2024-12-31-accounts

VRn 2024 Annual Report and Financial Statements CHRIST CHURCH THORNTON

Annual Report and Financial Statements

of the Parochial Church Council (‘Trustees’) of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Thornton-le-Fylde Christ Church for the year ended 31st December 2024

Report written and compiled by Damian Platt

1. AIMS AND PURPOSES

The primary object of the Parochial Church Council (‘The PCC’) of Thornton-le-Fylde Christ Church is the promotion of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the doctrines and practices of the Church of England. The Parochial Church Council (PCC) of has the responsibility of cooperating with the incumbent, the Reverend Damian Platt, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC is also specifically responsible for the maintenance of the Church, Churchyard and Community Centre Hall complex on Meadows Avenue, Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire.

Mission

Our reason for existence, our identity, our unique role – what sets us apart – what we do, is articulated in our mission statement. The statement guides us in deciding our priorities, tasks and roles…

Mission statement: we exist, as a bible-believing, gospel-shaped, truth-loving, Spirit-led, servant-hearted local church in Thornton-le-Fylde, driven by the glorious global gospel hope (John 3:16) and the great commission of our Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20), to make and baptise disciple-making disciples and leaders of all ages, to teach the whole counsel of God, to proclaim the Father’s love, to grow up into him who is the head – into Christ (Ephesians 4:15), and through being distinctively Christian, in the Spirit’s power to bring cultural transformation through the gospel (the world’s only true message of hope) in the local community of Thornton and beyond

Mission summary: local church, global hope.

2. OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our Church and to become part of our parish community at Christ Church. The PCC maintains an overview of worship throughout the parish and makes suggestions on how our services can involve the many groups that live within our parish. Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament. When planning our activities for the year, we have considered the

Commission's guidance on public benefit and, specifically, the supplementary guidance on charities for the advancement of religion. In particular, we try to enable ordinary people to live out their faith as part of our parish community through:

• Worship and prayer; learning about the gospel; and developing their knowledge and trust in Jesus.

• Provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish.

• Missionary and outreach work – as the local church with global hope

To facilitate this work, it is important that we maintain the fabric of the Church, Churchyard and Community Centre Hall.

Vision

Our ambition for the future – where we are going – our major long term aims, are articulated in our vision statement…

Vision statement: to be a counter-cultural, Jesus-influenced, welcoming, generous, constantly growing and flourishing local church; growing in biblical faith, growing in godly fellowship, growing in congregation size to reflect at least 3.5% of the parish (440), and growing in congregational locations.

Vision summary: growing to be a church of at least 440 worshippers.

Values

How we behave, our church culture, qualities, principles – what is important to us, is articulated in our values statement…

Values statement: we are a local church which places the highest value on the Word of God, the Worship of God, and the Welcome of all people.

Values summary: valuing God’s word, God’s name, and God’s people.

The values can be broken down into 18 sub-values, which are both representative and aspirational…

Big Value 1: Weaving God’s Word into all of life

1. Truth (highest emphasis on teaching and preaching) (Word) 2. Unswerving (commitment to what God commands) (Word) 3. Education (excellence in theological education for all) (Word) 4. Unity (rooted in truth, John 17, formed in prayer) (Word) 5. Innovation (embracing technology to teach and disciple) (Word) 6. Service (equipping saints for works of service, interdependence) (Word) Big Value 2: Worshipping God’s name through all of life 7. Adore (accessible, age-appropriate, beautiful worship) (Worship) 8. Character (of God’s people, over and above skills) (Worship) 9. Homely (facilities of the highest standard, house of prayer) (Worship) 10. Righteousness (seeking godliness, transformation, prayerfulness) (Worship)

2. Reaching (C-Centre, Burn Naze, schools, rooted in prayer) (Worship) 12. Skills (doing our best, over and above sloppiness) (Worship) Big Value 3: Welcoming God’s people into his life 13. Love (unconditional love, welcome, compassion) (Welcome) 14. Value (acknowledging the value of every person) (Welcome) 15. Care (for all with needs, comfortable with dysfunction) (Welcome) 16. Children (+ youth & families, intergenerational, lifelong disciples) (Welcome) 17. Helping (all who ask, with respect, dignity, and prayer) (Welcome) 18. Hospitality (generous, equitable, non-judging, excellence) (Welcome)

