## **Parochial Church Council of Poulton-le-Fylde (St Chad)** ## **ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2025** ## **Administrative Information** The Parish is part of the Diocese of Blackburn within the Church of England. The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a registered charity, number 1131531 and the official title is “The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Chad, Poulton-le-Fylde”. The Parish is a United Benefice with St Anne’s, Singleton. ## **Places of Worship** St. Chad’s Church, Market Place, Poulton-le-Fylde St. Martin’s and St. Hilda’s Church, Fleetwood Road, Carleton **Address for Correspondence** - Revd. Canon M. Keighley, The Vicarage, Vicarage Road, Poulton-le-Fylde, FY6 7BE ## **The Parochial Church Council – Membership** PCC members who have served from 1 January 2025 until the date this report was approved are:- Incumbent The Revd. Canon Martin Keighley (Chairman), who is responsible for the day-to-day running of the parish. Licenced Lay Minister Mr David Gascoigne ## Churchwardens Miss Lynne Brackpool Mrs. Joan Swan Mrs Geraldene Rogers Deputy Mrs Susan Hanson-Scobie Churchwarden ## Representatives on Deanery Synod Mrs Geraldene Rogers Ms Lindsay Mason Ms Penny Waters Miss Lynne Brackpool Appointed until 2026 Mrs E Harrison; Mrs S Keighley; Mr I Mills; Mrs B Schofield ## Appointed until 2027 Mr M Nuttall’ Mr J McCain; Mrs A McCarthy [resigned January 2026]; Mrs N Karunasekara Appointed until 2028 Mr J Rogers [from June 2025]; Mr S Swan; Mrs F J Walmsley 1 ## **Structure, governance and management** The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All Church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC. The PCC has a number of committees which meet as necessary and report to the PCC regularly. **Finance and Standing Committee:** Oversees financial affairs and advises the Vicar and PCC. Prepares the PCC agendas and takes necessary decisions between PCC meetings. **Fabric:** Oversees the care and maintenance of the parish church, with the advice of the Architect when required. **Outreach and Worship:** Helps to plan the implementation of the wider mission of the Church. Makes recommendations about the liturgy and organisation of services. **Resources:** Concerned with all aspects of Stewardship. **Flöthe:** To foster our link with the parish of Flöthe in Braunschweig, Germany. There is a **Representative on Poulton and Carleton Churches Together** to act for the Church on the local Ecumenical Committee and report on ecumenical events. There is a **Parish Safeguarding Officer** (Miss Lynne Brackpool ) who oversees the implementation of the Parish Policy on work with children and young people, reporting regularly to the PCC and bringing matters to the PCC for their approval. The Policy is reviewed regularly. Miss Brackpool also fulfils the role of **Vulnerable Adults Officer** . **A Health and Safety Officer** (Mrs Geraldene Rogers) who oversees the implementation of the Health and Safety Policy and reports Health and Safety Matters to the PCC. ## **Objectives and activities** ## _**Mission Statement**_ In the years that lie before us, we, the people of God in the parish of St. Chad, Poulton-le-Fylde, will seek to:- Place worship and prayer at the heart of our life together as an expression of our love of God in Christ Jesus Grow in Christian love one for another Grow in the love and knowledge of Christ as he is revealed in the Gospels Through outreach and pastoral care carry the love and knowledge of the Christ revealed in the Gospels into our wider community. ## _**Public Benefit Statement**_ The PCC is aware of the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit in the ‘The Advancement of Religion for the Public Benefit’ and have regard to it in their administration of the parish. The PCC believes that, by fulfilling its responsibility to work together with the incumbent and to co-operate in all matters of concern and importance for the promotion of the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical, it provides benefit to the public by: - Providing resources and facilities for public worship, pastoral care and spiritual, moral and intellectual development, both for its members and for anyone who wishes to benefit from what the Church offers; - Promoting Christian values, and service by members of the Church in the Parish to its community, to the benefit of individuals and society as a whole. 2 ## _**Achievements and performance**_ **Number on the Electoral Roll** - 169 (2025) 248 (2024) = 79 less **Regular Weekly Attendance -** 118 (2025) 117 (2024) ## **Review of the year** |**Statistics for occasional offices**

Funerals in Church*

Funerals at Crematorium or Cemetery

Weddings and Blessings

Baptisms*

*St Chad’s and St Hilda’s together|**2025**
**2024**
30
37
27
31
7
7
64
