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← The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of All Saints Thornton Hough

2024-12-31-accounts

ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF

’ ALL SAINTS THORNTON HOUGH DIOCESE OF CHESTER

Charity Commission Number 1131417

ANNUAL REPORTS FOR 2024

All Saints’ Parochial Church Council The Parish Office, The Parish Hall, Church Road, Thornton Hough, Wirral, CH63 1JW

Part 1: Trustees’ report to the Charity Commission

1. Aims and Purposes

Our aim is

‘To promote the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical’

Our purpose as a church is to worship God through our regular services and through the fellowship of our loving community. We share the love of God with those around, serving the community and witnessing to others about the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

All Saints’ Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the legal responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish of Thornton Hough the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC is also specifically responsible for the maintenance of the church building and churchyards on Raby Road, and the Parish Hall on Church Road.

2.Objectives

A Vision for All Saints’ Church

A Place of Welcome

“In the name of Christ: You matter!”

Accessibility for all; being a “safe space” for everyone.

Being mindful that the “reception team” on the door may be overwhelming for some, and underwhelming for others; what can attract some will repel others.

Worship

Praising God together

Celebrating and valuing our choral and congregational tradition in worship, whilst being open to expanding the styles and format of worship

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Everyday Faith

Learning together and living the learning out - “to love and serve the Lord” through whole week

Growing more confident about talking about our faith. Engaging together to provide a forum for discussion & exploration of prayer and Bible reading as part of individual faith journey

Being a “Mission Partner” – Learning more about mission in the wider, global context, and supporting an organisation in response

Celebrating

Being thankful that God is good, and sharing that good news!

Community Collaboration

Working together for good! Making connections with different elements of the community. Building dialogue and participation.

Growing Church

Extending the way in which we enable people of all ages to encounter the news of Jesus Christ. Being “church” in different ways, in different places

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Caring for the Environment

We recognise that this is one of the Marks of Mission of the Church and want to help care for God’s creation. We need to be good examples as a church organisation and individually, and collaborate with others to reduce our carbon footprint.

3. Activities, Achievements and Performance 2024

It has been a very full year. Our Vision for All Saints’ Church, introduced in May 2024, has provided a helpful means by which to examine our activities, achievements and performance through the year.

None of these could happen without the support and encouragement of a wide network of people. We are indebted to all who offer their gifts of hospitality, especially our Welcomers and those who make refreshments, generosity, kindness and organisational skills. Particular thanks are owed to Tim Allan-Price, Churchwardens June Allcock and Patsy Baker, our choir, Director of Music, Iain Stinson and our Verger, Margaret Gamble.

Regular Service Patterns

Sunday Worship

We continue with our regular pattern of Sunday worship:

Midweek Service

The Wednesday service of Holy Communion at 10.30 is a more informal service followed by hot drinks and refreshments.

Festivals and Occasional Offices

We welcomed guests from Neston and Burton Parish Churches to our Ash Wednesday evening service of Holy Communion. Father Kevin Crinks (assisted by Brian the Dog) preached the sermon.

68 people attended our morning Mothering Sunday service.

53 people attended the Palm Sunday service, 28 came to our evening Communion service on Maundy Thursday, 27 came to our Good Friday meditation and a total of 77 attended our Easter Day services.

Revd. Vicky was licensed as Rural Dean of Wirral South Deanery on 17[th] April by the Bishop of Birkenhead, Julie Conalty.

The evening service of Holy Communion on Ascension Day (9[th] May) was attended by 20 people.

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Harvest week ran from 15[th] September to 22[nd] September. 68 people attended the Harvest Thanksgiving service.

We marked All Saints’ Day, our Patronal Festival, in the morning of 3[rd] November. We held our annual service for the Faithful Departed in the afternoon. The families of those who had lost a loved one during the year were joined by many who value this time to remember and give thanks for a loved one who has died some time ago. 52 people attended the service. A candle was lit, and each person was remembered by name. Each person was given a tealight in a colourful holder as a way to remind them of their loved one and the way that the light and hope of Christ is with us all.

Remembrance Sunday was on 10[th] November this year. Our Act of Remembrance in our morning service was attended by 43 people. The Civic Service began at 2.45pm at the War Memorial in much kinder weather than the previous year. Members of the community came out in numbers to join the act of remembrance, and 70 people, including local dignitaries, representatives of the Armed Forces and uniformed groups came to church to continue the service. The Guides and their leaders served refreshments in the Parish Hall afterwards.

Advent began on 1[st] December with the choir leading a service of Readings and Carols. 54 people attended.

We welcomed 48 adults and 16 children to our Christingle service on 8[th] December. Our services from Readings and Carols in the evening of 22[nd] December up to our Christmas Day Communion saw a total of 211 adults and 10 children mark the occasion with us. 75 people came to our Communion at nearly midnight on Christmas Eve. It is always heartening to run out of service sheets because so many people have arrived.

Baptisms, Weddings & Funerals

We welcomed 2 children into the church family through baptism in 2024. We also held a Service of Thanksgiving for two adopted children. All such occasions are joyous ones. 4 weddings were solemnized at All Saints in 2024. One couple had a blessing service. There were 4 funerals in church and 4 burials of ashes took place.

Our Vision in Practice

A Place of Welcome

People have commented on the warmth of the welcome received at All Saints’, however there is more to be done to consolidate our support and training for those on the Welcoming Team to ensure that everyone is affirmed, “In the name of Christ, you matter!”

We have extended our welcome to people throughout the parish through a leaflet drop at the start of September to highlight events and activities at the start of the new academic year with the tagline, “Your Parish Church”, and through our parish Christmas card with a beautiful snowy picture of the church on. This year’s larger format was not only cheaper to produce than previous versions, but was commended both for its appearance and being easier to read.

We continue to be mindful of the need to be “Dementia Friendly”: In October, the Vicar, June Allcock and Linda Arch attended a training Session held as part of our Deanery Synod programme at St Mary’s Eastham and have received certificates and badges as Dementia Friends. The insights gained from this course are helping to inform our thinking in terms of services, hospitality, possible future modifications and repairs to the church fabric.

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Revd. Vicky and June Allcock completed their Level 3 First Aid training course in July.

Worship

We now have a regular Gradual hymn or anthem between the two Bible readings. The worship music for both congregation and choir have been expanded to introduce new hymns and settings.

Everyday Faith

We undertook another module of the Pilgrim Course in Lent 2024: Church and Kingdom, which explored some of the important aspects underpinning “Everyday Faith”: Praying through life; At home and at work; Living generously; In all my relationships; Confronting the injustices of the world; Treading lightly on the earth. Lively conversation and practical challenges were shared by up to 12 people who attended some or all of the sessions.

In addition to the invaluable fellowship offered in our monthly Wednesday Coffee Mornings, the after-service coffee and conversation in church on the remaining Wednesdays has been appreciated by visitors and the regular appearance of our hard-working Wirral Parks team, who often join us for their coffee break.

Celebrating

We have enjoyed a range of happy events together: our Soup and Sandwich lunch in February was a great opportunity to share a simple meal and to donate to the Wirral Foodbank as well. The Vicar celebrated her 5th “Vicar-versary” on 16th May, and held a party to mark the occasion in the Parish Hall with nearly 50 parishioners attending on the following Sunday. The Harvest Lunch in September was a very enjoyable way to conclude our Harvest Week (15-22nd September). People were so generous with their donations to the Wirral Foodbank that it took two cars to transport all the items to the depot, weighing in at 301 kgs.

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Having had a delightfully encouraging parish Songs of Praise service in June, where the congregation were invited to nominate their favourite hymns and explain why they were so loved, the first Deanery Synod meeting with Revd. Vicky as Rural Dean in October was a Deanery Hymns of Praise. There was a wide range of hymns and representatives shared something of what God was doing in their parish and points for prayer were offered. It was a very moving and encouraging evening for all who came.

The Choir were invited to sing Christmas carols at Thornton Hough Village Club and at least 75 adults, plus children and dogs joined in a happy, memorable evening of seasonal singing and celebrating; it was enjoyed so much that they have been invited back for 2025.

Community Collaboration

We have had another Village litter pick, which helped to bring together people from across the parish. Links with Thornton Hough Primary School continue to flourish; not only have the pupils and staff come for end-of-term services in church, but Year 3 children have undertaken studies of the stone used in our churchyard as part of a Science project, and Year 6 pupils came to learn more about the South Transept window as they concluded their study of Easter, and made their own drawings. The Vicar continues as a School Governor and shares the delight of the whole school community in receiving an Outstanding report from their OFSTED inspection in February.

The Uniformed Groups continue to participate in Mothering Sunday, Harvest and Remembrance events. The Vicar joined the Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers for activities during the year. The girls created some beautiful Mothering Sunday cards, the

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Brownies created painted Remembrance pebbles which were left near the War Memorial and Church steps, and Guides and Rangers made poppy displays at the back of church. Representatives from the four groups joined the Remembrance procession and gave readings and lit candles as part of the Act of Remembrance and Civic Service. Along with the Brownies, the Vicar received a special Remembrance Poppy Badge honouring the bravery of Guides and women of the ATS during the Second World War.

The church links with the Wirral University Teaching Hospitals charity have grown this year. The Vicar supported the charity by abseiling down the side of Arrowe Park Hospital in May, and led a Baby Loss service at the hospital in October. All Saints’ hosted a special Christmas Concert to support the charity and those who came were greatly entertained by the singing from “A Handbag of Harmonies.”