Putting together our mission, vision, and values into a summary sentence…

Christ Church Thornton…

a local church with global hope (mission) …growing to be a church of at least 440 worshippers (vision) ……valuing God’s word, God’s name, and God’s people (values)

3. ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

2024 was an eventful and busy year. Our curate, Andrew Downes, kindly led the church during my three-month sabbatical. Then, in September 2024, Andrew and I both took on roles in Fleetwood. Andrew, as curate-in-charge, and me (in addition to being vicar at Christ Church) as priest-incharge, to St. Peter and St. David. All of this was to enable the people of that parish to have a new shepherd (in Andrew) to lead them forward. We were grateful to all that Andrew did during his curacy with us and it was really good to support him in a short move up the road to Fleetwood.

In November 2024 the PCC had an awayday at Whalley Abbey to receive a draft strategic plan produced by me (Damian Platt) during the sabbatical I took during the summer of 2024. This was a hugely important awayday. We were joined by the trustees of The Friends of Christ Church as well as the clergy with permission to officiate. Together, we prayed, discussed, dreamed, studied, questioned, and envisioned what the Lord might do in the years to come.

During my sabbatical, it was right that some things might stop, some things might change, and some things might start. One which started was the Tuesday evening Prayer for Growth . It is small but packs a punch! We know prayer works, and so it makes total sense that this weekly gathering for prayer started, especially considering the strategic plan. Strategy without prayer is worthless and pointless.

It was brilliant to start the Walking Wednesday breakfast club in partnership with Royles Brook School. This has resulted in welcoming 100 people every Wednesday morning from 7:45 AM to 8:30 AM for a delicious breakfast, with foods from around the world. After the breakfast, the children along with their parents and guardians form a walking bus to school. It’s been brilliant to meet lots of children and their parents through this initiative.

As well as that aspect of our mission and evangelism, it was positive to once again hold a Pantivity. This year we had three performances, one for Royles Brook School, one for Thornton Primary School, and another in the evening for anyone to come to. It was wonderful to welcome around 500 children or so to Church that day.

The Treehouse Weekend Away took place with over 30 people from the Treehouse congregation enjoying a weekend in Grange-over-Sands, looking at John’s Gospel. It was so rich and fun.

The Fridaymen continue to be an inspiration to the people of Thornton with their faithful hard work. As well as their usual heroic achievements in cutting grass, raking leaves, weeding, fixing, etc, they also stripped, painted and repaired all the high cast iron gutters along the side of Church.

A big project this year was the replacement of the Clerestory Windows . 12 bays of windows needed replacement. This was crucial as the original timber frames were rotten and the secondary glazing was in poor condition. Replacing the windows also ensured that the side aisle flat roofs were not compromised with water ingress. This job has provided clerestory windows for the next sixty years.

Our Churchyard continues to present challenges, especially with regards to trees. Despite having a comprehensive tree survey regularly done, as well as having the items identified dealt with by the professionals as preventative measures, the Fylde Coast storms have plans of their own. We’ve had several trees uprooted during the worst storms of the year. Each time this happens it causes not just the practical and administrative responses but also has costs involved. Still, we are committed to maintaining the Churchyard to the best of our ability, to the glory of God, and out of love for the community grieving the loss of their loved ones.

New signage was installed at the front of the Church and Hall building at the latter part of the year, as well as a new sign at the front of the car park, along with signs at the car park gates. This has been a project long in the making but worth the wait. The signage is clear, bright, modern, and in keeping with the Church of England (using its current colour scheme).

The year was finished off with the Christmas Day Community Dinner, welcoming over 60 people for the afternoon. On one of the most important days in the Christian calendar, celebrating the gift of our Saviour, it’s right and fitting that we generously provide fellowship, faith, fun and friendship to those who might otherwise have been on their own on Christmas Day.

Giving continues to increase, as well as expenditure. Martin has continued to encouraged us weekly that “the Lord will provide.” And sure enough, the Lord always does. As well as the generosity of the congregation, our thanks go the trustees of The Friends for their wholehearted support to the mission of Christ Church. Their £30,000 contribution towards the year end was pivotal in all our bills being paid and planned activities flourishing.

I must say a heartfelt thanks to Judith Murphy, John Hearnshaw, and Martin Ormond, for their wise advice and supportive leadership throughout the year, alongside the ministry of Peter Nunn, Paul Clemence, and Chris Fallone. Together with a brilliant staff team and an army of God’s people doing works of ministry service to the Lord out of generous hearts of love to Him, it has been the greatest privilege to serve the Lord once again at Christ Church Thornton during 2024.