54| |---|---| The focus of parish life will always be the regular offering of worship at St Chad’s and St Hilda’s, and the provision for those who look to the Church at particular points in life. Although weddings, and funerals taken by the clergy at the crematorium or cemetery, have declined markedly in recent years, the occasional offices still represent a substantial workload and an important income stream in these accounts. We are pleased to report a steady stream of visitors and newcomers to our services, and for those exploring their Christian faith we have a regular home group, bible study groups and the nurture course Christianity Explored. The livestreaming of our Parish Communion is much appreciated by several housebound parishioners and also provides a window into worship for people on the fringe or wanting to find out more. Our online Facebook account and our Parish Website are both regularly updated and represent an important means of outreach and raising our profile across the community in this digital age. A number of our regular weekly attenders are present only at midweek services, which represent an important part of our provision. However, this does involve a considerable commitment from the clergy and as such is kept under review, and in the autumn declining attendance led to the discontinuation of the Wednesday Communion at Carleton. In 2025 the monthly contemporary worship has now become StChads@4 and we continue to explore ways to make this more widely known and to ensure it meets the needs of both children and adults. Our outreach activities have included a Bible Workshop, a Dinner with a Christian Speaker and Church in the Churchyard. In September our Mission Week included a Faith in Art Evening and a Concert by Eilidh Patterson, a Christian folk singer. Through the week we welcomed visitors to displays featuring heritage and history, stewardship challenges and faith exploration. The success of these events must always be judged on the basis of the quality of the encounters as well as the numbers of those attending. We hope to use lessons learnt in the planning of our Parish Mission Weekend in September 2026, to mark the Blackburn Diocesan Centenary. There have been six meetings of the PCC in 2025, along with the Annual Parochial Church Meeting in May. The Finance and Standing Committee also met on six occasions. The PCC has continued to set a deficit budget and despite the receipt of several small legacies during the year, we have still drawn upon our reserves. During the course of the year we undertook a stewardship renewal and launched The Parish Giving Scheme, which allows gift-aid to be paid more promptly and includes provision for annual inflation increases, which we hope will prove beneficial in future years. The provision of a contactless payment point by the church door has seen a rapid growth of income in a world where many people have gone cashless. No major building work took place in 2025 but we continue to undertake routine maintenance and occasional emergency repairs, and to further plans to alleviate dampness and crumbling plasterwork in the ringing chamber. Towards the end of the year, we were able to install pew cushions throughout the nave which has improved comfort levels and has been well received. 3 In October we welcomed nine visitors from our Link Parishes in the Lutheran Diocese of Braunschweig, including their new Pastor Johannes Engelmann. They were hosted by parishioners and enjoyed a varied programme of outings, social gatherings and a United Harvest Service at St Hilda’s. Work with schools continues to be an important feature of the parish, and a full programme of weekly assemblies, Church visits, Nativities and Carol Services has continued along with the provision of foundation governors in our Church Schools. We continue to offer Confirmation at St Chad’s each year and to nurture and support for children and families through Little Gang, Junior Church, Messy Church and All-Age Worship. Bellringing is currently proving very popular with several teenage ringers and a waiting list for adults wanting to have a go. All our provision for U-18’s is subject to a strict safeguarding policy overseen and administered by our Safeguarding Officer. St Hilda’s Church remains a valued part of the parish, with strong links to the Roman Catholic congregation of St Martin. The Ecumenical Choir has drawn members from a number of churches and provides music of a high quality for both Christmas and Easter. Ties with St Hilda’s School remain strong and Messy Church serves as an important link between the two, as the congregation explore new ways to reach out to young families. ## **Personnel** Our Vicar, Revd. Martin Keighley is now in remission following successful cancer treatment. However, we are keen to support his wellbeing by retaining the revised working pattern established during his treatment. This continues to involve substantial assistance from the retired clergy. The Ven Colin Williams, a former Vicar of the Parish, retired locally and has continued to give welcome assistance through the leading of services across the benefice. The Ven Anne Dawtry, retired Archdeacon of Halifax, is now resident in Poulton, and has continued to give invaluable support both with regular services and the occasional offices. Mr David Gascoigne is an experienced LLM, who undertakes an active role in many aspects of parish life. We have three Authorised Lay Ministers, Lynne Brackpool, Lindsay Mason and Geraldene Rogers. Last year saw the death of Dorothy Griffith, our long serving PCC Secretary, who was active in many aspects of the church life for many years. ## **Buildings** St Chad’s Church is a grade 2* listed building most of which dates from a reconstruction which took place in 1751. It forms the centrepiece of Poulton-le-Fylde and is much admired by our many visitors, particularly during February or March when there is a magnificent display of crocus in the Churchyard. The Church building at Carleton is owned by the Roman Catholic Church and the Church Hall is owned jointly. Both are administered by a Joint Council drawn from St Hilda’s and St Martin’s congregations. Running costs are shared between the two churches, and both the Church and Hall are maintained in good order. St Chad’s Church Hall on Vicarage Road dating from 1925 is now leased to Poulton le Fylde Community Hall (formerly Vicarage Park Community Centre) which is now fully operational; used by the Church for Junior Church