEST KIRBY TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 December 2024
PUBLIC BENEFIT
The PCC has complied with the requirement of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Charities Commission; the PCC considers that the charity meets the public benefit requirements of the Act by carrying out its normal activities some of which are outlined in this report.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Our vision statement, ‘seeking to follow Jesus with open hearts, open minds and open hands’ underpins our discussion and decisions.
OPEN HEARTS - To respond with love and compassion to all.
OPEN HANDS - To receive, welcome and serve all.
OPEN MINDS - To listen deeply and respectfully to others. To be willing to explore opinions which differ from our own and be willing to think again.
The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship God at our churches and to become part of our parish community. The PCC maintains an overview of worship throughout the parish and works with the Rector and ministry team to offer a wide range of services to meet a variety of needs. Our services and worship nurture faith through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament. We try to enable people to live out their faith as part of our parish community through:
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worship, prayer and nurture; learning about the Gospel; developing a spiritual life as a follower of Jesus and partaking in the sacraments
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provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish
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provision of social activities which build up community life
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missionary and outreach work
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supporting family life within a framework of faith
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engagement in social action
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generous support of others
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building positive relationships with the wider community, especially our church school
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being part of inclusive church
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providing opportunities to learn about and be part of the care of creation.
To facilitate this work, it is important that we maintain the fabric of the Churches of St Bridget’s and Caldy, St Bridget’s Centre and Caldy Church Hall.
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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WEST KIRBY TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 December 2024
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
The PCC is keen to enable a range of church services during the week and over the course of the year which the community find both beneficial and spiritually fulfilling. We have a regular pattern of weekly Holy Communion at both churches and have a mixture of styles, with a more informal All Together Worship service once a month at St Bridget’s and a variety of styles of worship on Sunday evenings. Over the last 12 months we have introduced a service of prayer for wholeness and healing. We also provide spaces and resources for quiet prayer and contemplation. During the year the Worship and Prayer team distributed a worship and prayer questionnaire and used the results to inform our future planning.
We have offered a variety of opportunities for spiritual development during the year. These have included three quiet mornings led by members of the ministry team and a parish quiet morning at the Diocesan Retreat Centre, Foxhill.
An increasing number of families have started attending All Together Worship and we have had a very positive response to fresh expressions of worship such as Good Friday activity morning and an interactive nativity service.
We have a Study And Nurture Team who explore what we offer to develop and nurture faith through study. In October we began a new initiative of a monthly theology group which has proved popular and during Advent we ran a weekly course by John Bell ‘A Life in the Comma’. We continue to nurture people’s learning about their Christian faith through sermons, small group discussion, provision and signposting to resources and everyday conversation in the variety of activities which take place in the Parish Centre.
The schools in the parish (St Bridget’s and Avalon) use the church on a regular basis for collective worship. St Bridget’s school lead worship during the seasons of Easter, Harvest, Christmas and Lent. The children from St Bridget’s school are increasingly involved in our service of All Together Worship. The Easter Experience’ was offered to both schools in the parish and had over 250 children and staff journeyed through the story of Holy Week and Easter. The Year 4 children were given the opportunity to receive Holy Communion and 25 children were prepared and admitted to do so.
Both churches remain open every day for private prayer. This has been well received in the community and has raised no issues of concern. The prayer space in St Bridget’s is greatly valued and most days at least 3 or 4 candles are lit for prayer concerns. Two services of Holy Communion are offered on a Sunday at St Bridget’s (8am and 10am) and a 10am service of Holy Communion at Caldy church. There is a weekly Sunday service of Evening Prayer (6.30pm) at St Bridget’s. One midweek service of Holy Communion is - offered at each church. We are able to offer high quality livestreaming at St Bridget’s and have maintained our online presence. The 10am service at St Bridget’s and some occasional offices (weddings, funerals, baptisms) have been successfully livestreamed during 2024. Two services of Morning Prayer are offered during the week, one livestreamed on Facebook and one via Zoom.
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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WEST KIRBY TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 December 2024
Additional services were offered for Lent, Remembrance, Harvest, Inclusive Church, All Souls, Advent and Christmas. We also welcomed the Bishop of Birkenhead who presided at our St Bridget’s Day celebrations and who also conducted a service of confirmation in July.