Yours in His service,

Revd Damian Platt, Vicar and PCC Chair

4. FINANCIAL REVIEW A: SUMMARY

Planned Giving

Planned giving for 2024 was £84,001, which is a 3% increase over the planned giving in 2023. Over nine years planned giving has increased by 152% between 2015 and 2024. The following table shows the constant increase year on year.

Year	Amount
2015	£33,363
2016	£37,654
2017	£44,072
2018	£43,496
2019	£48,391
2020	£56,345
2021	£59,025
2022	£71,361
2023	£81,625
2024	£84,001

Parish Share

In 2024 we contributed £89,922 to Parish Share, this was £500 more than was requested by the diocese. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time in a very long time (perhaps decades) that we have been able to do this. Over a nine-year period, we have increased our parish share contributions by 60%. More significantly, since 2017 when our capacity to make parish share contributions reduced, we have increased our contribution since then by 200% (£30,044 in 2017 to £89,922 in 2025).

The following table shows the progress we have made in keeping to our aspirations and pledge to the diocese (in 2018) to increase our contributions year on year and to return to being a full parish share request contributing church.

Year	Amount
2015	£56,225
2016	£56,460
2017	£30,044
2018	£30,000
2019	£40,000
2020	£40,000
2021	£50,000
2022	£64,303
2023	£72,500
2024	£89,922

Parish Share is the amount of money a parish is asked to contribute to pay for mission and ministry, specifically for clergy stipends and their housing. The Parish Share ensures that those

parishes in deprived areas pay less with those in more affluent areas like ours paying more. The more we grow the more we pay. Whilst this might feel unfair/counter intuitive the Parish Share, for example, enabled Christ Church to secure our Curate. We recognise that whilst our church may be in an affluent area, this does not automatically translate into higher levels of giving. Congregants may be e.g. asset rich but cash poor, some may have fixed incomes, others may be struggling to meet the increasing cost of living.

Staffing Costs

In line with our aspirations, staffing costs decreased slightly in 2024 compared to 2023. The following table shows the journey we have been on since 2015. The years 2018-2020 represent significant investment in the maintenance of the Churchyard, requiring two members of staff. In the subsequent years our Church volunteer workforce ‘the Fridaymen’ have taken on all of the Churchyard maintenance, for which the PCC and congregations as a whole are deeply thankful.

Our excellent paid staff routinely work hard and often volunteer beyond their working hours, willingly and liberally choosing to give of their time as part of their worship and service to the Lord.

We have a high number of participants volunteering in all aspects of church life, who working in partnership with the paid staff, provide a brilliant workforce. It was estimated that during 2024 we had 75 volunteers engaged in mission, ministry, maintenance and management.

Year	Amount
2015	£16,184
2016	£15,670
2017	£32,465
2018	£52,980
2019	£70,915
2020	£59,790
2021	£42,575
2022	£30,242
2023	£34,594
2024	£33,716

5. FINANCIAL REVIEW B: TREASURER’S REPORT

For the calendar year 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024, the accounts were prepared using the Accrual accounting method because Christ Church had income of over £250,000. The Accrual method accounts for when any payments or expenses are actually earned/incurred, even if those payments or expenses are paid at a later date.

The PCC’s previous accounting method is cash-based accounting, where any payments or expenses are recorded when payment is made, and revenues recorded when cash is received.

Income and Expenditure

Total income was £256,990 and total expenditure was £277,278. Total expenditure was £20,255 more than our income. In 2023, we ended the calendar year with a deficit of £5,676.

To note that our 2024 income includes £22,656 we received through transfers of funds from our investments for essential repairs/improvements.

The closing funds total of £45,581 is made up of £15,764 unrestricted funds and £29,817 restricted funds (restricted funds must be used for the purpose donated). Restricted income includes, e.g. Tithe giving to two charities, Christ Church football team, Tree House weekend away.

Encouraging headlines

• £88,922 Parish Share paid in full

• £4,900 increase in Gift Aid on Unrestricted Giving

• £2,600 increase in planned giving

• £44,555 in grants, of which £13,750 was received from Wyre Council to support the Food Pantry and Community Centre activities:

May September October December £5,000 £5,000 £1,250 £2,500

INCOME (key points)

Giving

£180,449 (Gifts, donations, Gift aid, legacies and grants) 8% increase over 2023 (£167,418).