on Sunday morning and Little Gang, which meets each Friday morning during term time. The land adjoining the Church Hall which is owned by the PCC is let to St Chad’s Tennis Club on a short term non-renewable lease. The clergy house at Roylen Avenue is currently being rented out through a letting agency, thus ensuring a regular source of income until needed again for parochial use. **Future Plans** Succession planning is set to be an important feature in the coming months as we seek to ensure the smooth running of this busy parish in a future vacancy. All-Age Worship is well established at St Chad’s and there are plans to replicate this monthly provision at St Hilda’s. These services help to ensure a broader age profile across our worshipping community and counter the ageing demographic of recent years. We are also working to grow a younger generation of lay leaders and to foster and encourage commitment to leadership roles. 4 To assist our work with young people, we are being encouraged to explore the appointment of an Ignite Worker, funded initially through the Church Commissioners. This will require careful planning by the PCC, including a clear vision for the role and a commitment to provide ongoing oversight and support. We are planning to play a full part in the Diocesan Centenary Celebrations, including the Big Day Out in Blackpool and the Centenary Mission Weekend in September and will join with the rest of the Diocese in embracing the new Diocesan Vision 2026 to 2033, to be launched this year. ## **FINANCIAL MATTERS** ## **Bankers** Nat West Bank, Cleveleys branch. CCLA Investment Management Ltd (The CBF Church of England Funds) **Independent Examiner** Nicola Mason MHA Moore and Smalley. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the notes to the accounts and comply with the charity’s governing document, the Charities Act 2011 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). At a time when many Parishes are struggling to make ends meet, we remain in a strong financial position and have a very great deal to be thankful for. Each year a budget is set for the day to day running of the church, in 2025 it was anticipated there would be a deficit of £33,963. With generous legacies being received of £9916, as of 31.12.25 the budget showed a deficit of £22,191. It is predicted to have a similar deficit in 2026. ## **Reserves Policy** It is considered prudent to maintain a general unrestricted reserve in the region of £50,000 representing running costs for around 3 months. We currently remain in excess of this figure. A separate Legacy fund, (balance £147,333 at the year-end), is maintained as an unrestricted fund, and receives any unrestricted legacies that come in, unless other specific instructions are given by the donor. It is used to fund specific items rather than general expenditure. Fabric Fund (£10,702 excluding investments) may only be used for the repair and maintenance of the Church Building or its contents. There is also a Fabric designated Account (£3,327). Carleton Fund (Total £185,342 comprising fixed assets £174,950 [house] and Deposit Account £10,392) may only be spent on items pertaining to the Carleton Church Community worshipping at the shared Church of St Hilda’s and St Martin’s. It has been drawn on in the past and matched with a similar amount from the Roman Catholic Church for the construction of the new hall at St Hilda’s and St Martin’s. 5 ## **Risk Management** It is generally considered that those risks to which the PCC are exposed, and which would impact on either the satisfactory running of the Church or its financial position are well managed. Financial controls are in place with a budget set each year and regular reporting procedures, and a professional independent examination of the accounts for the year ending 31[st] December 2025. Reputational risks are difficult to foresee and would need to be dealt with if they arise, but with the support of the Diocese. Statutory and legal requirements have been met to the best of our ability but need to be kept under review. ## **Responsibility of the Trustees** The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the 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 & Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to: - Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; - Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP (FRS 102); - Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; - State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; - Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation. The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. 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. Signed by order of the members Chairman 6 Parochial Church Council of PoultoTrltsvFylde {St Chad) ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2025 Administrative Infomiation The Parish Is part of the Diocese of Blackbum within Ihe Church of England. The Parochial Church Council IPCCI is a registered charity. number 1131531 and Ihe official lille is 'The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiaslical Parish ol St Chad, Poullon-le-Fylde". The Parish is a United Benelice wilh St Anne's. Singleton. Places of Worshlp Sl. Chad's Church. Market Place, Poulton-le-Fylde Sl. Martin's and Si. Hilda s Church. Fleebmood Road, Carleton Address for Corrospondence - Revd. Canon M. Ke￿hley, The Vicarage. Vicarage Road. Poullon-le-Fylde, FY6 7BE The Parochial Church Council- M•mbership PCC members who have served from 1 January 2025 until the date this report was approved are'.