One of the members of the congregation had suggested making a knitted and crocheted poppy arch to mark Remembrance back in the sunny days of August. This proposal was met with great enthusiasm from many people as the word spread. A “Crafternoon” where people were invited to enjoy refreshments and conversation whilst supporting one another in their endeavours was well-attended and much enjoyed. Nearly 1000 knitted and crocheted poppies were made, and these were used to create a vibrant cascade of poppies over the archway outside church, two drapes of poppies at the doors, and an altar cloth. Not only was it a delight to see the whole community participating in the activity, but also a joy that some people found their knitting skills were reawakened and they discovered a fresh appetite for their craft.

The Village Trust has been most generous in supporting All Saints’ financially with a generous donation to help repair the church clock. During the period it was out of commission, it was noticed how much all those who come through the village rely on a glance up at the blue faces for a time check and many found they missed the clock’s hourly chimes.

Growing Church

The number of those engaging with church has increased this year.

The Vicar is now taking services on a monthly basis in all three of the care homes in the parish: Westwood Hall, Elderholme and Brimstage Manor. These are now established, distinct worshipping communities of between 12-18 people. Each home has a slightly different format for worship to suit the residents and the facilities available. Westwood Hall residents enjoy an hour of informal singing, conversation and reflective prayer. Elderholme uses an interactive TV screen with hymns and words as part of a PowerPoint slide show, and services have a more structured liturgical format. Residents at Brimstage Manor prefer to meet mid-morning for a simpler service with five familiar hymns, concluding with The Lord’s Prayer. The choir came to sing carols in both Brimstage Manor and Westwood Hall this Christmas and were much appreciated.

Caring for the Environment

Concern for God’s creation and a desire to tread more lightly with our carbon footprint continues. Linda Arch has worked hard to inspire and encourage everyone to participate with her journey to reduce her carbon footprint through a series of articles in The Magazine.

We have replaced some of our old fluorescent tube lights with newer LED bulbs and will continue to look at where we can continue this process in the future.

Revd Vicky Barrett

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4.Governance and PCC Membership

In 2024 the PCC membership and Standing Committee membership was as follows

Elected Members of the Laity Other Members Other Members Other Members
Mrs G Charvill Revd V Barrett* Vicar (Chairman)
Mrs M Gamble Mrs J Allcock* Churchwarden
Mrs L Russell Mrs P Baker* Churchwarden
Mr R Singleton Mrs L Arch* Parish Safeguarding Officer
Deanery Synod representative
Mrs H Tankard Mr I Stinson* PCC Treasurer
Deanery Synod representative
Mrs S Stinson* PCC Secretary
Deanery Synod representative
* Members of the Standing Committee

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

The appointment of PCC members is governed by and set out in the Church Representation Rules (2020). The PCC at All Saints’ consists of: the incumbent (our Vicar), the Churchwardens, elected representatives to the Deanery Synod, elected lay representatives and co-opted members.

Members were also elected to the sub committees dealing with Finance, Fabric and Health and Safety and Remuneration. The committees exist to discuss and, for more major issues, make recommendations, which are then taken to the full PCC.

In 2024 PCC meetings were held on 6[th] February, 12[th] March, 16[th] April, 14[th] May, 11[h] June, 10[th] September, 8[th] October, 12[th] November and 10[th] December.

The Standing Committee did not meet in 2024 but communicated by email on several occasions.

The Annual Meetings were held on 12[th] May 2024.

5. Safeguarding

The PCC has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Measure 2016 (duty to have regard to House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding and vulnerable adults). (Church Representation Rules 2020 p76)

6. Activities of the PCC in 2024

At the first meeting of the year, in February, the PCC accepted the new Vision Statement for the following five years. This now forms part of the Annual Report.

We looked at the events and activities in the diary for Lent, Easter and beyond. A Soup and Sandwich lunch was being planned for 10[th] February, a litter pick for 9[th] March, the Pilgrim course was starting on 20[th] February.

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The special services included Mothering Sunday when the uniformed groups and families were being invited.

16[th ] May was the day that Vicky would have been in post for 5 years and she was planning a party in the Parish Hall on Sunday 19[th ] May!

The PCC approved the draft Year End Finance Report for 2023 and agreed that it could be passed to the Independent Examiner, Verity Smith.

Throughout 2024 the PCC received regular Finance Reports, Fabric Health and Safety Reports, Safeguarding reports and Cool Wirral Reports (looking at Carbon reduction and the next steps). Linda Arch has written a report on this which can be found later in this Annual Report.

In the March meeting we heard that a cedar tree on Church Road was causing the churchyard wall to lean out. Peter Arch had been monitoring the lean. Work was needed to the cedar tree to reduce the risk of wall collapse and falling branches. PCC agreed that work should be done on the cedar tree and work also done to improve the safety of the trees in the Raby Road Cemetery

In April the PCC heard that Revd Vicky Barrett has been appointed as the next Rural Dean for Wirral South Deanery. The commissioning service was to be held on 17th April in All Saints’ Church. Bishop Julie (the Bishop of Birkenhead) was officiating and The Archdeacon, Mike Gilbertson was preaching.

Revd John Coyne from Burton and Shotwick was going to be the Associate Rural Dean.

In April we also looked at ‘Where we are at’. Vicky asked us to consider the ‘Good, Weak, Opportunities and Threats’. There was plenty to feel good about. To name but a few there have been some wonderful responses to services, and some have been very well attended. We have seen a slight uplift in numbers. We are starting to see families attending. We get visitors and they are highly complimentary and impressed that we are open. Toybox is attracting families, and the children are excited to be there. There is now worship in all three care homes: Elderholme, Westwood Hall and Brimstage Manor .

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The church (and the Vicar) were in OK magazine and the Sunday Mirror after a Baptism! The message conveyed by the photos was that “Church is a good and happy place.”

Threats come from the challenges of maintaining the building rather than our missional purpose. We have an elderly heating system which might cost us money to maintain or replace. Future fuel costs are an unknown. There is also the threat that we will suffer from burn-out with a lack of new people willing to take on key roles.

We have opportunities. With Vicky as the Rural Dean there is an opportunity for more sharing, both formally and informally. We are in contact with families through the school and through Toybox. There is the possibility that more children’s parties are booked. More grants could be available. We could be part of more school projects eg looking at our windows for art and our links to local history. The Pilgrim Course went down well- we could keep that going.

In June we looked at events in the diary for Summer and Autumn: the Strawberry Tea, Harvest week and a Harvest lunch were being planned. We decided that a flyer was needed to advertise Toybox, Coffee Mornings, Harvest Thanksgiving week, service and lunch and the Autumn Fair. This was subsequently prepared and delivered at the end of August/ beginning of September. Thank you to all those who helped to deliver it. Feedback was very positive. The PCC also approved the necessary work on the spire and the replacement of strip lights which no longer worked.

By the September meeting preparations were well under way for Harvest and the PCC started to discuss the Autumn Fair.

Our energy contract was due to end, and Iain Stinson circulated a paper explaining the options and the decision taken by the Standing Committee in July. The best option had been to go with Eon Next. The Eon contract was 186% more expensive than the current contract with British Gas. Renewing the contract with British Gas would have cost 267% more. Another benefit was that Eon Next are greener than some other companies for electricity- it is from renewable sources.

The boundary wall on Church Road next to the cedar tree was still a potential cause for concern. To reduce the risk of collapse of the wall the PCC agreed that we should get the tree crown lifted/cleared.

By October the church clock, which had been out of action for some time, had been repaired. The Village Trust and the Parishioners had been very generous and contributed to the cost. The PCC expressed their sincere thanks for this invaluable help.

The project to replace the church noticeboards had been stalling due to the difficulty of finding someone to remove and dispose of the old noticeboard. At last, a company in Chester had been found that would give us a competitive quote, and who would remove and install the two new noticeboards, one outside the church and one at the Raby Road Graveyard. The PCC were shown photos and figures then agreed to the project going ahead. I am pleased to say that this work has now been done (in January).

In October we also reviewed some of our policies.

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Ill Vlll ![IJ¥lL CQRN LAK FM &Fth FLAKES. Harvest Thanksgiving 13

With the end of the year rapidly approaching, in November the PCC approved the charities which the church should support for 2024. We aim to support a mix of charities, some local, some national, some international, some faith based etc. It was agreed to support the following charities:

vi. The Salvation Army vii. Church Missionary Society (CMS)

Each charity was be sent £172.

In November we also looked forward to the Advent and Christmas services and events. A service of readings and Music for Advent and a Christingle service were in the diary. We were hosting a Charity Concert in aid of Clatterbridge and Arrowe Park Hospitals in the church. Carol singing in Westwood Hall and Brimstage Manor was being planned. The Service of Readings and Carols for Christmas followed by tea, coffee and mince pies was being looked forward to.

A design for the Parish Christmas card was approved and after some discussion it was agreed to hold a more light-hearted ‘Merry Christmas Carols and Mince Pies’ on 11th December.

The main emphasis of the December meeting was finance.

The Remuneration Committee had been discussing the fees charged for weddings and funerals and the salaries paid. Margaret Gamble and Iain Stinson (employees) and Sue Stinson (married to an employee) withdrew for this part of the meeting.

The Remuneration Committee recommended the following fees for 2025

Fees for Weddings and Funerals

Weddings Funerals
Verger Organist Choir Verger Organist
Current 2024 £80.00 £120.00 £120.00 £50.00 £80.00
Recommended 2025 £85.00 £126.00 £122.00 £52.00 £84.00

These are paid by those “using the service”.

The PCC agreed to their proposals.