Throughout the year numbers attending services continue to rise and there is an average Sunday attendance across the parish of 140.
As well as our regular services, we seek to enable our community to celebrate and thank God at important milestones of the journey through life and significant life events . In 2024, there were 6 weddings, 30 baptisms, 6 confirmations and 19 funerals/memorial services in church (with a further 11 funerals being conducted at crematoria and 11 burials of ashes in the churchyards).
200 parishioners were on the Church Electoral Roll at the time of the Annual Meeting in May, 96 of whom were not resident within the parish. Eight names were added during the year and seven were removed either through death or because they moved away from the parish.
Pastoral Care
Clergy and lay people have continued to visit the sick and bereaved, the housebound and the socially isolated. We are excellently supported by Malcolm Cowan the hospital chaplain. Both church families offer informal care and a friendly ear and there is a network of communication which seeks to make one another aware when a pastoral need arises. The pastoral team formed in 2021 has continued to work very well throughout 2024 providing contact and support to the bereaved and sick. We receive many calls and messages thanking the team for their care. During 2024 we have also offered two Bereavement Journey courses which have been very favourably received.
Charitable giving – generous support of others
Helping those in need is a demonstration of our faith and living out our vision of following Jesus with open hands. In 2024, as a parish we donated £10,816.to support charities in the UK and overseas. This demonstrates our understanding that God is abundantly generous, and our response is to do likewise. For some it may not make ‘sense’ to be giving away money when we face a shortfall but the Christian faith often does not make sense to the world. It is very encouraging that the PCC have maintained this practice in a time of rising costs.
Mission, Outreach and Communication.
A weekly newsletter is emailed to 332 people via MailChimp, approximately 9 are delivered as hard copies and 30 are placed in the churches for collection. 155 copies of our parish magazine are printed each month, 122 of which are delivered to homes and businesses with the remainder available for sale at our churches. Our long-term editor of the magazine died in May 2024. We are hugely grateful for his work and are committed to continuing production of a resource which is widely appreciated.
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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WEST KIRBY TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 December 2024
The newsletter and magazine are on-line on our A Church Near You pages, with additional links to them on the parish website. These keep parishioners and others informed of the important matters affecting our church and include articles that help develop faith, spirituality and understanding. During 2024 the website was redesigned. We continue to look for ways of improving our communication through this medium.
In September 2024 the PCC took the decision to fund three hours per week for communication, publicity and outreach. This work has included a survey of current methods of communication, continued updating of noticeboards, creation of advertising material and more effective advertising of events. The role is evolving and will be reviewed by the PCC.
The work of two part-time Children and Families workers has continued to reap benefits. We are now able to offer several activities which support and develop relationships with families. These include a Baby Group, Toasty Tuesdays (a drop in for school children and their carers), Supper Sundays (a half-termly session for families which seeks to be a gentle introduction to faith), a Toddler Group, Storytelling on Sundays and a Summer Club. We estimate that this gives us contact with 200 people (children, parents, carers) each week and is building nurturing relationships.
We have started a new social activity ‘Thirsty Thursdays’ which provides the chance for people to meet who might otherwise have few opportunities for informal social contact.
We continue to support the faith development of children and young people through Sunday Storytelling and Collective Worship in St Bridget’s Primary School. The Rector leads a half-termly session for staff from St Bridget’s school which supports spiritual development and well being.
The St Bridget’s Centre enables a huge range of activities to take place, including the weekly ‘Wednesday Link Cafe’ which is increasingly busy. Children from the school attend the Link and help to serve refreshments. This develops their confidence and social skills as well as bringing a great deal of joy! The Link Cafe also provides the opportunity to buy Fairtrade and eco-friendly items.
The Parish Administrator is based in St Bridget’s Centre, and the centre also provides the setting for a preschool group on weekdays and for many other community groups to meet. The centre also houses the West Kirby Museum.
A joint Summer Fair was held between the school and church, which was very successful, and Earthfest was held in September.