- Incumbent Th8 Revd. Canon Martin Keighley (Chairman), who is responsible for the day-lo-day running ol Ihe parish. Licenced Lay Minister fvlr David Gascoigne hur hwarden Miss Lynne Brackpool Mrs. Joan Swan Mrs Geraldene Rogers ul Mrs Susan Hanson-scobie resenla on an Mrs Geraldene Rogers fv1s Lindsay Mason Ms Penny Waters Miss Lynna Brackpool Appointed until 2026 Mrs E Harrison.. Mrs S Keighley.. Mr l Mills.. Mrs B Schofield Appointed until 2027 Ir M Nuttall. Mr J Mccain.. Mrs A Mccarthy [resigned January 20261. Mrs N Karunasekara Appointed until 2028 Mr J Rogers Ifrom June 20251" Mr S Swan,. Mrs F J Walmsley Structure, govgrnance and management The method of appointment of PCC members is sel out in Ihe Church Representation Rules. All Church alleNdees are encouraged lo register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC. The PCC has a number ofcommiltees which meet as necessary and report lo the PCC regularly. Finance and Standing Committee: Oversees financial affairs and advises the Vicar and PCC. Prepares the PCC agendas and lakes necessary decisions befvleen PCC meetings. Fabric- Oversees the care and maintenance ol the parish church. with the adwce of the Architect when required. Outreach and Worship: Helps to plan the implemenlalion of the wider rnission of the Church. Makes re￿mmendatIonS about the lilurgy and organisalion ol services. Resources: Concemed with all aspects of Stewardship. Flothe: To foster our link with the parish of Flothe in Braunschweig. Gemany. There is a Reprosentative on Poulton and Carleton Churches Togeth•r lo act for the Church on the local Ecumenical Committee and report on ecumenical events. Ther8 is a Parlsh Safeguardlng Offlcer (Miss Lynne Elrackpuol I who oversees Ihe Implemenlalion of the Parish Policy on work with children and young p8ople, reporting regularly lo the PCC and bringing mallers lo the PCC for their approval. The Policy is reviewed regularly. Miss Brackpool also fulfils the role of Vulnerable Adults Officer. A Health and Safety Officer (Mrs G&raldene Rogers) who oversees the implemenlalion of the Health and Safely Poliuy d¢i¢J reports Health and Safely Matters lo the PCC. Objectives and activlties Mlssion Statement In the years that lie before us, we, the people of God in the parish of Sl. Chad. Poullon-le-Fylde, will seek lo... Place worship and prayer al the h8arl of our lrfe together as an expression of our love of God In Chrisl Jesus Grow in Christian love one for another Grow in Ihe love and knowle¢Yge of Christ as he is revealed in the Gospels Through outreach and pasloral carts carry the love aTbd knowledge of the Christ revealed in the Gospels into our wider community. Public Benefit Statement The PCC is awafe of the Chaiity Commission's guidance on public benefit in the 'The Advancement of Religion for the Public Benefit, and have ward to il in their administration of the parish. The PCC believes that. by fulfilling its responsibility lo work together wilh the incumbent and lo co-operate in all mallers of concern and importance for the promotion of Ihe whole mission of Ihe Church, pastoral. evangelistic, social and ecumenical, il provides benefit lo the public by.. Providing resource5 and faulities for public worship. pastoral care and spiritual. moral and intellectual development. both for ils members and for anyone who wishes lo benefit from what the Church offers. Promolin Christian values and service b to the benefit of individuals and socie members of the Church in the P as a whole. rish lo its communi Achievements and performance Nurnber on the Electoral Roll - 16912025) 248 (20241 = 79 less Regular Weekly Attendance 118 {2025) 117 {2024) Review of tho yoar Statistics for occasional offices Funerals in Church. Funerals al Crematorium or Cemetery Weddings and Blessings Baptisms, 'Sl Chad'5 and St Hilda's togethor 2025 30 27 2024 37 31 54 The focus of parish Ille will always be the regular offering of worship al Si Chad's and Sl Hilda's. and the provision for those who look lo the Church al particular poin15 in life. Although weddings, and funerals taken by the clergy al the crernalorium or cemelery. have declined markedly in recent years, the occasional offices still represènl a substantial Workload and an importanl income stream in these ac¢ounls. We are pleased lo report a steady stream of visitors and newcomers lo our services. and for those exploring their Christian faith we have a regular home group. bible study groups and the nuriure course Ghrislianily Explored. The livestreaming ol our Parish Communion is much appreciated by several housebound parishioners and also provides a window into worship for people on the fringe or wanting lo lind out more. Our online Facebook account and our Parish Website are both regularly updated and fepresenl an imporianl means ol outreach and raising our profile across the tommunily in this digilal age. A nLJmber of our regular weekly allenders are present only al midweek services, which represent an important part of our provision However. this does Involve a considerabl8 commitment from the clergy and as such Is kept under review. and in the autumn declining attendance led lo the disconlinualion of the VVedrTresday Communion at Cartelon. In 2025 Ihe monthly contemporary worship has now become SIChads@4 and we continue lo explore ways lo make this more widely known and lo ensure il meels the needs of both children and adulls. Our outreach activities have included a Bible Workshop. a Dinner with a Christian Speaker and Church in the Churchyard. In September our Mission Week included a Faith in Arl Evening and a Concert by Eilidh Pallerson, a Christian folk s1nger Through the week we welcomed vis11ors lo displays featuring heritage and history, stewardship challenges and