The Treasurer’s Report, Management Accounts and a Budget Proposal for 2025 had been circulated in advance of the meeting. The Treasurer, Iain Stinson, talked us through it and the PCC voted to accept the proposed budget.

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The Christmas cards had been delivered throughout the parish and there had been some very positive comments about the new format (which had worked out cheaper than in previous years). The cards wished our parishioners a Happy Christmas and invited them to join us for the Christmas services. I am pleased to say that our Christmas services were well attended, and we enjoyed welcoming everyone into the church as we celebrated the birth of Jesus.

As members of the PCC we are always facing new challenges and opportunities. It can be very rewarding to feel that you are working as part of a team and helping to contribute to the life of All Saints’. We always welcome new members- please consider whether this is a way in which you can serve. Revd Vicky or other members of the PCC are only too willing to tell you more.

Thank you to everyone who served on the PCC during 2024.

Finally, I would like to say a huge thank you to Vicky for her first five (and a bit) years with us. Her leadership, enthusiasm, care and support are really appreciated.

7. Charity Information

Contact details All Saints PCC,
The Parish Office,
The Parish Hall
Church Road
Thornton Hough,
Wirral,
CH63 1JW		 All Saints PCC,
The Parish Office,
The Parish Hall
Church Road
Thornton Hough,
Wirral,
CH63 1JW
www.allsaintsth.org.uk 0151 245 4986
Church of England Diocese Chester
CharityRegistrationNumber 1131417

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Part 2: Reports from the PCC

8. Electoral Roll Report

On 1st January there were 97 names on the Electoral Roll.

At the Annual Meeting on 12th May it was reported that there were 98 names on the Electoral Roll.

By the end of 2024 this number had gone up to 100.

Helen Tankard stepped down as Electoral Roll Officer in October and we are now looking for someone to take her place. I should like to thank Helen for the work that she has done in keeping the roll up to date.

In 2025 we need a complete revision of the Electoral Roll. This means that everyone currently on the roll will have to fill out the form again and reapply to be on the roll. New people will also be able to apply to be on the roll, subject to the qualifying conditions. (This happens every five years).

Please keep an eye open for the notices publicising this. Forms will be available at the back of church in March/April, before the next Annual meetings. The new roll will be prepared in advance of the Annual meetings.

Sue Stinson PCC Secretary

9. Fabric, Goods and Ornaments

Our current Fabric Team was formed in October 2023, so we have now completed a full year together. We have been working to our Planned Maintenance Programme, which we put in place in January 2024. This plan details month by month what we need to concentrate on and has enabled us to systematically work our way through the various maintenance and regulatory checks and reviews.

It has been a busy and productive year and much has been achieved. We have worked closely with our Church Architect, Jennifer Chambers, and would like to thank her for her guidance and support throughout the year.

9a. Church

A beautiful bespoke sink unit, made from reclaimed pitch pine floorboards, designed, built and installed by a local craftsman, Chris Hawkins, was installed in the Vicar’s Vestry, together with a new hot water heater. This has made a huge difference, as it replaced a tiny wall mounted cloakroom sink. The new sink unit enables items to be washed and cleaned and provides excellent storage, helping to keep the Vestry free from clutter.

The spire was in dire need of attention, with vegetation growing out of the masonry and rooks and crows nesting inside, depositing all sorts of debris within the bell tower. In July we engaged a team of steeplejacks to remove the vegetation, treat any roots and repoint the mortar. The steeplejacks also replaced the missing mesh grilles from the spire apertures to prevent birds accessing the tower in future. A small team of volunteers then cleared all the birds’ debris from within the bell tower. Further work on the spire will be necessary in the future and again, working with Jennifer Chambers, we will need to have a full survey carried out on the spire and then develop a maintenance plan to remedy any issues that come to light.

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There have been a number of roof related problems: slipped tiles, water ingress etc. These have been investigated and repaired throughout the year as they have arisen. The Fabric Team has systematically checked and cleared any blocked grids around the Church.

The Church clock has been maintained and was also recently repaired with the very generous donations received from the village community and local businesses.

The Church bell is in need of repair. The bell is the original and was cast in 1867. It has two strikers; one is controlled by the clock mechanism and chimes the hours; the other is operated manually by a bell rope in the porch. We have had the bell looked at by the Diocesan Bell Adviser and on his recommendation, we have now enlisted the help of a wellknown Bell Foundry to come out and inspect the bell, report on what remedial work is required to get it working again and to provide a quote.

The decorative stone lintel above the main door has been repaired. We had applied for help with funding for this from the Church of England’s, Minor Works and Repairs Grant, but this was significantly oversubscribed and sadly we, along with numerous other churches across the Diocese, were unlucky and so had to meet the cost in full from our own financial resources.

9b. Church grounds

The Raby Road stone steps have been levelled and the old metal gate stub removed.

There is an ongoing issue with a section of the boundary wall in Church Road. Advice has been sought from our Church Architect, and from a structural engineer, and we know that we need to plan to dismantle and rebuild the bowed section of the wall. In the interim, we are grateful to Peter Arch for monitoring the extent of the lean at regular intervals to establish any deterioration.

A tree survey has been carried out and crown thinning and lifting undertaken by certified tree surgeons and arborists in both the Churchyard and new cemetery. The Fabric Team has also carried out general garden maintenance, trimming overgrown shrubs and bushes, weeding and trimming around the ashes’ plots, for example.

9c. Parish Hall and Hirst Cottage

Damaged ceiling tiles in the Parish Hall have been replaced and a leaking tap fixed.

In addition to these ad hoc jobs, all regulatory requirements have been met:

The Church Logbook has been reviewed and updated.

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Our thanks go to our Fabric Team and to all those additional helpers, Phil Charvill, Iain and Sue Stinson, Patsy Baker, Scirard Lancelyn-Green and Jane Wilson. Also to Margaret and Victor Gamble for their sterling caretaking of the Church precinct.

June Allcock

10.Wirral South Deanery Synod Report

The first meeting of the Wirral South Deanery Synod in 2024 was on Wednesday 13[th] March, at St Thomas & All Saints Church, Ellesmere Port. The speaker was Revd Debbie Wilkinson, Mission Lead for Wirral Waters who outlined and described what was happening at Wirral Waters.

In April Beth Glover stepped down as Rural Dean after many years’ service. On Wednesday 17[th ] April the Bishop of Birkenhead commissioned Revd Vicky Barrett as the new Rural Dean at a service in All Saints, Thornton Hough.

The next synod meeting was scheduled for Wednesday 29[th] May but as this was also the date of Revd Rachel Newell’s Induction Service as Incumbent of Ellesmere Port. Deanery Synod members attended the Induction Service at St Thomas & All Saints Church, Ellesmere Port.

In July an election of four members of the House of Laity of the Diocesan Synod was held.

A number of parishes in the Wirral South Deanery had expressed a desire to become more Dementia Friendly and on Saturday 19[th] October a Dementia Friends Information Session was organised at St Mary's Community Church Hall, Eastham Rake.

On Wednesday 23[rd ] October we held a Deanery service for Deanery Synod members and parishioners at 7.15pm in All Saints' Church, Thornton Hough. This was an opportunity for people from all our parishes to meet with each other and share in worship. Refreshments were served after the service. Each parish was asked to propose a favourite hymn (or a prayer) to include in the service and to outline what it meant to them.

Sue Stinson Wirral South Deanery Synod Rep

The Trustees’ report to the Charity Commission was approved by the PCC on 12[th] March 2024.

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Part 3: Reports on activities

Worship, Prayer and Pastoral Care Report of the Vicar

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17)

There is so much for which we can give thanks in 2024. We continue to grow, both in number and in faith. The name of our church, All Saints’, is a reminder that everybody plays a part in its life and character. Our church is built upon the faithful prayer, dedication and hard work of both those who worship here now, in our own time, and our forebears.

I remain indebted to our Churchwardens, June Allcock and Patsy Baker, for all they do to ensure the good order of our church life in so many ways. Alan Splitt continues to offer his wisdom and is always ready to keep our candles trimmed carefully.

Our pattern of worship is described in an earlier section of this Report. It is good to see different people coming to join in and find the kind of service which feels “right” to them, whether on a regular or more occasional basis. Our aim is to have genuinely all-age services where there is space and welcome for the youngest, those of “riper years,” and all in between to encounter God through music, our beautiful surroundings, prayer, language and silences, and through toys, colouring and crafts.

We continue to value regular Holy Communion in our services. We mark the seasons and rhythms of the church year in our varied forms of liturgy and by the use of coloured cloths on the altar and the Vicar’s vestments.

Music remains an integral part of our worship at All Saints’ and I am enormously grateful to our Director of Music and the choir for their inspiring leadership in our singing. However, the quiet of an 8.00 Prayer Book Communion service, or our afternoon Quiet Space on Mothering Sunday are also very powerful points in which to worship.

The intergenerational nature of the church has been demonstrated in the celebration of two weddings this year where the brides were daughters of mothers who were also married at All Saints'. A further two weddings took place this year, along with a special blessing service.

Prayer is the bedrock of our Christian commitment. The Vicar usually says Morning Prayer in church every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 9.15am. Anyone is welcome to join her. The church is open daily for quiet reflection for all. Requests for prayers can be made to the Vicar or Churchwardens. These will be kept confidential unless express permission is given for these to be added to the Sunday church Prayer List.

The Vicar conducts home visits and phone calls to those who cannot come to church. Holy Communion at home for the housebound and their families is also available. Members of the congregation also offer prayerful support to others.