Friends of Christ Church

The Friends of Christ Church is a charity. It receives donations which it uses to support Christ Church.

• The Friends gave £30,700 to Christ Church towards salaries, gas and electricity bills, and wider mission activities e.g. the Pantivity and Christingle.

• The £30,700 donation met some of Christ Church running costs and wider mission activities, thereby freeing up funds to help the PCC meet the full Parish Share.

Church loans

In May 2024, we secured an interest free loan from the Diocese of £14,000. When we need the funds, we draw down on the loan with repayments made each quarter. There is £8,948 remaining on the loan. Informed by the Quinquennial Survey Report, we drew down:

• £2,532.00 emergency repairs to our bell tower and our chapel roof.

• £2,520 new kitchen boiler

Investments

The PCC uses its investments to fund essential maintenance and renewal work.

• £21,200 to replace the clearstory windows and blinds. Funded from the CBF Share sale (£20,640), a grant from the Benefact Trust, Gift Aid and other income.

• £1,456 for tree maintenance and servicing churchyard equipment. Funded from our National Savings Bond (£12,000)

• The cost of upgrading cameras for online services was met by a donation.

EXPENDITURE (key points)

• £89,922 Parish Share for 2024 paid in full, 24% increase over the Parish Share in 2023 (£72,500). Paying the full Parish Share is important to support the work of the Church of England and is also the gateway to other forms of funding from the Diocese e.g. interest free loans, access to a curate.

• £3,500 donated to each of the charities we support - Life Association and Home for Good (tithe increased from 5% to 7.5%).

• £51,380 Community Centre activities and Pilgrims Rest mostly met from donations and grants.

• £11,027 Food pantry surplus, funding mostly met from donations. As donations are restricted, this surplus (without consent) cannot be used for any other purpose. PCC will consider how the wider needs of Christ Church can best be shared with those who choose/are able to support us financially.

• £33,716 staff salaries, 3% decrease over 2023 (£34,594) - four employed staff work part time and two self-employed.

• £19,500 gas and electric costs, increase of £1,000 over 2023.

Running costs

In May 2024, the projected unrestricted income fell to zero and the projected deficit reduced from £50,000 to £40,000, which reduced to zero by the end of the calendar year, resolved partially with the help of the Friends of Christ Church.

• If we assume church running costs, including paying our full Parish Share, is around £22,000 per month, to ‘break even’ our total income should be around £264,000 a year.

• Our total income in 2024 was nearly £257,000 which is positive.

• However, to remain financially sustainable the PCC will continue to focus on the balance between restricted and unrestricted funds, with the emphasis on increasing the level of unrestricted income, Stewardship campaigns, and identifying more opportunities to secure additional sources of income through grants, the Diocese (possible because we pay our full Parish Share) and other opportunities.

Support to manage our running costs

Our late Parish Manager, Martin Ormond, worked diligently for many years (often pro bono), e.g. managing our income and expenditure, cashflow against our restricted and unrestricted income, our book shop, food orders for our community centre, arrangements to renew/repair parts of our church estate, and provided countless other tasks for Christ Church. The PCC is actively considering how to provide the support we now need, including the careful management of our cashflow (often weekly) which was necessary during 2024.

Net Zero

There are potential opportunities to secure low interest loans to fund improvements to the church estate through the Church of England’s programme 2030 Net Zero Carbon Project .

• The PCC was awarded £15,000 plus VAT for the Carbon Demonstrator Project Phase 1 (restricted funds not yet drawn down).

• This funding is to explore how to efficiently modernise e.g. our heating system, church fabric and wider church estate.

Summary

Christ Church is blessed by the commitment and support of paid staff working part-time (4 employed and 2 self-employed) an army of volunteers and the Friends of Christ Church. We receive financial support and or non-financial support through the talents and time people generously offer.

However, it is important to note that the Church of England and therefore Christ Church, receives no money from the government to finance its mission and ministry. Ensuring we continue to grow and thrive depends primarily on financial donations and people continuing to give freely of their time and talents.