faith exploration. The success of these events must always be judged on the basis of the quality of the encounlers as well as the numbers of those attending. We hope lo use lessons learnt in the planning of our Pansh Mission Weekend in September 2026, 10 mark the Blackburn Diocesan Centenary. There have been six meetings ol the PCC In 2025. along with the Anr)ual Parochial Church Meeting in May. The Finance and Standing Committee also mel on six occasions. The PCC has conlinved 10 Set a deficit budget and despite the receipt of several small legacies during Ihe year. we have still drawn upon aur reserves. During the course of the year we uTrJertook a 51ewardship renewal and launched The Parish Giving Scheme, which allows gift-aid lo be paid more promptly and includes provision for annual inflation increases, which we hope will prove beneficial In future year5. The provision ol a conlaclless payment point by the church door has seen a rapid growth of income in a world where many people have gone cashless. No major building work look place in 2025 bul we continue lo undertake routine maintenance and occasional emergency repairs, and lo further plans to alleviate dampness and crumbling plasterwork in the ringing ¢haTnber. Towards the erkd of the year. we were able lo install pew cushions throughout the nave which has improved comfort levels and has been well received_ In October we welcomed nine visito(s from our Link Parishes in the Lutheran Dioeese of Braunschweig, including their new Pastor Johannes Engelrnann. They were hosted by panshioners and enjoyed a varied programme of outings, social gatherings and a United Harvest Service al St Hilda'5. Work with schools continues lo be an irnportanl feature of the parish. and a full programme of weekly assemblies, Church visils. Nalivilies and Carol Services has continued along with the provision of foundation govern015 in our Church Schools. We continue to offer Confimialion al Sl Chad's each year and lo nurture ar)d support for children and families through Litue Gang. Junior Church, Messy Church and All-Age Worship. Bellringing is currently proving very popular with several teenage ringers and wailing Iisl for adults wanting to have a go. All our provision for U-18'5 is subject to a strict safeguarding policy overseen and administered by our Safeguarding Officer. Sl Hilda s Church remains a valued part of the parish. with strong links lo the Roman Catholic congregation of Si Martin. The Ecumenical Choir has drawn members from a number of churches and provides music of a high quality lor both Christmas and Easter. Ties with Sl Hilda'5 School remain strong and Messy Church serves as an important link be￿een Ihe Iwo, as Ihe congregation explore new ways lo reach out lo young families. Personnel Our Vicar, Revd. Martin Keighley is now in remission following successful cancer treatment. However. we are keen to 5UPPOrt his wellbeing by retaining the ￿VIsed working pattern 85tablishea during his Irealmenl. This continues lo involve subslanlial assistance from the relired clergy. The Ven Colin Williams, a fomier Vicar of the Parish, relired locally and has continued lo give welcome assistance through the leading of services across the benefice. The Ven Anne Oawlry. retired Archdeacon ol Halifax. Is now resident in Poullon. and has continued lo give invaluable support both with regular services and the occasional offices. Mr David Gascoigne is an experienced LLM. who underlakes an active role in many aspects of parish life. We have three Aulhorised Lay Ministers. Lynne 8rackpool, Lindsay Mason and Geraldene Rogers. Last year saw the death ol Dorolhy Griffith. our long serving PCC Secretary, who was active in many aspects ol the church life for many years. Buildings Sl Chad's Church is a grade 2. listed building most of which dales from a reconstruction which look place in 1751. 11 fomis the cenlrepiece of Poullon•l&FWde arKI is much admired by our many visitor5, particu18rly during February or March when ther8 is a magnif￿nI display of crocus in the Churchyard. The Church building al Carlelon is owned by the Roman Catholic Church and Ihe Church Hall is owned jointly. 8olh are administered by a Joint Council drawn from St Hilda's and Sl Martin's congregalions. Running Costs are shared between the two churches, and both the Church and Hall are rnainlained in good order. Sl Chad's Church Hall on Vicarage Road dating from 1925 is now leased to Poullon le Fylde Community Hall (formerly Vicarage Park Community Cenlrel which is now fully operational.. used by the Church for JLJnior Church on Sunday morning and Little Gang. which meets each Friday moming during term lime. The land adjoining the Church Hall which is owned by the PCC is let lo Sl Chad's Tennis Club on a short term non-renewable lease. The clergy house al Roylen Avenue is currently E￿ing rented out through a lelling agency. thus ensuring a regular 50urce ol income until needed again for parochial use. Future Plans Succession planning is sel lo be an important feature in (he coming rnonlhs as we seek lo ensure the smooth running of this busy parish in a future vacancy. All-Age Worship Is well established at Sl Chad's and Ihere are plans lo replicate this monthly provision al Sl Hilda s. These services help lo ensure a broader age profile across our worshipping corllmunily and counter the ageing dernographic of recenl year5. We are also working to grow a younger generation of lay leaders and lo foster and encourage commitment to leadership roles. To assist our work with young people. we are being encouraged lo explore the appointrnent of an Ignite Worker, funded initially through Ihe Church Cofflmi5sioners. This