Ecumenical Relationships
The church continues to be an active member of West Kirby Churches Together. Meetings are typically attended by the Rector and our parish representative, John Smith. Activities during 2024 have included a united service at the methodist Church, provision of a book ‘It’s your Move’ for all primary school leavers in
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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WEST KIRBY TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 December 2024
West Kirby, a pilgrimage to Hilbre Island and carol singing outside a local supermarket. An Easter Day dawn service on the beach was organised by the URC and St Bridget’s and attracted several early risers!
Inclusive Church
The parish is a member of Inclusive Church and seeks to work hard to ensure that we actively welcome and serve everyone, regardless of ability, income, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, mental health or sexuality, including people who live with disability, learning disability, or neurodiversity. This is reflected in our use of inclusive language and in addressing issues which may affect accessibility. Our aim is to be a church which celebrates and affirms every person and does not discriminate. During the year we have provided information and literature which explains our position as a church, and we welcome the Prayer for blessing of a Civil Partnership which has been commended by Synod. We celebrated inclusive church on Sunday October 6[th] when we focussed on the importance of fully including people as they grow older. Both churches are registered as Sight Loss Friendly, and with the Welcome Directory for prison leavers.
Eco-church
Both St Bridget’s and Caldy church are committed to caring for God’s earth in all areas of our lives, as a church community and as individuals. We provide the opportunity to buy eco-friendly cleaning products and give weekly tips for becoming more eco-friendly as individuals as well as a parish. We continue to work towards achieving a Gold Eco Church award for the whole parish. During 2024 we have continued to develop the lower churchyard at St Bridget’s to create wildflower meadows. We have planted some native fruit trees and have provided a natural pathway to improve access We hope that we will soon see an increase in the number and diversity of wildflowers, insects, butterflies and birds.
An ethical church
We continue to strive to be as ethical as we can and to encourage our community to do the same. We include articles and information in our newsletter and magazine to help us achieve this. In 2024 we closed our bank account with Barclays (GSG score 14) and opened an account with the Co-operative bank (GSG score 83)
Deanery Synod
Two members of the PCC, a Diocesan Synod member and the Rector sit on Deanery Synod. This provides the PCC with an important link between the parish and the wider structures of the church. This year Deanery Synod has met 3 times and has focussed on stewardship and giving, ministry to older people and carers, and safeguarding and the use of the parish safeguarding dashboard.
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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WEST KIRBY TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 December 2024
Volunteers
Volunteers play an essential part, as Church Officers, Foundation Governors of St Bridget's School, sidespersons and pastoral visitors, taking Communion to the sick and housebound, as musicians, choir and bell ringers, house group leaders, running the museum, Storytelling Service, Link Cafe and Fairtrade sales, contributing to worship and to the care and beautification of buildings and grounds, raising and managing money, managing St Bridget's Centre, producing the magazine, maintaining the website, organising the fair and social events, supporting the foodbank by delivering our donations to the warehouse, serving on various committees and much, much more. We have had several volunteers join us during 2024 from the wider community, mainly as a result of the outreach work of our Children and Families workers and this has been a great blessing. As a church community we continue to find recruitment challenging as many people lead increasingly busy work lives which often continues into retirement. We have had to respond to this by looking at sustainable activities and projects and in some cases employing people to do jobs previously undertaken by volunteers.
We would like to thank all the volunteers who work so hard to make our church the lively and vibrant community it is, the new volunteers who have joined us and those who have continued in their faithful support.
Pastoral Ministry and attendance at worship 2024
The tables below show the service statistics which we provide for the diocese. The Diocese requests numbers for October as it is considered to be a fairly typical month.
During 2024 both churches were open daily every morning as sacred spaces for private prayer and reflection.
The Clergy provided preparation and support to families who were bereaved and planning funerals, to the couples who were married and those who brought children for baptism. Visits were also made to people who were lonely or distressed. Clergy visited people in their homes and hospital when possible.