There are more people worshipping at Christ Church and or attending the myriad of events and activities which includes opportunities to develop a deeper understanding of the Christian faith. Despite the financial challenges Christ Church (and other Parishes face), we continue to grow. During 2024 the PCC:

• Exceeded expenditure by £20,255 but is fully aware of the competing financial challenges it faces, the need to increase funding and address the balance between restricted and unrestricted income.

• Paid their contribution to the Parish Share in full.

• Secured additional income thorough grants, and fund-raising activities, interest free loan from the Diocese and used their investments to pay for essential repairs/renewals.

• Reduced significantly the high costs the PCC would otherwise be forced to meet to maintain the entire church estate, including the church yard, internal and external fabric of the church, through volunteers e.g. the Friday Men and other volunteers.

• Offered traditional and modern worship across several congregations, opportunities to widen and deepen the understanding of the Christian faith, with access on site to our Christian book shop and through the Community Centre and related outreach activities many opportunities which continues to establish Christ Church as a vibrant Christan presence.

The PCC’s vision remains to grow the church, explore innovative ways to bring people to faith Flourish whilst securing the financial support it needs, using all our talents and trusting in God that we Bible Study will continue to grow and flourish.

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Angela Walsh, Treasurer
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6. FINANCIAL REVIEW C: ‘THE FRIENDS’

‘The Friends’ of Thornton Parish Church Annual Report – Year to 31[st] December 2024

Annual Report for The Friends of Thornton Parish Church in the Ecclesiastical Parish of Christ Church, Thornton-le-Fylde, in the County of Lancashire, for the year ending 31st December 2025.

Charity number: 504659. Object Code 740.10: Furthering the religious and other charitable work of the Church of England in the Ecclesiastical Parish of Christ Church, Thornton-le-Fylde.

Trustees: Angela Walsh, Ann Hearnshaw, Rev’d Damian Platt, Denise Taylor (Treasurer), Margaret Ralph, Warren McLean (Correspondent). The trustees met on a quarterly basis during the year with two interim meetings also held. Rev’d Damian Platt resigned as a Trustee on 22[nd] November 2024.

Further Information:

The Friends is a Trust Fund, a registered charity, separate from all other funds held on behalf of Christ Church Thornton. The Trustees are bound by the rules and regulations of the Charity Commissioners. We are also bound by the Trust Fund Deed which lays down that the money held by the Trust can be used Only for purposes within the Parish Church itself. The Friends cannot transfer money to any other charity outside Christ Church Thornton nor transfer money to the general fund of the Parish Church. The Friends Trust is a completely separate charity from Christ Church Thornton. We are funded by

the kind donations of individuals by way of regular monthly donation, one-off lump sums and occasionally from legacies.

Activities during 2024:

During the year The Friends were honoured to receive donations as well as two substantial legacies from former longstanding members of Christ Church Thornton. £5,000 was received from the estate of the late Enid Oldham, and £69,222.39 was received from the estate of the late Muriel Airey, who was also a member of the Christ Church Choir. The Friends were again privileged to be able to continue supporting the Mission of Christ Church.

The Trust Fund continues to be a valuable reserve for the Parish. Every effort is made by the Trustees to ensure that funds received are prudently managed and we

ask for your prayerful considerations as we look forward to supporting further initiatives to help Christ Church Thornton advance as a unified community.

Written by Warren McLean (Correspondent).

7. PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS

Our specific objectives according to a timeline and budget to enable us to fulfil our vision are articulated in our strategic plan, a summary of which for next year is below…

Strategy

2025-2026 (years 1-2)

Overview of priority objectives:

1. Knowing our place in the Church of England and Anglican Communion

2. Reaching financial sustainability, increased giving, utilisation of assets

3. To see 50% of regular weekly worshippers participate in weekly discipleship

4. To grow beyond 200 regular Sunday attendance

Detailed objectives

2025-2026 (years 1-2)

1. Knowing our place in the Church of England and Anglican Communion

Strategic goals relating to objective #1:

• a. Forming a policy statement (after Bible study, discussion, prayer, soul-searching) regarding our view (as a PCC) on same-sex blessings and marriage

• i. NB: the vicar of a parish has the right to refuse to conduct same-sex blessings regardless of the view or policy of a PCC

• b. Making informed and prayerful decisions about our association with CEEC and The Alliance

• c. Communicating to the congregations the decisions taken and the reasons why

• i. Through preaching, midweek discipleship, plenaries, written communication, digital resources such as videos, podcasts, etc

2. Reaching financial sustainability, increased giving, utilisation of assets

Strategic goals relating to objective #2:

• a. Create a role of (volunteer) Stewardship Officer , to work alongside the Gift Aid Officer, Finance Assistant, Parish Manager, and Treasurer.