will require careful planning by the PCC, including a clear vision for Ihe role and a commitrnenl lo provide ongoing oversight and support. We are planning lo play a full part in the Diocesan Centenary Celebrations, Including the Big Day Out in Blackpool and the Centenary Mission Weekend in September and will join with the rest ol the Diocese In embracing the new Diocesan Vision 2026 to 2033. to be launched this year. FINANCIAL MATTERS Bankers Nal Wesl Bank. Cleveleys branch. CCLA Investment Management Ltd (The CBF Church of England Funds) Indopondènt Examiner Nicola Mason MHA Moore and Smalley. The finar)¢ial slalemenls have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies sel out in the notes lo the accounls and comply wilh the charity s goveming document. the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charilies.. Slalemenl ol Recommended Practice applicable lo charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021. Al a lime when many Parishes are struggling lo make ends meel. we remain in a strong financial position and have a very great deal lo be thankful for. Each year a budget 1s sel for the day lo day running ol the church, in 2025 il was anlicipaled there would be a deficit 01 £33.963. Wilh generous legacies being received or £9916. as of 31. 12.25 the budget showed a deficit of £22,191. 11 is predicted lo have a similar deficit in 2026. Reserves Policy 11 is considered prudent lo maintain a gerEral Un￿stricted reserve in Ihe region of £50.000 representing running costs for around 3 monlhs. We currently remain In excess of this figure. A separate Legacy fund. Ibalance £147,333 al Ihe year*nd), is maintained as an unreslricled fund, and receives.any unrestricted legacies that come in, unless other specific inslruclions are given by the donor. It is used lo fund specific items rather than general 8xpandilure. Fabric Fund (£10,702 excluding investments) may only be used for the repair and maintenance of the Church Building or its conlenls. There is also a Fabric designaled Accounl1£3,327). Carleton Fund ITotal £185.342 comprising fixed assels £174,950 Ihousel and Deposit Account £10.3921 may only be spent on Items pertaining lo the Carlelon Church Community worshipping al the shared ' Church of Sl Hilda's and Sl Martin's. 11 has been drawn on in the past and malched with a similar amount from the Roman Catholic Church for the construction of the new hall at Sl Hilda s and St Martin s. Risk Management 11 is generally considered that those risks lo which Ihe PCC are exposed. and which would Impact on either the satisfactory running of Ihe Church or ils financial posilion are well managed. Financial controls are in place with a budget sel each year and regular reporb.ng procedures, and a professional independent examination of the accounts for the year ending 31 $1 De￿mber 2025. Reputational risks are difficult lo foresee and would need lo be deall with if they arise, but with the support of the Diocese. Slalulory and legal reqU1￿MentS have been met to the best of our ability bul need lo be kept under review. Responsibility of the Trustees The Iruslees are responsible for preparing the Trustees, AnT)ual Report and Ihe financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Gen&r8lly Accepted Accounling Practice). The law applicable lo charities in England & Wales requires the Iruslees lo prepare financial slalemenls for each financial yearwhich give a true and fair view of the slate of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial ststemenls, the trustees are required lo: Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them conslsleniiy., Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP IFRS 1021., Make iudgemenls and eslimales Ihal are reasonable and prudent,. Stale whether applicable accounling standards have been followed, subject lo any material departure5 disc105ed and explained in the financial stalemenls.. Prepare the financial statements on the going concèrn basis unless il is inappropriale lo presume that the charity will continue In operatitin. The Iruslees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy al any lime the financial position of the charity and enable them lo ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the ass61s of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the PreVen￿n and detection of fraud and other irregularitl8S. Signed by order of the members Chairman PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF POULTON-LE-FYLDE ST CHAD STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES For the year cnding 31 0eGcmber 2025 UnrÈstricted Restr￿18￿ Funds Funds 2025 2025 T¢4tal Funds 2025 Unrestn¢red Fun05 2024 RestriL4ed Funds 2024 Total Fund5 2024 Note INCOIIE & ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and Legau8$ 21a 126.620 2.110 128.730 104.261 351 104,612 Charitablo A¢tiviti95 21bl 25.732 1.124 26.856 23,679 659 24,338 Other trading act1￿1*9 21cl Investment8 21dl 14.9fA8 1.442 16.348 17.527 2.748 20,2TS Olhef 2181 2,100 2.160 1,799 1,859 TOTAL 167.318 6. 