----- Start of picture text -----
Pastoral Ministry (both Churches) 2024 2023
Baptisms 30 25
Confirmations 6 0
Admission to Communion 0 0
Weddings 6 9
including Dedication after Civil Marriage
Funerals/Memorial Services in Church 19 17
Funerals at Crematorium/Cemetery 11 10
----- End of picture text -----
Attendance at Worship 2024
October figures required for national ‘Statistics of Mission’ returns. The first four Sundays of October and the weekdays following (2023 figures are shown in brackets)
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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WEST KIRBY TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 December 2024
----- Start of picture text -----
St Bridget’s Sunday Sunday Weekday Weekday
Adult Child Adult Child
Week 1 166 (95) 23 (14) 13 (8) 0 (0)
Week 2 87 (111) 12 (11) 16 (5) 0 (0)
Week 3 128 (143) 34 (47) 15 (7) 0 (423)
Week 4 126 (95) 25 (5) 17 (6) 0 (1)
Sunday Sunday Weekday Weekday
Caldy Adult Child Adult Child
Week 1 0 (24) 0 (0) 7 (11) 0 (4)
Week 2 16 (23) 0 (0) 5 (13) 3 (3)
Week 3 15 (28) 0 (0) 5 (10) 0 (3)
Week 4 24 (26) 3 (5) 6 (8) 0 (0)
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* This Sunday was a joint service for Inclusive Sunday at St Bridget’s.
Easter and Christmas attendances
Attendance figures are adults and children combined. Figures do not include Christmas and Easter Week House Communions. Midnight Services and Crib services are included. (In addition, 1772 children and adults from St Bridget’s and Avalon schools attended St Bridget’s church during Advent.)
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St Bridget’s Caldy Total
Easter Day communicants 193 (176) 40 (31) 233 (207)
Easter Day attendance 252 (218) 43 (31) 295 (249)
Christmas communicants 212 (180) 15 (107) 227 (287)
Christmas attendance 785 (486) 188 (126) 973 (612)
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* Includes attendance at Nativity and Service of Lessons and Carols (546). Includes attendance at Christingle and Carol services (168).
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Total incoming resources in 2024 were £269,555 (2023 £228,086). Congregational giving and donations amounted to £131,292 (2023 £127,336). Gift Aid recovered from HMRC was£31,620 (2023 £28,064). Fees for weddings and funerals provided a nett income of £6,429 (2023 £9,675).
Interest on cash held in current and deposit accounts amounted to £4,556. The valuation of investments held during the year has increased by £1,804 as a result of positive stock market movements.
Expenditure in the year was £261,174 (2023 £247,976). The main expenditure during the year was again the Parish share of £96,871 (2023 £92,259). The other main reason for increased expenditure was the replacement of all the carpets at St Bridget’s Church. Staff costs increased as the two children and families’ workers completed their first full year of employment.
Although it appears that the parish made a small surplus in 2024, this is not a true reflection of the financial position. The Organ Fund raised over £23,000, which is expected to be spent in 2025. Income from the Parish house in Covertside also substantially exceeded expenditure, which cannot be assumed to be the
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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WEST KIRBY TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 December 2024
case in future years. Standing orders remain the main source of regular income at both churches, allowing income to be largely predictable and enabling cash flow to be managed. However, there was no increase in such giving in 2024 compared with 2023, a situation which will be a priority to address during 2025. Donations through on-line giving and contactless payment have increased steadily and are expected to become a significant source of income in the coming years.
We were once again able to pay our Parish Share to the Diocese of Chester in full, thus supporting the central functions of the Diocese (including our Rector’s stipend) and other parishes in greater need than ourselves. St Bridget’s Centre runs at close to full capacity, with a wide range of regular users, though always with some turnover of groups leaving and others arriving. The Centre continued to cover its normal running costs through fees. Parish finances are managed by a team of volunteers, who continue to work closely together, complementing each other’s skills and interests. The Parish’s overall financial position does not give cause for immediate concern, but efforts to increase regular giving will be ongoing, to safeguard the long-term sustainability of our very active ministry and outreach.
RISK MANAGEMENT
The principal risks associated with the activities of the charity are the sustainability of giving from the congregations at St Bridget’s and Caldy churches, as these amount to a significant proportion of the income of the Parish. New methods of giving, through making on-line and contactless payment facilities available, have been developed successfully. Regular giving in 2024 was affected by the death and the departure of a small number of very generous donors and this had a significant impact on regular income. The PCC committed to a focus on generosity, stewardship and giving during the second half of 2025.