Helen Tankard stepped down from leading ACF afternoon talks and coffee mornings. We are all very grateful for her hard work in taking the group on as we emerged from lockdown and ensuring a wide-ranging set of speakers. We set ACF to rest with a Strawberry Tea in July, where people were invited to share their highlights of coming to meetings through the years. We continue to enjoy regular monthly coffee mornings and share the lively excitement of the raffle which concludes each event. This gathering allows us to enjoy

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relaxed conversation and a space to which people who would not necessarily attend a church service can feel at home.

We share the sadness of losing much-loved family members. The Vicar visits each family in preparing for funerals, and all those who have been bereaved are welcomed to our service for the Faithful Departed in October. This year saw the passing of Brenda Elphick, Robin Marshall and Jen Joyner, who have all been part of the All Saints’ community for many years.

I am most grateful to Margaret Gamble for all she does in her capacity as Verger, especially for her reassuring presence for families at weddings and funerals, keeping the church clean throughout the year, and in the way she and her family have ensured that the church and Parish Hall twinkle with festive cheer at Christmas. Her quiet hard work both in church and as Parish Hall caretaker is invaluable. She celebrated her Golden anniversary as Verger and Caretaker in April.

Our PCC has worked throughout the year to help oversee the church’s development and planning, and offered insights and great practical assistance. Their work often goes unnoticed and they give generously and graciously of their time, wisdom and talents. I am grateful to Helen Tankard for her contributions prior to her decision to step down from her membership of the PCC during the course of the year. The work of our Treasurer, Iain Stinson, and our PCC Secretary, Sue Stinson, and the continuing focus of the members of the Fabric Team are much appreciated.

Revd Vicky Barrett

11.Report of the Churchwardens

Patsy Baker and June Allcock were elected as Churchwardens for 2024/25 at the Church AGM. They were sworn in at an Archdeacon's Visitation Service at St Paul’s Church, Hooton on 20th June 2024. The prayers were led by the new Rural Dean for South Wirral, our very own Revd Vicky. The service was also attended and supported by Tim Allen-Price.

Patsy and June attended both Church Warden Training events: at Church House, Daresbury on 13th July and then in Lostock Gralem on 12th October 2024. It was interesting to hear from Archdeacons Mike and Jane, various speakers and to meet with other Churchwardens from across the Diocese and to hear of their experiences. Both Churchwardens have also completed all mandatory Safeguarding training up to Leadership level.

It has been an enjoyable year with some memorable highlights. It was absolutely fascinating to watch the steeplejacks at work on the spire in the summer and so rewarding to see the spire cleared of vegetation and looking spruce. Satisfying too to watch those pesky rooks and crows denied access to the bell tower.

Also, how wonderful it was to see the idea of knitting poppies to decorate our archway take off with such enthusiasm with so many people, including us, knitting away. Didn’t the finished display, including Revd Vicky's beautiful altar cloth, look spectacular! A huge thank you to all who helped to create such a fitting tribute to all those servicemen and women.

Particular thanks go to Margaret Gamble for decorating the Church so beautifully throughout the year, Easter, Harvest Festival and Christmas in particular.

A special mention too for our volunteers. Thank you to Tim Allen-Price for being ever present to assist at services, to all our excellent sides people, all those who help serving teas and coffees, our steadfast small band of flower arrangers and our Fabric Team. A very special thank you to Iain Stinson and our choir for the beautiful music and singing, week in /

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week out. How much poorer we would be without them. Thank you to those who serve on the PCC and other committees. All are integral to the smooth running of All Saints‘ Parish Church.

Finally, enormous thanks are due to Revd Vicky for her hard work throughout the year, for her spiritual guidance, her leadership and joyful enthusiasm, and her friendship. It has been a pleasure! Thank you.

June Allcock and Patsy Baker Churchwardens

12. Verger’s Report

The Verger is there to assist the Vicar at weddings, funerals, internment of ashes and school visits, to make sure people have access to the church every day and to help people looking for their family graves.

Margaret Gamble Verger

13.Parish Hall

The hall is used by Stepping Out every week and we are most grateful to Gill Woods for this. Other outside groups using the hall are Birkenhead North Cycle Club and Thornton Hough Fishing Group. It is also used as a polling station for elections.

Church groups use the hall regularly for Toybox, Coffee Mornings, and coffee and chat after the morning service on a Sunday. PCC meetings are held in the hall once a month.

A Soup and Sandwich Lunch, a celebration of Vicky’s first five years as our vicar, the ACF Strawberry Tea, the Harvest Lunch, the Autumn Fair, ‘Merry Christmas Carols and Mince Pies’, and drinks and mince pies after the carol service all took place in the hall. The hall was also used for refreshments after the civic Remembrance Day service, after a Deanery Synod meeting, after a charity concert and for children’s parties.

It would be good to see the hall used a lot more.

Margaret Gamble

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The Autumn Fair * 1 ¥6,4¢ 22

14. Safeguarding

At All Saints’ Thornton Hough we continue to take our Safeguarding responsibilities seriously. Posters displayed in Church and the Parish Hall include local, Diocesan and national safeguarding contact details. As Parish Safeguarding Officer I can be contacted in person or via the dedicated email address, which is on the posters, in the All Saints’ Parish Magazine and on our All Saint’s website.

The website also has useful links to Church of England safeguarding policies and procedures and to online safeguarding courses. Mindful that “safeguarding is everyone’s business”, not just for those with the official responsibility, I can recommend the online Church of England Safeguarding Basic Awareness Training Course for anyone with access to the internet. This course, along with the other online courses on the Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal, is free of charge. All are user-friendly and do not have to be completed in a single continuous sitting, even encouraging regular breaks for refreshment.

DBS checks have been completed or repeated for everyone with an All Saints’ role for which this is recommended and there has been a steady stream of people undergoing online and in-person safeguarding training courses. Such training is mandatory for all PCC members.

Ongoing Safeguarding information is passed on from the Diocese of Chester via the regular e-Bulletin and as a new initiative, the Diocesan Safeguarding Team holds a series of Parish Safeguarding Officer meetings for updating, sharing of best practice and support. I have attended both meetings specifically aimed at Parishes within the Wirral Deaneries.

Another national initiative is the Church Of England Safeguarding Dashboard, to which All Saints’ signed up at the first invitation. A simple explanation of the “Dashboard” is a traffic light system to advise whether policies and procedures within parishes align with the emphasis on the Safeguarding Standards of the Church of England. Revd Vicky Barrett and I are steadily working through our Dashboard, which is designed to be an ongoing process.

Safeguarding is an agenda item at all PCC meetings.

Linda M Arch Parish Safeguarding Officer

15. Families’ ministries

Children in church

The South Transept of the church has been set out with a small table and chairs for any children that attend the service on Sunday at 10:30. Craft, play and puzzle activities linked to the day’s readings are provided. Although not used every week they have been greeted with enthusiasm at times and have often provided a focus for the children while the parents take part in the service. These are often used by visitors to church during the week, so they are clearly meeting a need.

We also have some toys for the younger children to play with during the services.

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Toybox

Toybox is our group for babies and toddlers with their carers (parents, grandparents, nannies etc). We meet from 10am to 11:30am on the second Monday of each month.

By the end of 2024 we were welcoming twenty families to each session. It has been lovely to see friendships forming and the children enjoying themselves.

After a period of free play, while the carers chat, the children sit down for a snack and then a craft activity. Among other things this year we have decorated crowns, made penguins, jungle scenes, made rockets, farmyard scenes and finally, at Christmas, thought about the very first Christmas with a Nativity sticker scene. These activities seem to be enjoyed by the carers as much as the children and the children love taking something home at the end. The sessions end with an interactive story led by Vicky and singing.

It is always sad to see the children move on when they start nursery or school- they grow up so quickly.

A huge thank you to the regular team of Vicky, Patsy, Pat, Brenda and Kate for making Toybox such a success. Thank you also to Iain for helping to set up the hall and Linda for her assistance.

I would also like to express my gratitude to the Raby School Trust. Their generous donations have enabled us to buy new mats (to replace the old ones that had worn out) and to present each of the leavers with a Children’s Bible.

Sue Stinson Toybox coordinator

16. Choir and music

At the end of 2024 there were ten members of the church choir (eleven with the Vicar): five sopranos (six with the Vicar), two altos and three basses, but, alas, no tenors.

Not having a regular tenor means that we must sometimes “adjust” the division of voices in some pieces of music to make them work. We have sung a new setting of the Magnificat (Tim Knight in G), for Soprano, Alto and Bass and a few other three-part anthems.

The choir has led the music at the Sunday 10:30am throughout the year. Seasonal and other illness have occasionally reduced our numbers, but we have managed to include an anthem or similar choir item at each of these services.

On Sunday evenings, we have sung Choral Evensong on seven occasions (with settings of the responses and canticles, anthems and congregational hymns), one evening Holy Communion Service and a popular “Favourite Hymn” service. The numbers in the congregation for Evensong are a little disappointing but we are very grateful to those members of the congregation who come along to support these services. The “Favourite Hymn” service was well attended and enjoyed by everyone: the retiring collection at the service was £125 which was given to support the work of the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM).

As well as the regular Sunday services, the choir led the Passiontide Service of Readings and Music, the Service of Readings and Music for Advent and the Christmas Carol Service. We were joined by a tenor, Tim Barrett for the Christmas Carol service.

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We have been fortunate that Brian Moate has played the organ for us when I have been absent. Brian is an experienced musician and regularly plays the organ at West Kirby and Heswall Methodist churches. His assistance is greatly appreciated.