175 174.093 14S,527 5,557 151.OB4 EXPENDITURE ON Raising Funds 1¢)) 11X+ 234 234 Charltable A¢iivitSes 2(al 176.311 18.099 194.410 156.962 11,818 168,780 TOTAL EXPENOITURE 176.411 18.099 194,510 157,196 11,818 169.014 Gainslllossosl on rev8luaUon ol Inv08trnent ass•i$ I1.2￿) 11.2901 924 924 NET INCOMEIIEXPENDITUREI -9.093 112.6141 121.7071 1116691 15,3371 111.0061 TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS 3.967 13.9671 $41 Galnslllos$Ésl on revaluatlon of flxed a$se¢$ 24.950 24,950 NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS 15.1261 8.369 111.1281 15.8781 117,0061 Total Funds Brought FO￿ard 2025 accounting error trorn 2023124 arK' 932.529 351.510 1,284,039 943.657 358,518 -1,130 1,302,175 -1.130 Tot•1 funds Carrled Forward 2026 927.403 359.879 1,287,282 932.529 351.510 1,284,039 No Endowment fLtnd5 are held PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF POULTON-LE-FYLDE ST ¢HAD BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2025 2025 2024 Note FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets Investment assets- property Investmoni assets. CBFIGOV. Stocks 5(bl Slal 972,250 11,282 947.300 12,572 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors & Pa5rnen¢5 in Advance Short Term Deposit$ Cash al Bank and in hand 8.421 275.486 21.141 7.283 291,541 26,516 LiA8ILITIES CREDITORS- AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAFI 1,176 NET CURRENT ASSETS 303.748 324, 164 Total As$•ts less curr•nt LiabllltS•s 1.287,280 1.284,036 NET ASSETS 1 287 280 THE FUNDS OF THE CHARITY Unrestricted Designated Restricted 924.073 3.327 359.880 929,377 3,151 351.509 1 287 280 Approvèd by th• Paro¢hlal Church Council on DATE on Its bèhalf by.. Rev Martin Keighley (Chairmanl Lynne Brackpool (Churchwardenl Th& notes on pages 10 - 16 fom part of these accounts m311oz6 li os PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF POULTON-LE-FYLDE, ST CHAD Notes lo the Financial Statements For the year ended 31, December 2025 1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES The prinGIP81 accounting policies adopted, judgements ayd key sources of estirnation Un￿rtaintY in the preparation ol the financial siatemenis are as follows.. Tlio f1naNcial sfatements have been prepared in 8ccordafjce with the Church Accounting Regul8tlons 2006. the Cha￿deS Act 2011. togethw wlh A0￿ntIng and ReForfing by Chafities.. Statement of Recommended Practice appllcable io charities preparing their accounts in acL(xdance with the Financial Reportip9 Standard appficable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 issJed on 16 July 2014 IChariti&s SORP IFRS . 0211. the Finandal Reporting Standard appli¢ttble in th8 UK and the Repub,Ic ol Ireland IFRS 102land UK Generally Accepted Pr8ct*a as it appli8s from Ociober 2019. P8rochial Church Council of Poulton-Le-Fyld•, Sl Chad meets the definilK)n of a public benefil entity under FRS 102, The accounts (financial 5tatemenisl have been preparod lo give a ":rue and fair and have departed from the Ch8rities IAr¢ounts and R8portsl Regulaikjns 2008 only 10 the exlenl i￿U1red to givè a Iwe and fair, view. This departure ha¥ Involved lollow7ng Ihe Accounling and Rwbng by Charthes.. Slaiement of Recommended Practice appll¢able to chariUe3 preparing Ihcir accounts In aL¢￿danCe with ihe Finandal Repo￿ng siandard appllcable in the UK arid Republic ol Ireland IFRS 1021 issuèd on 16 July 2014 rather Ihan the Aecoanting and Reporting by Chariti85'. Statement ol Recomrnended Praclicts effective from 1 April 2005 which has since bepn withdrawn. Thg financial stat9m&nis hav• bg•n prqpar*d under the hislcrfical cost convention excepi for thè valuolion ol Invesimenl iissels. which ar8 shown at market value. The financial staiemenls Incluce all Iransactions a55els and Siabilities for which the PCC Is responsiblc in law. They do not indude the accounts of Church Groups that owe their m¥in affiliation to 8nolher body. nor ¢ho$8 thèi are informal 93lhefing5 of ChLbrch rnembers. Preparatlon ol thv accounts on a golng Concern basls Tho Iru8l9•s &iss•$6 wh•lh•r th• uso of going rmnrAm iq ar￿T￿late. * wheth•r thwe arvj any materi81 unc•rtslntie8 relat•d lo events or conditions thal mgy casl svJnbfic#nt dwbt on th• of lh• charity to ¢onUnue as 0 9oln9 concem. Th& trustees mak• thls assessmertt In resped of a period ol •t ltsast ono ￿ar frorn tho date 01 authort$8tlon for155ue of the a¢counts and h8ve conduded that the charity h8s adeqJ8te resource$ to cOn￿nUe In op•ratlonal existence lor the fore8ts0oble ftrture and Ih•rn are no m•t•rlal uncert•lntiès aboul the chiirity's ability lo conllnue as a going corthm. Tlwjs. they i>Jnfjnue :¢ •dopt the g￿rIa ￿nCern l)0$18 ol attounts.ng in prtP8rfng the accounis. Funds Unreslricted funds ￿pr￿ent the funds ol'.he PCC Ihal are not subject lo any restrf¢tions r8gardlng thetr use and are available lor appllcaUon$ Dn the general puwposes of the PCC FuNJ$ designated for a particular purposc by Ihe PCC are also unrestricled. Resiricted Funds are those funds Ihat may be used onfy for certain purposes. as prescribed by the donor ol ihe funds. Income and Endowmenls Donalions 8nd Leg8cie5 Cullections are recognise(S when received by or on behall ol Ihe PCC. Planned giving is recogrise(l (xily when received. Incorne lax recoverable on grft aided donaliDn$ is apports'oned over financial Yea￿ on the basis ny th8 planned giving lo which it relates. Gr8nto And I49￿ClO< lo th6 Pe.C arè acLrJunt&d for as soon as'the PCC is notified of its leaal entitlement, the amounl due 15 quantifiable and its receipt by Ihe PCC is probable. Ch8rilable AGlivilies Fees due lo the PCC In respect of Weddings and Funernls are reCOgn￿ed when due. Incorne trom the sale ol books is accounted for gross. Ino)me frcffi magazine tM)x In cthurch is bnder dcmalions dye to the rnag￿ne now being f￿e of charge. other Trading ACUvlt￿S Income from Fund Raising Activities Is accounted for gross where Il has been p055ible.ko do so. However, in practice It has often only been possible 10 record the nel amount aP.er expenses have oeen deducted. Incarne from IrJv8Stmenis Interest and dividend% are accountabl8 for when receivable. G3ins Losses on investrnenls Uniealised gain5 or losses on investrnenis are inclLded tmsed on the change in the maTket value year on y8ar. Expenditure Gran".s