The PCC continue to manage the risk of diminishing reserves, remaining confident that reserves are sufficient to meet any likely demands.
Budget forecasts for the main activities of the charity for 2025 have been created, though these can never be more than reasonable projections.
RESERVES POLICY
The PCC adopted the following Reserves Policy in November 2023:
The PCC will seek to maintain free reserves (funds not restricted or designated) sufficient to meet twelve months of essential running costs (including Parish Share, staffing, utilities, insurance, worship materials, maintenance of building and churchyards, office costs, rector and rectory expenses/costs).
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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WEST KIRBY TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 December 2024
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES
The Trustees are responsible for preparing an annual report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial period that give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of its income and expenditure for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently
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observe the methods and principles in the applicable Charities SORP
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue as a going concern
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state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departure disclosed and explained in the financial statements.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial accounts comply with the Charities Act 2011, the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) Update Bulletin 1 (effective 1 January 2019), and the applicable Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WEST KIRBY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING AN INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 set out on pages 18-26.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is required.
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
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to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145 (5)(b) of the Charities Act, and
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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of the independent examiner’s report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements:
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a. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and
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b. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities
have not been met; or
- to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WEST KIRBY TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 December 2024
----- Start of picture text -----
2024 2024 2024 2023
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds funds funds
Note £ £ £ £
INCOMING RESOURCES
Incoming & endowments from:
Donations and legacies 2 189,546 1,780 191,326 156,359
Charitable activities 3 51,017 - 51,017 51,536
Other trading activities 4 22,656 - 22,656 17,038
----- End of picture text -----
| Investments 5 Total income RESOURCES EXPENDED Raising funds 6 Charitable activities 6 Total expenditure Net income / (expenditure) for the year before investment gains/(losses) Net gains/(losses) on investments 9 Net income / (expenditure) for the year before transfers Transfer between funds Net income / (expenditure) for the year RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 13 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD |
4,286 267,505 1,842 238,641 240,483 27,022 1,804 28,826 - 28,826 1,198,543 1,227,369 |
270 2,050 - 20,691 20,691 (18,641) - (18,641) - (18,641) 26,827 8,186 |
4,556 3,153 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 269,555 228,086 |
|||
| 1,842 1,414 259,332 246,562 261,174 247,976 8,381 (19,890) 1,804 3,903 10,185 (15,987) - - 10,185 (15,987) 1,225,370 1,241,357 1,235,555 1,225,370 |
There are no recognised gains or losses other than the net movement in funds for the above two financial years. All incoming resources and resources expended derive from continuing activities.
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 18 of 26
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WEST KIRBY BALANCE SHEET at 31 December 2024 Registration Number: 1131379
| 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | ||
| funds | funds | funds | funds | ||
| Note | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| FIXED ASSETS | |||||
| Tangible assets | 8 | 1,013,007 | - | 1,013,007 | 1,013,007 |
| Investments | 9 | 37,260 | - | 37,260 | 35,456 |
| 1,050,267 | - | 1,050,267 | 1,048,463 | ||
| CURRENT ASSETS | |||||
| Debtors & prepayments | 10 | - | - | - | - |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 11 | 178,094 | 8,186 | 186,280 | 177,774 |
| 178,094 | 8,186 | 186,280 | 177,774 | ||
| CREDITORS | |||||
| Amounts falling due within one year | 12 | (992) | - | (992) | (867) |
| NET CURRENT ASSETS | 177,102 | 8,186 | 185,288 | 176,907 | |
| TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES |
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT | 1,227,369 | 8,186 | 1,235,555 | 1,225,370 |
| FUNDS | 13 | ||||
| Unrestricted funds | 1,227,369 | 1,198,543 | |||
| Restricted funds | 8,186 | 26,827 | |||
| TOTAL FUNDS | 1,235,555 | 1,225,370 |
Page 19 of 26
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WEST KIRBY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Accounting convention
The PCC is a Public Benefit Entity under FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 and in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 governing the individual accounts of PCC’s, and with the Regulations’ “true and fair view” provisions and ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice for Charities’ applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (2019). The charity has taken advantage of the disclosure exemption in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by FRS 102, the requirements of Section 7 Statement of Cash Flows .