I would like to thank all members of the choir for their support, commitment and patience (with me); without the active participation of each chorister, our ability to lead the worship at All Saints’ Church would be significantly reduced. I would particularly like to thank Val Splitt, ably assisted by Alan, for all her work as our music librarian.

If you are interested in being in the choir, please get in touch. We practise for about an hour each Friday Evening and sing each Sunday at the 10:30am service (and once a month at 6:30pm). The choir is a great place to share and enjoy fellowship.

Iain Stinson Director of Music

17. Bible Study Group

We continue to meet on the second Monday of the month in members’ homes.

We were sorry to hear that Robin Marshall had died. Robin and his wife Anne had been faithful members of the Bible Study Group for many years. Robin was informative and knowledgeable as he guided us through the readings each month. Anne has gone to be near her family in Cheltenham, so our prayers are with her.

Due to our situation now, after careful consideration we felt we would benefit from having a Prayer Meeting instead of a Bible Study.

We are a small, friendly group and anyone who would like to join us would be most welcome.

Shirley McEvoy

18. All Saints’ and the environment

At a PCC meeting towards the end of 2023, there was some discussion about whether All Saints’ should strive towards an eco-church award. Following on from this, I accompanied Revd Vicky Barrett on a visit to a local church which had achieved A Rocha gold award and we were given a list of useful contacts. One of these was “Cool Wirral Places of Worship”, an inter-faith group, currently receiving financial support from Wirral Borough Council, to help Wirral places of worship to be as ecologically / environmentally-friendly as possible. There are monthly meetings, mostly on Zoom, but some in-person meetings and some larger events with speakers.

Through “Cool Wirral” I attended a Carbon Literacy Course, choosing the online option. This included committing to a project which would give a 1 tonne “Carbon Footprint” reduction for the year 2024 in a community setting. My project was a personal commitment for my household, but by sharing my 2024 eco-journey in our Parish Magazine, I was able to involve other parishioners, so they might consider the environmental impact of their own lifestyles.

I attended most of the “Cool Wirral” Zoom meetings and two of the 2024 larger meetings. At the first, local politicians explained their political party stance on environmental issues. The second event had speakers from the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University explaining, in an accessible way, the science behind Climate Change and some of the actions places of worship and individuals could take to make a difference. The Churchwardens attended the meeting considering waste management.

There is an ongoing challenge for us at All Saints’ to decide how we engage with the environment in the future.

Linda M Arch

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Practical Ministries

19. Parish Magazine

The editors, Iain Stinson, Patsy Baker, Revd Vicky Barrett and Brian Morris continue to try to produce a magazine which is interesting and informative to its readers and especially to members of the parish. We have kept the parishioners informed of what is happening at our church through the events page, the diary and articles written on church life. At the same time, we have brought everyday stories from individuals about events which have happened in their lifetime and of interest.

Our thanks go to regular and occasional contributors who make the magazine so interesting. We hope that the readers gain comfort and enjoyment from the articles in the magazine. During 2024 six editions of the magazine were printed and circulated as in previous years and placed on the website.

We have continued to receive many complimentary comments from those who have enjoyed not only the content but also the format we have used. The magazine is distributed free to anybody who wishes to have a copy, but we do ask for a donation towards the cost of printing. We are indebted to our advertisers and to the voluntary donations given by our readers which meets most of the cost of producing the magazine.

The printing and co-ordinating the distribution is done by Margaret Gamble and we are indebted to her for continuing with this task as she has done for many years. Our thanks also go to the distributers who deliver the magazines.

We feel it is important that the magazine continues to bring to the attention of the parishioners the various articles, events, quizzes and stories in paper form as not everybody has a computer for the online version. 220 copies of the magazine are printed every two months and are distributed to homes in Thornton Hough, Raby Mere, Brimstage and Raby. Magazines are also posted to homes outside the parish: to Heswall, Neston, Oxton, Willaston, Chester, Port Sunlight, and as far afield as Evershot, Hornby (near Lancaster) and Broadstone (in Dorset).

Our editorial team welcomes contributions, so if you have a story or know of an event which you feel might be of interest, please send it to us for consideration with all the other articles.

The Editors

20. 2025 Thornton Hough Calendar

Following the successful previous calendars, a 2025 Thornton Hough Calendar was produced and printed with thanks to the support provided by Sue and Iain Stinson. Contributions of photographs of our beautiful village and neighbourhood were requested via the pulpit and through the bi-monthly magazine. After much deliberation, twelve photographs were selected from a large group depicting views of our beautiful parish at different times in the year. Once again over 175 copies were printed and sent to many parts of the country and far-off lands.

We were indebted to 12 local businesses and companies who each sponsored a month thus covering the printing costs and to those people who sold the calendars to friends and relatives. We should mention that Gordale, The Village Hall and AJ& Son Motors sold many of our calendars and we are very grateful for their support once again. Thanks must also go to Margaret Gamble who again sold many calendars to friends and family. We are delighted to report that the calendars made a handsome profit of over £1,250 for church funds.

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We look forward to producing another calendar for 2026 so we hope that many new and old photos will come to light during the Spring and Summer of 2025 and sent to us for consideration.

Brian Morris

21. Website report

The church website provides information about our church, contact details and includes a calendar of services and events taking place at All Saints’. We announce any lastminute changes to planned events and services on our home page. We publish copies of The Magazine on the website for those who prefer to read online; this also provides a growing record of our activities over recent years.

The website is an important communications tool. Comments and suggestions about the website are always welcome. Please look regularly at www.allsaintsth.org.uk – you might be pleasantly surprised by what you find.

Iain Stinson

22. Church Flowers

Thank you to everyone who has either arranged flowers or given a donation to the flower fund this year. People are very generous with their donations and it’s a good way to remember their loved ones.

We are very short of people to arrange the flowers in church. Please think whether this is something you could help with. You don’t have to be an expert.

It was especially good to see the church decorated at Harvest when members of the congregation decorated windows. In addition the entrance to the church, the font and the area around the altar all looked spectacular. We also enjoyed special displays at Easter and Christmas.

Margaret Gamble

23. ACF Report

Afternoon Meetings and Coffee Mornings

In the early part of 2024 I took the difficult decision to stand down from running ACF activities due to increasing family commitments. In order that a replacement volunteer or team of volunteers could be found I agreed to keep leading ACF until our annual meeting in May. Unfortunately, no-one in the Parish was able to commit to this role and we had to take the decision to cancel our afternoon meetings following the strawberry tea in July. The June meeting with Wirral Wildlife was very kindly hosted by Linda Arch. The July strawberry tea was organised by various members of the Church. All relevant paperwork and a comprehensive list of future speakers is safely stored in the Parish Hall should a volunteer be found in the future.

Before the closure of ACF afternoon meetings we were able to host a variety of speakers from the following charities:

Wirral Foodbank Wirral Youth for Christ Emmaus Wirral Hospice St Johns Wirral Wildlife

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The coffee mornings on the 4[th] Wednesday of the month have been able to continue on a rota basis to ensure there is a supply of hot drinks and biscuits, and also, for someone to run on the day. These coffee mornings continue to be enjoyed and well attended.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped out in any way however big or small at the afternoon meetings or coffee mornings. A special mention goes to Tim, Shirley, Margaret Wignall, Margaret Gamble, Di, Val and Alan Splitt, Heather and Vicky.

Helen Tankard

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of

All Saints, Thornton Hough

Registered Charity number 1131417

End of Year Financial Statements (Receipts & Payments)

Year ending December 31[st] 2024

Contents

Financial review

Financial review page 2 The Accounts page 4 Balance sheet page 5 Statement of Assets and Liabilities page 6 Statement of Financial Activities page 8 Analysis of income and expenditure page 9 Notes on the accounts page 12 Approval page 14 Independent Examiner’s report page 15 Appendix: Accounting policies page 16

April 4[th] 2025 Page 1 of 17

Financial review

Overall receipts in 2024 were £125,233, -£1,336 less than in 2023. The total expenditure in 2024 was £129,890 and the expenditure exceeded the income by £4,657. In 2023 expenditure exceeded income by £477.

At the end of the year the cash assets of the PCC were £44, 855 (this excludes the value of investments and property); this is £4,559 less than at the end of 2023.

Total receipts of unrestricted funds were £124,673 (General plus Designated funds). Of this £51,482 was from giving through standing orders, weekly envelopes, and open plate collection and we received £13,881 in unrestricted grants and gifts.

We received £675 in designated funding and £110 in restricted funding,

We recovered a total of £12,112 through the UK’s Gift Aid schemes on qualifying gifts and donations.

Income from investments (Permanent Trust Income) was £22,786; this was 8.8% higher than the return received in 2023. At the end of December 2024, the value of the investments owned by the PCC was 0.04% higher than at the end of 2023.

The PCC’s investments are controlled in partnership with the Diocese of Chester, the Diocese taking a role like that of a custodian trustee. The Diocese needs to support any resolutions made by the PCC about its investments; in some cases, The Charity Commission’s permission may be required. The PCC’s Finance Committee monitors the performance of its investments and, should it deem necessary, make proposals about these to the PCC. If the PCC wished to take any such proposals forward, the PCC would have to pass a formal resolution setting out the actions to be taken. Any such resolution would be passed to the Diocese of Chester for review, approval, and implementation. The Diocese of Chester does not provide any financial advice to PCCs.

There were some social activities during 2024; though their focus was not on raising funds, all of these (at least) broke even. The income from calendar sales and sponsorship was £1,485. The cost of producing the calendar was about £200 (for the 2025 edition) and so the net benefit from the 2025 edition of the calendar was around £1,285.