• b. Together they will form a refreshed PCC Finance Committee , to meet regularly to review giving and finances in general and who will report back to the PCC.

• c. The Stewardship Officer will plan an annual Stewardship Sunday and will update the congregations at least three times a year on how planned giving is going. The Stewardship Officer will become the go-to person for new worshippers wishing to explore ways they can give.

• d. The Stewardship Officer will periodically man a small stand/stall/table in the Community Centre Hall after services for people to approach to find out more about the ways to give (including the Global Mission Partners we support).

• e. Set up a PCC Grants Committee to share out the work of searching for funders and making applications (a committee of at least four people) and who will report back to the Finance Committee.

• f. For the Finance Committee, on the behalf of the PCC and the PCC Chair, to meet with the trustees of The Friends of Thornton Parish Church to explore ways in which financial support might be best given.

  • i. And if the trustees of The Friends of Thornton Parish Church agree, to systematically meet through the year

  • ii. For the Chair of the PCC (the incumbent) to step back from his role as a trustee of The Friends of Thornton Parish Church , to ensure greater objectivity for both the PCC and The Friends of Thornton Parish Church .

3. To see 50% of regular weekly worshippers participate in weekly discipleship

Strategic goals relating to objective #3:

• a. Conduct a whole church survey (using a digital form and/or paper forms) to seek out the reasons why people don’t currently attend midweek discipleship; to ascertain what they might participate in if new opportunities were offered; and to review whether the quality of what we already have on offer requires improvement.

• b. To seek to bring about a culture change from just a core group of people attending midweek discipleship to a culture where it’s assumed everyone will attending midweek discipleship in some form or other.

• c. Subject to the results of (a) above, to restart digital gatherings for discipleship – like what happened during Covid when the ‘Virtual Villages’ were run on zoom. This is to enable those who cannot easily leave home to come to Church (perhaps due to illness or family commitments) to participate.

• d. Form a PCC Biblical Faith Committee which will take responsibility for the planning of and delivery of enquirer courses (i.e. Alpha, Hope Explored, Christianity Explored) and general courses (i.e. Bible Course, Romans Course) – to take place at regular intervals throughout the year.

• e. Subject to the results of (a) above, to consider either: (1) starting additional Growth Groups during the week to offer a greater variety of meeting dates and times; or (2) to conflate them all into one major Growth Group once a week which would function as a seminar style group in small groups around tables.

• f. To encourage those in key leadership positions in the life of the church to participate in midweek discipleship – such as clergy, PCC, and ministry leaders.

• g. To consider the historical culture of CCT and think through whether midweek discipleship with a sacramental focus might attract more people to participate – such as a Growth Group with a communion as part of it.

• h. To consider holding (short, 20 minute) daily BCP Evening Prayer services.

• i. To launch a CCT discipleship App (utilising Damian’s experience of developing the Fruitful App for the Diocese of Blackburn), in order to offer discipleship resources for the people of CCT – resources such as daily devotions, courses, podcasts, and worship videos.

4. To grow beyond 200 regular weekly attendance at church services

Strategic goals relating to objective #4:

• a. Sustaining existing mission activities in the Community Centre Hall.

• b. Increased signposting at these events to worship, pastoral care, enquirers courses and seasonal events.

• c. Development of a new role of Community Centre Wellbeing Pastor (see objective #6) – a role which recognises the large number of guests attending activities who have additional needs. These needs are diverse, and range from social isolation, food poverty, mental health, disability, cognitive impairment, gender dysphoria, depression, addiction, and special educational needs. Much pastoral care is needed, to give time to people, to offer a listening ear, to come alongside people, and to train and support volunteers in their interactions.

• i. The Community Centre Wellbeing Pastor will act as the bridge between attending a midweek activity and Sunday worship – always inviting, signposting, etc.

• d. Increased digital presence – improvements to website, development of App, increased social media presence, increased advertising, signage, etc.

• e. Continued fostering of positive relationships with the community – offering the use of the Church and Community Centre facilities for hospitality, hosting of groups, wellbeing, food pantry, supporting schools.