and donations are accounted for when paid over, OT when awarded, if that award creates a binoing obligation on the PCC.colleclions taken in Church for specific external chanties are nol incladed in the figures but are detailed In note 10. The Dioccsan Parish Share is acc(NJ4led for when lalling due. All other expenditure is generally r8cogniz&d when it 15 incdrred and 15 accounied for gross. Fix•d Assets Consecrated Land and Buildings and Movable Church Fumtshlngs Consecrated and bÈnefi"Èd properDJ is not included In the accounls In accordance with s.10I2jlal of Ihe Charities Act 2011. No value 15 placed on movabl8 church lurni5hings held Dy the Vicar and Chur(*ward8n5 (m 8p¢¢lal trust for the PCC and ivhich rèquire a facully lor djsposal. since ihe PCC consi4ers this lo inalienable property. Tney arg listsd in th& church s inventory which can be inspec18d by nrior arrangemènt. Al eX￿ndIture incL¥red during the year on con￿¢r8ted or beneffce(J bulldlngs and movable church lurnishlngs, ￿hether rnaSntenance or Improvernenls, is written off ¥s exp8nditure In IhL SOFA, and sopgratsty disclosed. OlhEr fixtures, fittings and Office EquipJTent Indivldual Items of equiprneni with a purchase price ol £5,000 or ￿sS s￿ writter off when the as$&l is acquir8d li.e. not depreciated). Investm•nt Property The Church Hall reopvned in 2019. It is now let undèr the terrn5 01 an ￿bernar1e Scherne to the Poullon-Lg-Fylde Community Hall, a regisiered charily. whnse obje￿1Ve is to repair Ihe Hall 8nd tyring il barrf to Ccjmrnunity. Its book valu¢1£147,3001 has been left unchanged •ft•r Ihe reva ualion in 2021. The valuation of the land occupled by the T•nni¥ Club undor A short 14rm r￿￿-Ten￿WAb18 l•ase. whlth W&lS introduLed Into the accthjnts in 2007 at £650,000 has been left unchanged. The clergy house al 24 ROY1￿ Avènue. Carfgton has now be•n let to private len3nt8 through Fyldts coo$t L8ttings Llmlt¢d and a monthty rental IrKcffle In recelvtrd. The property Was revalued In :h year ended 31 DerA8mbeT 2025 at markel ¥¥￿¢ of £174,950. The valuabon$ included In the accounts are considLJred by thg Trustees to repM￿nI a lair valu• for th• property￿. Investments Investments are vyluÉTrd al markel v81u8 or. 31. December 2025 The value of the investments appears in reslricled funds. allhough the income Irorn some passes Ihrough the PCC general •¢¢ouni. (For •xamplp. sc*ne are held lor the wovision of assislanl c4¢rgy. ar4J It ¢oukl bé hekl thot".htr income from goes t(y￿rdS Ihe Piiymenl of Parish Share. which pays lor our rlèrgyl. CurrentAs58ts Amounts ovAng to the PCC al 3111 De¢emb•r in rOSF*¢I of fees. reft￿. or Other incorn8 are shown a5 debtors less provl$lon amounts that may prov• urKollectlbL*. Short-tem deF*)Bils indude cash held with the Church ol England Depo$lt Funds operated by CCLA Inv•8knent Managewt Ltd. Crltl¢¥l a¢countlng estimatos and areJ8 of judgement jurling estimates and judoem•nts a￿ continualty ev8luat8d and are b989d on hlstorbcal exporiance and other f8Ctors. The main estimates and areas ol judgemenl inCw￿ In the ¥¢counts afe those relatin9 to the v8luailon of the investmenl properties. The policy wilh regards to these Is disc*)s•d abrw8. The Tnjstegs eonslder the ValUa￿On included and whelher there Is any Indicalion of an impairm•nt of ¢hat valuation. 10 iINÈstrictrd Re*riGt¢O TOT￿ Untvsmctrd R•strKt•d TOTAL FU￿￿S Z02S Fur FuAO$ 2014 2. Incorno and Endowrn•ms frtsm nned Giving Slv•rdshiP Qraers &Anr￿a PawLWtsI St￿l3rdship lE￿￿e￿￿*s) $8 084 6397 54.923 54.923 6.397 rè:Cv*f3oie c01cclic￿8 Plal&l at&ll St￿1￿$ '.4.OD5 14.5D7 14,CK15 22.1ry 22.179 11.143 9.9" 2.029 2.110 246 10.?. Lettacf.3 9916 2,OD) Grani foccw rrom aiO¢*S4 Ilbl C￿rI1&bIq Arthtth•• Foos ChJr¢h woodin￿ FbwBr ￿￿( IFOffl Rosd¢n Av8nu& Houye, privgt¢ffts 15ffiJ• 15h39 659 8.040 ?Icl Ot￿rTIa01nl Act￿ll&s 2 ia) In¥èstm•rrts A2 14.848 16.027 2 1fj.775 21•1 ¢Xh•r Incom• opawnt ?1 ID5ufaicg NQ.Tium 2.1W .1C¥J 1.7•9 ¢¢ TOTAL J. EA￿n0￿￿• 0 R41sln4 Fun01 St￿￿￿dI0￿1l1y Gift *iC sljtiorrfry J (•) awrfl•bl•Ath**• GrAni*rMd*ln Qttm PCC'SOJ￿Gl Iiomè YISS ons ono Otrgr So¢MIQ* ?.812 1.ICO 92C *291 Bor¢.hp%twl S¢￿￿.￿@ Ivr Cniirch Scxth Pau loii L@ F¥￿V CtyrtliuilbPrf Hall fr(Nn IL¥th Mifis1ry- OIGco$ar Pan¥hSMTa 5.291 ro¥ ACCO'riff oda1 nnC¢sl% I&Xy .053 1745 1.479 3.745 1.4Yy 200 16.861 J309 1227 ChurLlI Run'Nnq Exp*￿31* 21.7 21.708 16.867 7J14 Upkptp Of SFIVK¢$ ¢￿t￿4r￿ ?051Bge¢¢4 . ￿{￿lM¢h. Lt c8rd. 5.2Y 2.547 4.174 653 1.029 1.798 #70 2.547 1.565 1.602 4r$ os9 7.102 - iiic eqJp 2.1 2-.¢0 1.79 1.799 ¢)tsr PItt￿￿vPk*0plw￿A¥wj Vl4go% er￿ Hcnwts.V8tg•r. Oryrl*•. Tr￿Ul•r. Fe• .T22 .222 .978 2s.gn ank Cha es 696 431 IT 431 TOTAL expeNoiTURE Durinq th9. year thc PCC 2lknnists. *w.T14•￿￿W. an A£sl*WV ctsarti. ENYS TP PC MBERE expw￿*s￿tQ ￿m￿C.0 to PCC rnWIL￿[s lat a￿1￿5 aST[￿st￿% rOrn*t¢d r•t+ In *np. fflr 5 F￿ED￿SET5 TOT al Tar01b￿ F￿ed Asse Inuse by TheChurc* GROSS BOOKVALUE Al 1 2D25 94F,J A131 Jr.ymw2025 DEPREc￿T￿N Al. Al 3". ￿•￿b￿r2D NET BOOKVILUE I151￿￿ Alry2)2S Al 31 2￿5 841.300 72 ThÈ k9nd a￿￿ )uB3lngs h￿￿ as InvusmmAG￿￿c[￿pW￿0¢h￿thN*¢1$ petrtr4k•lw2￿￿lI .h ifi 161 oha lon9 Poukn Hal The adioiniTrQ b¥ ste7￿*.￿r￿nn￿ a srmwThrKJTr￿rew8Dkn￿Se. In￿25 ckrgy dt d4 RtsvknTh A￿On￿. Ibfiich ¥tby Fykhts&i LÈbXb35 w f4A8 Sltsl Inyvyunents CBF In*•5Dw4N Fwj Intsrf6tF￿S-￿lfyItrKt•d 6 ￿lILY$1$ OF tr4ET ￿sET5 BY FU￿D Unr•slr*l•(0•slyn*•d R•Birlcl•d EtsdtyThont Fwd• Fvn¢• FuDd* F￿nd Totsl FLYod CuffentAeiqi$ 6￿.X0 275.372 98J.$12 ?th,J47 26.34 7 OEBTQRS 8 PAYMENTS IN ADV*I4CE VM•strfcl•R•Sth¢￿j FuTrd* 202$ 2Q24 8 L￿ILIT￿8.. AIIOUNTS FILLING DUE wfiH*40N£ YE*II 2Q25 2024 Fund• rodrtatslorGoLos S•rw<•• O FUND DETAi8 UiirtsJtrLi¥d F￿ld5 IW G•ner4 Fufvl. L•jxyF￿￿.fftp