During 2024, donations towards the cost of the Magazine were £509 and revenue from advertisers was £130. Payments for the advertising in the Magazine for 2025 will be received in 2025.

The rental for use of the Parish Hall by outside organisations generated £8,650 during 2024; this is significantly lower than the amount received in 2023 (£12,354): one of our regular users moved to alternative accommodation and another major user reduced their rentals because of illness.

There were fewer weddings and funerals in church during the year and consequently the fees collected (£4,008) were less than in 2023 (£7,264).

The Parish Share for 2024 was £75,344 (5% higher than in 2023) and was paid in regular monthly instalments to the Diocese. This meets the cost of clergy salaries, pensions, clergy housing and training; it also provides support for the Diocese of Chester and the central organisation of the Church of England.

Whilst the salary for the Vicar is met by the Diocese, the PCC pay the Council Tax and water charges for the vicarage and the expenses incurred by the vicar in carrying out her role in the parish.

The cost of maintenance of the churchyard and graveyard was £8,401. This is included work on tree maintenance (£2,685) as well as keeping the grass and shrubs tidy. In 2023 the cost (excluding any major tree work) was £5,974.

In 2024 the PCC spent £5,423 from the Legacies Fund (a Designated Fund) repairing the church steeple, stonework around the south door, the steps from Raby Road and replacing some the vicar’s vestry lighting. They spent £2,987 from the General Fund replacing the sink and water heater in the vicar’s vestry, church roof repairs, and other minor works. The church clock transponder (used to restart the clock at the correct time) was replaced and the clock serviced at a cost of £894: £850 of this was paid for by generous donations made by the Thornton Hough Village Trust and local residents.

April 4[th] 2025 Page 2 of 17

The PCC spent £570 on repairs to the Parish Hall and £607 on repairs and statutory checks on Hirst Cottage. Work has been started on repairing and repainting the outside woodwork at Hirst Cottage in at the end of 2023. It has never been completed, and no payment has been made for this work

The total cost of employing two staff, the Verger/Caretaker and the Director of Music, was £11,705 in 2024, 6.8% more than in 2023.

Energy prices continued to rise in 2024, and our three-year fixed price contracts for gas and electricity came to an end in September 2024. After a careful review of the market, a new fixed price three-year contract has been put in place: this was the lowest cost contract available to us. This reflects the cost of energy in the last quarter of 2024 and Is almost twice the cost of the previous contract.

The PCC meets the day-to-day costs of running the parish from Unrestricted Funds (General Fund). The results for 2024 show that there is £29, 602 in the General Fund (unrestricted) at the end of the year £3,835 more than when the year began (14.8% more).

At the end of 2024, the Designated Funds available to the PCC are £12,349 and at the end of 2023 were £19,200. The PCC can use these Designated Funds to address some of the maintenance and development projects that need to be undertaken at All Saints’. The restricted funds held by the PCC amount to £2,678 (discounting the unrealised values of the Parish Hall and Hirst Cottage) and this must be used for the purposes specified by the donors of the money.

There remain concerns about our being able to meet the costs which are incurred in sustaining our regular activities. The level of income being received from planned giving and open plate giving (plus the Gift Aid on this) is less than half of the total annual expenditure. With income from the investments slowly recovering, we have been dependent on one-off donations and grants to meet our costs. This has been the case for the last few years.

There are further concerns about the likely costs of maintaining our buildings and grounds.

It is important that All Saints’ increases its income so that we can meet our ongoing costs and obligations, and so that we are able to continue to support God’s work in our parish.

April 4[th] 2025 Page 3 of 17

The accounts

This financial report is produced under the Church of England guidance for PCCs (Church Accounting Regulations 2006) adopting the Receipts and Payments method provided for by the Church and The Charities Act (2011).

This report consists of pages numbered 1 to 15; pages 16 and 17 do not form a part of the formal report.

This report shows all the PCC’s open bank accounts.

There may appear to be minor discrepancies in the totals in the reports as the pence are not shown.

All members of the PCC are Trustees of the registered charity.

Two PCC members (trustees), Mrs Margaret Gamble and Mr Iain Stinson are employees of the PCC. Mrs Gamble is the Verger/Caretaker and Mr Stinson is the Director of Music (posts they both held before first being elected or co-opted as PCC members). Neither Mrs Gamble nor Mr Stinson receive any payment for their roles as PCC Members (trustees).

No payments were made to PCC members for their role as a member of the PCC other than as minor reimbursements for items purchased.

These accounts have been prepared using Data Developments’ Finance Coordinator (version 4.62) software package following the PCC’s Accounting Policies which are appended to this report. They have been prepared on behalf of the PCC by Mr Iain Stinson who does not receive any payment for undertaking the duties of Honorary Treasurer.

The following assets are recognised but not valued in the accounts: moveable church furnishings held by the vicar and trustees on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal.

It is the PCC's policy to maintain a balance on unrestricted funds (whenever possible), which equates to approximately two months unrestricted payments, to meet cash flow requirements and to cover emergency situations that may arise from time to time.

The “Notes on the accounts” may be found on page 12 and 13.

April 4[th] 2025 Page 4 of 17

Balance Sheet December 31[st] 2024

Balance Sheet December Balance Sheet December Balance Sheet December 31 st 2024
As at
As at
31/12/2024
31/12/2023
Fixed assets
(note 1)
6430: Church Hall
£350,000
£350,000
6431: Hirst Cottage
£150,000
£150,000
(note 2)
6432: M&G Charibond
£138,701
£143,765
6433: M&G Charifund
£205,024
£199,815
Total Fixed assets
£843,725
£843,581
Current assets
6501: CAF Current A/c.545
£22,537
£27,094
6502: CAF Restricted A/c.546
—
—
6503: CAF Deposit A/c.274
£19,524
£19,050
(note 3)
6505: HSBC Current A/c.163
£1
£1
6506: HSBC Current A/c.388
£2,791
£3,267
Total Current assets
£44,854
£49,413
Liabilities
(note 4)
6699: Agency collections
£225
£117
Total Liabilities
£225
£117
Net Asset surplus (deficit)
£888,355
£892,878
Reserves
Excess / (deficit) to date
(£4,667)
(£476)
Z01: Starting balances
£892,878
£893,625
Z02: Other gains/(losses)
£144
(£270)
Total Reserves
£888,355
£892,878
Represented by Funds
Unrestricted
£29,602
£25,767
Designated
£12,349
£19,200
Restricted
£502,677
£504,329
Endowment
£343,725
£343,581
Total
£888,355
£892,878		 £350,000
£350,000
£150,000
£150,000
£138,701
£143,765
£205,024
£199,815
£843,725
£843,581
£22,537
£27,094
—
—
£19,524
£19,050
£1
£1
£2,791
£3,267
£44,854
£49,413
£225
£117
£225
£117
£888,355
£892,878
(£4,667)
(£476)
£892,878
£893,625
£144
(£270)
£888,355
£892,878
Represented by Funds
Unrestricted
£29,602
£25,767
Designated
£12,349
£19,200
Restricted
£502,677
£504,329
Endowment
£343,725
£343,581
Total £888,355
£892,878

April 4[th] 2025 Page 5 of 17

Statement of Assets and Liabilities as at December 31[st] 2024 (1 of 2)

Class and nominal code
General
Designated Restricted Endowment
Total
Last year		 Class and nominal code
General
Designated Restricted Endowment
Total
Last year		 Class and nominal code
General
Designated Restricted Endowment
Total
Last year		 Class and nominal code
General
Designated Restricted Endowment
Total
Last year
Fixed assets – Investments(note 2)
6432 : M&G Charibond
—
—
—
£138,701 £138,701 £143,765
6433 : M&G Charifund
—
—
—
£205,024 £205,024 £199,815
Total
—
—
—
£343,725 £343,725 £343,581
Fixed assets - Tangible assets (note 1)
6430 : Church Hall
—
—
£350,000
— £350,000 £350,000
6431 : Hirst Cottage
—
—
£150,000
— £150,000 £150,000
Total
—
—
£500,000
— £500,000 £500,000
Current assets - Cash at bank and in hand
6501 : CAF Current A/c.545
£13,677
£6,935
£1,924
—
£22,537
£27,094
6503 : CAF Deposit A/c.274
£13,055
£5,491
£978
—
£19,524
£19,050
6505 : HSBC Current
A/c.163(note 3)
£1
—
—
—
£1
£1
6506 : HSBC Current
A/c.388
£2,768
£23
—
—
£2,791
£3,267
Total
£29,502
£12,449
£2,902
—
£44,854
£49,413
Liabilities - Agency accounts
6699 : Agency collections
(note 4)
—
—
£225
—
£225
£117
Total
—
—
£225
—
£225
£117
Total
£29,502
£12,449
£502,677
£343,725 £888,355 £892,878
—
—
£225
—
£225
£117
£29,502
£12,449
£502,677
£343,725 £888,355 £892,878
Represented by(note 5)
Unrestricted - General
Designated – ACF
Designated - FeesHold
Designated - Hallimp
Designated - Kitchen
Designated - Legacies
Designated - Roof		 £29,602
—
—
—
£29,602
£25,767
—
£1,349
—
—
£1,349
£1,170
—
£190
—
—
£190
£590
—
£2,400
—
—
£2,400
£2,400
—
£150
—
—
£150
£150
—
£4,890
—
—
£4,890
£11,814
—
£2,515
—
—
£2,515
£2,515