• f. To run a Whole Church Away Day at a venue in Lancashire, as an event to galvanise fellowship and worship across congregations.

• g. To make plans for a Whole Church Weekend Away, no earlier than 2026.

• h. To equip congregational members to invite their friends, colleague, neighbours and family members.

• i. Through training courses on ‘being invitational.’

• ii. Through developing a larger range of high-quality leaflets for church members to pass on to those in their network of family and friends.

• i. To hold regular Newcomers’ Tea Party’s though the year, to help those new to church to have the opportunity to bed in, make relationships, feel a part of the church, and to learn how to grow in faith, to serve, to give, and to seek fellowship.

5. STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

There are four areas of leadership within Christ Church Thornton:

• Church Leader – Leading the worship, ministry, mission and pastoral care of the Church

• Church Management Team – Managing the day to day functioning of staff, activities and buildings

• Church Leadership Team (‘Standing Committee’) – Delivering the strategic and financial decisions to achieve the overall vision

• Parochial Church Council (Trustees) Team – Providing vision, financial oversight and meeting legal and financial obligations

The Church Leader, Church Management Team and Church Leadership Team, consult together with the Parochial Church Council on matters of general concern and importance to the parish. The first function of the Parochial Church Council (often known as the ‘PCC’) is co-operation with the minister in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC at Christ Church focus on the ‘big picture’ of the life and direction of the Church, prayerfully seeking God’s strategic direction in all matters. PCCs are governed by two legislative Measures: Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956 ; and the Church Representation Rules.

6. ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Bank: Virgin Money, 2-4 Abingdon Street, Blackpool FY1 1DR

Independent Examiner: David Miller, 17 Victoria Road East, Thornton Cleveleys, Lancashire, FY5 5HT

Registered Charity Number: 1131693

Church Address: Christ Church Thornton, Meadows Avenue, Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire FY5 2TW

Church Officers carrying out important ecclesiastical, legal and financial duties:

• Churchwarden – Judith Murphy

• Churchwarden – John Hearnshaw

• PCC Officer (Secretary) – Sally Johnson

• Finance Officer (Treasurer) – Angie Walsh

• Electoral Roll Officer – Sally Johnson

• Parish Safeguarding Officer – David Taylor

• Children & Families Officer – Lauren Platt

• Data Protection Officer – Sally Johnson

• Gift Aid Officer – Dot Fiefield

• Health and Safety Consultant – Robert Wareing

Parochial Church Council:

• Damian Platt* (Vicar / Chairman) ex-officio

• Andrew Downes* (Assistant Curate) ex-officio

• Judith Murphy* (Churchwarden / Vice-Chair) ex-officio

• John Hearnshaw* (Churchwarden) ex-officio

Deanery Synod (3 places due to Electoral Roll being between 101 and 200)

• Sally Johnson* (term ending APCM 2026)

• Ann Hearnshaw (term ending APCM 2026) & Diocesan Synod

• Roger Lloyd Jones (term ending APCM 2026)

Elected Parochial Representatives of the Laity (12 places due to Electoral Roll being between 100 and 199)

*Denotes members of the Standing Committee

• Malcolm Beard* (term ending APCM 2025)

• • Maria Winter (term ending APCM 2025) • David Taylor (term ending APCM 2025) • Philip Butterworth (term ending APCM 2025) • Paul Casson (term ending APCM 2026) • Sandra Barrow (term ending APCM2026) • Dorothy Fiefield (term ending APCM 2026)

• • Mick Golden (term ending APCM 2026) • Donna Urmson (term ending APCM 2027)

• Abigail Mackie (term ending APCM 2027)

• Angie Walsh* (term ending APCM 2027)

• Pauline Elvidge (term ending APCM 2027)

7. SAFEGUARDING

Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) Checks

We introduced ‘Clubhouse’ for primary school age children to operate within the Treehouse Family Worship Service in 2022. This is led by volunteers all of whom have been DBS checked.

We introduced ‘Lighthouse’ for primary school age children to operate during term time on a Wednesday afternoon 5:30 PM – 6:45 PM. This is led by volunteers all of whom have been DBS checked.

We have also introduced a youth group ‘Sanctuary’ for young people in school years 6 – 13 to operate monthly on a Sunday afternoon after the Treehouse service from 6:00 PM onwards. This is led by volunteers all of whom have been DBS checked.