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention, except for Listed Investments which are included in the Balance Sheet at market value.
The accounts are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity and monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
Going Concern
At the time of approving the accounts, the trustees have reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the accounts.
Income
Incoming recognition
All incoming resources are included on the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
Incoming Resources with Related Expenditure
Where incoming resources have related expenditure (as with fundraising or contract income) the incoming resources and related expenditure are reported gross in the SoFA.
Grants and Donations
Grants and donations are only included in the SoFA when the Charity has unconditional entitlement to the resource.
Tax reclaims on donations and gifts
Tax reclaims under Gift Aid are recognised when received.
Contractual Income and Performance Related Grants
This is only included in the SoFA once the related goods or services have been delivered.
Volunteer Help
The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts.
Investment Income
This is included in the accounts when receivable.
Expenditure and Liabilities
Liability Recognition
Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure.
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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WEST KIRBY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Investment assets
Investments are shown at market value.
Fixed assets
Consecrated Land and Buildings and Moveable Church Furnishings
Consecrated and beneficed property is excluded from the financial statements in accordance with s.10(2)a of the Charities Act 2011.
No value is placed on moveable church furnishings held by the church wardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal since the PCC considers this to be inalienable property. All expenditure incurred during the year on consecrated and or beneficed buildings and moveable church furnishings, whether maintenance or improvement, is written off as expenditure in the Statement of Financial Activities.
Other Fixed Assets
Other land and buildings held on behalf of the PCC for its own purpose are valued at cost. The land and buildings have not been depreciated as it is felt by the trustees that the annual depreciation charge and the accumulated depreciation are immaterial to the financial statements, due to the assets having a very long remaining useful life. The trustees consider an impairment review on an annual basis.
The Church Hall (Caldy) as a functional asset has not been assigned any value. The Church Centre (St Bridget’s) has been valued as shown in the accounts. The Parish house is included at cost. Any expenditure on maintenance or improvement is written off as incurred. Individual items of equipment are written off as incurred.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities and is not registered for VAT. As a registered charity, it benefits from rates relief.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds - can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds - can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WEST KIRBY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
| Note 2 Donations and legacies |
2024 Unrestricted £ |
2024 Restricted £ |
2024 2023 Total Total £ £ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Donations | 120,759 | 1,780 | 122,539 122,017 |
| Gift Aid Collections Sundry Legacies Donations & Appeals - Organ 3 Charitable activities Church Centre Lettings Hall Lettings Museum Friends of St Bridgets Magazine Advertising Magazine Sales Fees Grants 4 Other trading activities |
31,620 7,910 843 4,500 23,914 189,546 £ 35,564 1,210 2,973 10 1,705 636 6,429 2,490 51,017 £ |
- - - - - 1,780 £ - - - - - - - - - £ |
31,620 28,064 7,910 5,024 843 295 4,500 - 23,914 959 191,326 156,359 £ £ 35,564 36,568 1,210 940 2,973 1,226 10 10 1,705 1,285 636 732 6,429 9,675 2,490 1,100 51,017 51,536 £ £ |
| Summer Fair | 4,285 | - | 4,285 4,149 |
| Other Activities House rent Solar Panels 5 Investments Bank interest |
- 14,700 3,671 22,656 £ 4,286 4,286 |
- - - - £ 270 270 |
- 1,485 14,700 7,392 3,671 4,012 22,656 17,038 £ £ 4,556 3,153 4,556 3,153 |
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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WEST KIRBY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