April 4[th] 2025 Page 6 of 17

Statement of Assets and Liabilities as at December 31[st] 2024 (2 of 2)

Class and nominal code
Designated - Toybox
Designated - VicarProj
Restricted - ChoirFee
Restricted - Choir
Restricted - Hall
Restricted - Flowers
Restricted - Hirst
Restricted - Organ
Restricted - Taxi
Restricted - Vicar
Endowment - Charifund
Endowment -
Charibond
Total		 General
Designated Restricted Endowment
Total
Last year
—
£294
—
—
£294
—
—
£560
—
—
£560
£560
—
—
£420
—
£420
£320
—
—
£603
—
£603
£603
—
—
£350,000
— £350,000 £350,000
—
—
£976
—
£976
£866
—
—
£150,000
— £150,000 £150,000
—
—
£86
—
£86
£755
—
—
£241
—
£241
£250
—
—
£350
—
£350
£350
—
—
—
£205,024 £205,024 £199,815
—
—
—
£138,701 £138,701 £143,765
£29,602
£12,349
£502,677
£343,725 £888,355 £892,878

April 4[th] 2025 Page 7 of 17

Statement of Financial Activities from January 1[st] 2024 to December 31[st] 2024

Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Endowment
funds
Total
funds
Last year
total
funds		 Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Endowment
funds
Total
funds
Last year
total
funds		 Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Endowment
funds
Total
funds
Last year
total
funds		 Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Endowment
funds
Total
funds
Last year
total
funds		 Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Endowment
funds
Total
funds
Last year
total
funds
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
£78,574
£110
—
£78,684
£71,925
Income from charitable activities
£8,475
£440
—
£8,915
£14,783
Other trading activities
£10,333
—
—
£10,333
£13,931
Investments (note 6)
£27,689
—
—
£27,689
£25,712
Other income
(£400)
—
—
(£400)
£217
Total income
£124,673
£550
—
£125,223
£126,569
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
£4,929
—
—
£4,929
£3,622
Expenditure on charitable activities
£122,553
£2,201
—
£124,754
£123,231
Other expenditure
£206
—
—
£206
£193
Total expenditure
£127,688
£2,201
—
£129,890
£127,046
Gains / losses on investment assets
—
—
—
£144
(£270)
Net income / (expenditure)
resources
before transfer
(£3,015)
(£1,651)
—
(£4,522)
(£747)
Transfers(note 7)
Gross transfers between funds - in
£300
—
—
£300
£3,180
Gross transfers between funds - out
(£300)
—
—
(£300)
(£3,180)
Other recognised gains / losses
Gains on revaluation, fixed assets,
charity's own use
—
—
—
—
—
Net movement in funds
(£3,015)
(£1,651)
—
(£4,522)
(£747)
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
£44,967
£504,329
£343,581
£892,878
£893,625
Total funds carried forward
£41,951
£502,677
£343,725 £888,355
£892,878

April 4[th] 2025 Page 8 of 17

Analysis of income and expenditure from January 1[st] 2024 to December 31[st] 2024 (1 of 3)

Income and endowments(note 9)
Donations and legacies
1010 - Planned Giving SO
1015 - Planned Giving Envelopes
1020 - Gift Aid - Occasional
1030 - Gift Aid - tax rebate
1040 - Open Plate
1060 - Wall Safe
1070 - Donations - Sundry
1080 - Appeals - Donations
1090 - Legacies
1110 - Grants - non recurring
Donations and legacies Totals
Income from charitable activities
1120 - Events and Activities
1121 - Coffee Mornings
1122 - Toybox
1150 - Choir - Wedding fees
1160 - Funerals - PCC
1170 - Funerals - supplementary
1210 - Weddings - PCC
1240 - Fees for weddings and funerals
(note 8)
1400 - Magazine donations
1402 - Magazine - adverts
Income from charitable activities
Totals
Other trading activities
1140 - Halls - rentals
1300 - Printing / Copying (commercial)
1410 - Calendar Income
Other trading activities Totals
Investments
1130 - Hirst Cottage - Rent
1500 - Permanent Trust Income
1510 - Bank Interest
Investments Totals
Other income
1600 - Advanced payment of fees
1650 - Other Ordinary Income
1655 - Prior year adjustment
Other income Totals
Income and endowments totals		 General
Designated
Restricted
Total
This year
Total
Last year
£32,615
—
—
£32,615
£32,495
£9,650
—
—
£9,650
£9,127
—
—
—
—
£1,120
£12,112
—
—
£12,112
£11,325
£9,217
—
—
£9,217
£6,561
£423
—
—
£423
£184
£13,881
£175
£110
£14,167
£6,578
—
—
—
—
£33
—
—
—
—
£4,500
—
£500
—
£500
—
£77,898
£675
£110
£78,684
£71,925
£1,358
—
—
£1,358
£2,163
£231
£154
—
£385
£77
£133
£242
—
£375
£378
—
—
£440
£440
£550
£2,294
—
—
£2,294
£5,250
—
£100
—
£100
—
£1,514
£100
—
£1,614
£2,014
£1,708
—
—
£1,708
£2,493
£509
—
—
£509
£757
£130
—
—
£130
£1,100
£7,879
£596
£440
£8,915
£14,783
£8,650
—
—
£8,650
£12,354
£197
—
—
£197
£122
£1,485
—
—
£1,485
£1,455
£10,333
—
—
£10,333
£13,931
£4,380
—
—
£4,380
£4,380
£22,786
—
—
£22,786
£20,942
£522
—
—
£522
£389
£27,689
—
—
£27,689
£25,712
(£100)
(£300)
—
(£400)
£200
—
—
—
—
£17
—
—
—
—
—
(£100)
(£300)
—
(£400)
£217
£123,700
£972
£550 £125,223 £126,569

April 4[th] 2025 Page 9 of 17

Analysis of income and expenditure from January 1[st] 2024 to December 31[st] 2024

(2 of 3)

Expenditure
Raising funds
2400 - Hall - Consumables
2410 - Hall - Electricity
2415 - Hall - Gas
2420 - Hall - Insurance
2425 - Hall - Fire protection & safety
2430 - Hall - Water charges
2535 - Magazine & Bookstall
3010 - Printing - Copier rental & copies
Raising funds Totals
Expenditure on charitable activities
2000 - Parish Share
2010 - Clergy and staff - expenses
2015 - Clergy - locum costs
2020 - Parsonage - Council Tax
2035 - Parsonage - Water charges
2100 - Church - Electricity
2105 - Church - Gas
2110 - Church - Water charges
2115 - Church- Fire Protection & Safety
2120 - Church - Insurance
2125 - Church - Cost of services
2127 - Flowers
2130 - IT & Web
2200 - Church - Repairs
2201 - Church - Minor maintenance.
2202 - Church - Maintenance contracts
2300 - Church Yard (Church Road)
2310 - Grave Yard (Raby Road)
2440 - Hall repairs/exterior
2445 - Hall repairs/interior
2455 - Hirst Cottage – repairs
2460 - Property – upkeep
2500 - Misson / Outreach
2505 - Children's Ministry
2510 - Church Societies
2520 - Relief agencies		 General
Designated
Restricted
Total
This
year
Total
Last year
£129
—
—
£129
£182
£520
—
—
£520
£592
£989
—
—
£989
£807
£1,110
—
—
£1,110
£1,013
£44
—
—
£44
—
£165
—
—
£165
£157
£50
—
—
£50
£127
£1,918
—
—
£1,918
£740
£4,929
—
—
£4,929
£3,622
£75,344
—
—
£75,344
£71,756
£1,553
—
—
£1,553
£1,861
£56
—
—
£56
—
£2,441
—
—
£2,441
£2,091
£351
—
—
£351
£198
£1,001
—
—
£1,001
£1,108
£2,475
—
—
£2,475
£2,200
£503
—
—
£503
£437
£255
—
—
£255
£118
£2,386
—
—
£2,386
£2,352
£268
—
—
£268
£404
—
—
—
—
—
£313
—
—
£313
£326
£2,569
£5,423
—
£7,992
£3,561
£1,312
—
—
£1,312
£834
—
—
—
—
£896
£3,576
£1,500
—
£5,076
£3,402
£2,140
—
£1,185
£3,325
£2,572
£300
—
—
£300
£706
£270
—
—
£270
£323
£390
—
—
£390
£9,049
£730
—
—
£730
£345
£241
—
—
£241
£482
—
£457
—
£457
—
£688
—
£50
£738
£780
£165
—
—
£165
£550

April 4[th] 2025 Page 10 of 17

Analysis of income and expenditure from January 1[st] 2024 to December 31[st] 2024

(3 of 3)

2525 - Church Overseas
2530 - Secular Societies
2605 - Music - costs
2610 - Director of Music - Costs
2611 - Fees paid out(note 8)
2615 - Organ - tuning & maintenance
2620 - Organist - Locum organists
2701 - Office - Telecoms
2702 - Office - equipment
2710 - Office - consumables
3000 - Staffing Costs (Salaries)
3001 - Pension contributions
3002 - Tax & NIC payments
3005 - Staffing fees
3300 - Miscellaneous
4002 - Costs of stewardship
4003 - Costs of Fetes/events
4005 - Governance Costs
Expenditure on charitable
activities totals		 General
Designated
Restricted
Total
This year
Total
Last year
—
—
—
—
—
£516
£120
—
£636
£465
£133
—
—
£133
£223
—
—
—
—
—
£679
—
£290
£969
£1,162
—
—
£668
£668
£322
—
—
—
—
—
£688
—
—
£688
£631
—
—
—
—
—
£624
—
—
£624
£894
£9,121
—
—
£9,121
£8,415
—
—
—
—
—
£2,584
—
—
£2,584
£2,546
£1,076
—
—
£1,076
£1,728
—
—
£8
£8
£100
£78
—
—
£78
£76
£194
£21
—
£215
£305
—
—
—
—
—
£115,030
£7,522
£2,201 £124,754 £123,231

April 4[th] 2025 Page 11 of 17

Notes on the accounts

Note 1.

The Church Hall and Hirst Cottage are owned by the PCC and the valuation in the accounts was obtained some years ago. If the PCC wished to consider selling these assets, up to date valuations would need to be obtained.

Note 2.

The M&G Charibond and M&G Charifund investments are managed by the PCC in partnership with the Diocese of Chester for the PCC. The investments owned by the PCC are as follows:

Principal
donor		 Specified purpose Holding Number of shares Value 31 Dec 2024
Leverhulme M&G Charibond Inc 128,546.10 £138,701
M&G Charifund Inc 13,645.03 £200,909
Lever Churchyard maintenance M&G Charifund Inc 264.01 £3,887
Fernie Churchyard maintenance M&G Charifund Inc 15.46 £227
Total value of investments £343,725

The value of these investments was £144 higher than at the end of 2023.

Note 3.

The HSBC bank account ending in 163 is used as a part of the standing order collection process and automatically transfers its contents, other than £1, into the HSBC bank account ending in 388 at the end of each month.

Note 4.

The PCC collects fees for weddings, funerals and cremation services on behalf of the Diocese. These fees are held separately from the church’s funds and paid over to the Diocese each month. The liability shown is the amount of these fees in the PCC’s bank accounts which will be paid over to the Diocese.

Note 5.

Summary of the funds

The PCC may used General and Designated funds for any purpose that is in the best interest of the charity. Restricted funds are to be used for the purpose specified when they were given.

Name **Type ** Details
General General The main operating fund for the PCC. Receives most of the income and pays almost
all the runningcosts for the PCC.
ACF Designated Funds from the ACF group, which no longer operates. It is a Designated fund and
maybe used as the PCC deems appropriate.
FeesHold Designated This fund holds anyfeespayin advance of weddings.
Hallimp Designated This is for improvements/redecoration of the Parish Hall
Kitchen Designated This is for minor work on the Parrish Hall kitchen.
Legacies Designated This fund receives any legacies given to the church where the donor does not specify
how the money given is to be used.
Roof Designated For roof repairs to the church.
Toybox Designated For fundsgiven specificallyfor Toybox.
VicarProj Designated A fund for smallprojects. Theprojects require the vicar to agree with them.
ChoirFee Restricted Holds andpays out choir fees from weddings and funerals.
Choir Restricted Forpurchase of choir music.
Flowers Restricted For flowers for the church.

April 4[th] 2025 Page 12 of 17

Organ Restricted For repairs and maintenance of the organ.
Taxi Restricted To meet occasional costs of transporting people to and from church and church
events.
Vicar Restricted A discretionaryfund which the vicar mayuse.
Hall Restricted Represents the value of the Parish Hall(owned bythe PCC)..
Hirst Restricted Represents the value of Hirst Cottage(owned bythe PCC).
Endowment Represents the investments owned bythe PCC.

Note 6 .

This Investment Income includes the rental for Hirst Cottage (£4,380), bank interest (£522) and receipts from the investments (£22,786).

As well as the income from investments owned by the PCC, the investment income also includes income from a gift made in 1956 by Miss K.P. Fryer to the Diocese of Chester Board of Finance. The gift was made with a request that it be used for the benefit of All Saints’ Thornton Hough and that a portion be used to provide a memorial in the Church to her parents. The Diocese of Chester Board of Finance holds 6,304.15 shares in the CBF Investment fund as the remaining part of this gift; the value of these shares at 31[st] December 2024 was £145,768.

The table below shows the income received from these investments during 2024.

Fund Income 2024 Yield
M&G Charifund £12,532.05 6.11%
M&G Charibond £6,299.16 4.54%
CBF Investment fund £3,955.86 2.71%
Total £22,787.07

Yield is defined as income during the year / value at the end of the year.

Note 7.

The transfer of funds in 2024 was between the fund use to hold advanced payment of wedding fees to the General Fund.

Note 8.

Fees received for the verger and organist for weddings and funerals, (and some grave digging fees) are recorded under code 1240. Payments from this income made to employees are recorded under code 3005 and to others under code 2611. Choir Wedding fees are received into a restricted fund and paid after the ceremony using code 2611.

Note 9.

In 2024, no income was received from the sale of endowments and no endowments were purchased.

Note 10.

Types of Fund

Restricted Funds may only be used for the purposes specified by the donor. The General Fund may be used by the PCC without restriction. The PCC may choose to transfer some parts of the General Fund into a Designated Fund to indicate that it intends to use this for a specified purpose. However, the PCC, at its discretion, may move Designated Funds to the General Fund or to a different Designated Fund. In the accounts, an Unrestricted Fund is any fund which is not a Restricted Fund: the total of Unrestricted Funds is the sum of the General Fund and all Designated Funds.

April 4[th] 2025 Page 13 of 17

Approval

Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

Revd Vicky Barrett (Vicar)

Mrs Patsy Baker (Churchwarden)

Mrs June Allcoack (Churchwarden)

Date: 8[th] April 2025

April 4[th] 2025 Page 14 of 17

Independent examiner’s report

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of All Saints, Thornton Hough (Registered Charity number 1131417) (the Trust) for the year ended 31[st] December 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

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

Independent examiner’s statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

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

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

April 4[th] 2025 Page 15 of 17

Appendix: Accounting Policies

Note: These are not a part of the formal Financial Report

1.

Accounting

The financial statements are prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006, together with applicable accounting standards and the SORP 2005. The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention except for the valuation of investment assets, which are shown at market value. The accounts include transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is held responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe an affiliation to another body nor those that are informal gatherings of church members.

2

Funds

Unrestricted funds are general funds which can be used for PCC ordinary purposes.

Restricted funds represent (a) income from trusts and endowments which may be expended only on those restricted objects provided in the terms of the trust or bequest, and (b) donations or grants received for a specific object or invited by the PCC for a specific object. The funds may only be expended on the specific object for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent at the end of each year must be carried forward as a balance on that fund. The PCC does not usually invest separately for each fund.

Endowment funds are funds, the capital of which must be maintained; only income arising from investment of the endowment may be used either as restricted or unrestricted funds depending on the purpose for which the endowment was established.

3

Reserves Policy

It is the PCC's policy to maintain a balance of unrestricted funds (i.e. a balance of funds excluding restricted funds), whenever possible, which equates to approximately two months unrestricted payments, to meet cash flow requirements and to cover emergency situations that may arise from time to time. For the purpose of monitoring the reserves balance, the two months unrestricted payments will be deemed to one sixth of 90% of the budgeted expenditure of the current financial year.

4 Incoming Resources

Collections are recognised when received by or on behalf of the PCC. Planned giving receivable under Gift Aid is recognised only when received. Gift Aid recoverable on qualifying donations is recognised when the Gift Aid is received.

Legacies to the PCC are accounted for when the PCC receives them. Grants are recorded when received.

Rental income from the letting of Hirst Cottage is recognised when the rent is due. Income from Parish Hall rentals is recognised when the income is received.

Dividends and interest are accounted for when received. Tax recoverable on such income is recognised in the same accounting year as when claimed.

April 4[th] 2025 Page 16 of 17

All other income is recorded when received.

Realised gains or losses are recognised when investments are sold. Unrealised gains or losses are accounted for on the revaluation of investments at 31 December.

Wherever practically possible all incoming resources are accounted for gross.

5 Resources Used

Grants are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding or constructive obligation on the PCC.

Salaries, pay, tax, NI, fees and exceptional expenditure are recognised in the accounts when they are due.

The Diocesan Parish Share is accounted for when due.

All other expenditure is generally recognised when it is incurred and, where practical, is accounted for gross.

Activities which involve regular and ongoing payments are handled through unrestricted funds. Where donations (and other income) are received to support a specific activity which involves regular and ongoing payments, these will be held in a restricted fund. Where funds are available, transfers will be made from the restricted fund to the unrestricted fund (from which the payments for the activity are made) as expenditure for that activity is incurred. Restricted funds do not go into deficit. Unexpended resources will remain in the restricted fund.

6 Fixed Assets

Consecrated land and beneficed property is excluded from the accounts by s.96(2)(a) of the Charities Act 1993. No value is placed on movable church furnishings which are held by the Churchwardens, on special trust for the PCC, and which require a faculty for disposal and which are inalienable property. All expenditure incurred during the year on consecrated or beneficed buildings and movable church furnishings, whether maintenance or improvement, is written off as expenditure in the SOFA and separately disclosed.

Equipment used within the church and PCC premises is depreciated on a straight line basis over 4 years. Individual items of equipment with a purchase price of £1,000 or less are written off when the asset is acquired.

7

Payments to PCC Members

Expenses paid to the vicar may include a small immaterial proportion which relates to the vicar’s function as a PCC member. No other payments are made to PCC members other than as reimbursements for items purchased.

Revised January 2020

April 4[th] 2025 Page 17 of 17

All Saints Thornton Hough Financial Statement year ending 31[st] December 2024

Independent examiner’s report

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of All Saints, Thornton Hough (Registered Charity number 1131417) (the Trust) for the year ended 31[st] December 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

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

Independent examiner’s statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

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

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.