| Note 6 Resources Expended Raising funds Summer fair & festival Other fundraising costs Charitable activities Parish share Rector & rectory expenses Parish house |
2024 Unrestricted £ 931 911 1,842 96,871 5,914 1,270 |
2024 Restricted £ - - - - - - |
2024 Total £ 931 911 1,842 96,871 5,914 1,270 |
2023 Total £ 752 662 1,414 92,259 6,316 4,756 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Church | 34,814 | 20,691 | 55,505 | 39,847 |
| Churchyard Parish magazine Training & mission Children & families work Publicity & outreach worker Centre Hall Parish Office Charitable giving Independent examiner's fees Bank charges Payroll charges |
5,116 1,404 2,780 18,181 825 34,044 2,912 22,073 10,816 725 267 629 |
- - - - - - - - - - - - 20,691 |
5,116 1,404 2,780 18,181 825 34,044 2,912 22,073 10,816 725 267 629 259,332 2024 |
4,656 1,425 2,728 12,338 - 46,078 2,922 20,313 11,243 700 648 333 246,562 2023 |
| 238,641 | ||||
| 7 Staff Costs & Employees - included in Charitable Activities above |
£ | £ | ||
| Wages and salaries Pension costs Social security costs |
54,638 420 - 55,058 |
46,071 312 - 46,383 |
||
| No employee earned £60,000 or more during the year (nor the previous year) | ||||
| The average headcount during the year was : Charitable activities |
2024 | 2023 | ||
| 6 | 7 7 |
|||
| 6 |
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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WEST KIRBY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Note
8 Fixed Assets
| Fixed Assets | ||
|---|---|---|
| Land and | ||
| Buildings | Total | |
| £ | £ | |
| Cost | ||
| At 1 January 2024 | 1,013,007 | 1,013,007 |
| Disposals | - | - |
| Additions | - | - |
| At 31 December 2024 | 1,013,007 | 1,013,007 |
| Depreciation | ||
| At 1 January 2024 | - | - |
| On Disposals | - | - |
| Charge for year | - | - |
| At 31 December 2024 | - | - |
| Net Book Value | ||
| At 31 December 2024 | 1,013,007 | 1,013,007 |
| At 31 December 2023 | 1,013,007 | 1,013,007 |
The Land and Buildings is the church centre building at £675,000 and parish house purchased cost £338,007.
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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WEST KIRBY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
| Note 9 Fixed asset investments at market value At 1 January 2024 Additions in the year at cost Disposals at market value Change in value in the year Gain/(Loss) At 31 December 2024 10 Debtors and prepayments Debtors and prepayments 11 Cash at bank and in hand Current Account Deposit Account 12 Creditors : amounts falling due within one year Accruals |
2024 £ 35,456 - - 1,804 37,260 2024 £ - - 2024 £ 49,417 136,863 186,280 2024 £ 992 992 |
2023 £ 31,553 - - 3,903 35,456 2023 £ - - 2023 £ 96,302 81,472 177,774 2023 £ 867 867 |
|---|---|---|
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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF WEST KIRBY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
| Note 13 Movement in Funds Balance at 31 December 2023 Unrestricted Funds £ General Fund 1,198,543 |
Note 13 Movement in Funds Balance at 31 December 2023 Unrestricted Funds £ General Fund 1,198,543 |
Incoming Resources £ 267,505 |
Balance at Resources Gains & Transfers 31 December Expended (Losses) In /(Out) 2024 on Investments £ £ £ £ (240,483) 1,804 1,227,369 |
Balance at Resources Gains & Transfers 31 December Expended (Losses) In /(Out) 2024 on Investments £ £ £ £ (240,483) 1,804 1,227,369 |
Balance at Resources Gains & Transfers 31 December Expended (Losses) In /(Out) 2024 on Investments £ £ £ £ (240,483) 1,804 1,227,369 |
Balance at Resources Gains & Transfers 31 December Expended (Losses) In /(Out) 2024 on Investments £ £ £ £ (240,483) 1,804 1,227,369 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,198,543 | 267,505 | (240,483) | 1,804 | - | 1,227,369 | |
| Restricted Funds Enhancement Total Funds |
26,827 26,827 1,225,370 |
2,050 2,050 269,555 |
(20,691) (20,691) (261,174) |
- - 1,804 |
- - |
8,186 8,186 1,235,555 |
14 Trustees' Remuneration and Benefits
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 December 2024 nor for the year ended 31 December 2023.
15 Trustees' Expenses
During the year 1 trustee (2023 1 trustee) was reimbursed for out-of-pocket travel and telephone expenses incurred by the trustees and paid to third parties. The total sum paid in the year was £428 (2023 £689).
16 Capital Commitments
The charity had no capital commitments at 31 December 2024 (2023: £nil) which were authorised by the trustees but not contracted for.
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