To date we have had 27 applications, all of which are fully completed, with 1 outstanding renewal application pending.

There are currently 3 PCC DBS checks which needs an application making from PCC members – though members may change at APCM 2025. 3 existing PCC members’ DBS certificates are coming up for their 3-year renewals within the next 6 months and invitations to renew have been issued.

Key dates for DBS checks and renewals are now logged against profiles in Church Suite, to ensure clear record keeping and timely reminders to be sent when their 3-year expiry is approaching.

After APCM we will re-evaluate who still requires a DBS Check and invite further applications as necessary. Clergy and the Parish Safeguarding officer (PSO) are separately checked by the Diocese. We also have a reciprocal arrangement with St. John’s Little Thornton to independently conduct DBS checks our PSO and we DBS check theirs.

Training

We pledged that all DBS checked staff and volunteers would undergo mandatory DBS training, and this is ongoing, with many having completed both the Basic Principles and Foundation Courses. With key dates for completion and renewal stored against their profiles in Church Suite.

In 2024 we pledged to hold a combined face to face session for both Basic Principles and Foundations to a much wider audience of staff and volunteers at Christ Church, which took place on 24[th] June 2024.

The Parish Safeguarding Policy Statement is published on the Christ Church Thornton website, and a link to safeguarding is prominent on the front page of the website. Emergency contacts (including both phone number and email addresses are published on the same webpage. Here is a summary:

• David Taylor (Parish Safeguarding Officer): • Cath Smith (Diocesan Safeguarding Officer): • Sophie Booth (Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Officer): • Claudia Aspey (Diocesan Safeguarding Administrator): • Andrea Richards (Diocesan Training Coordinator):

Tel: [phone] Tel: [phone] Tel: [phone] Tel: [phone] Tel: [phone]

Remember, safeguarding is everyone's responsibility!

Written by David A Taylor

(Parish Safeguarding Officer)

Photos…

Front page: Church members at Emily Hilton’s wedding.

Back page right: Banjo Bob at Playhouse Baby, Parent, and Toddler Group. Back page bottom: 5:00 PM Sunday Treehouse Congregation saying farewell to the Downes family on their final Sunday.

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1131693 REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 FOR CHRIST CHURCH, THORNTON LE FYLDE Miller Roskell Limtted charter￿ Certified Accountants 17 Victoria Road East Thornton Cleveleys Lancashire FY5 5HT

CHRIST CHURCH. THORNTON LE FYLDE CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Page Report of the Trustees Independent Examlnèrfs Report statemant of Financlal Actlvltles Statement of Flnanclal Posltion Notés to thè Flnanclal Statements

CHRIST CHURCH, THORNTON LE FYLDE REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 De￿mber 2024. The trustees have 8dopt8d the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Pr£ctice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 20191. STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document The charty is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust and constttutes an unincorporated charity. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number 1131693 Principal address Meadows Avenue Thornton Cleveleys Lancashire FY5 2TW Trustees Rev D Platt Vicar Mr P Casson S Barrow D Fiefiekl Rev A Downes P Bulteworrth M Winter J Nichol (resigned 161512024) R Lloyd-Jones R Wareing (resigned 161512024) D Taylor Mr J Hearnshaw M Beard S Johnson J A Murphy Mrs A M Walsh Treasurer Mrs A Hearnshaw Mr M Golden (appointed 161512024) Mrs P Elvidge (appointed 161512024) Miss A Macki& (appointed 161512024) Mrs D Urmson (appointed 161512024) Independent Examiner Miller Roskell Limited Chartered Certrfied Accountants 17 Victoria Road East Thornlon CEeveleys Lancashire FY5 5HT Approved by order of the board of trustees on 25 M8y 2025 and signed on its behalf by.. Rev D Platt- Trustee Page 1

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF CHRIST CHURCH. THORNTON LE FYLDE Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Christ Church, Thornton Le Fylde I report lo the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Christ Church, Thornton Le Fylde (the Trust) for the year endéd 31 Décember 2024. Rèsponsibilities and basis of report As the charity trustees of the Trust you are respoftsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the ￿qUIrementS of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act,). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under Seclion 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section I45(5)(b) of the Act. Independent examiner's statement Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can confimi that l am qualrfied to undertake the examination because l am a member of the Association of Chartered Certifiecf Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examinatton giving me cause to believe that in any material respect-. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trnsf as required by Section 130 of the Art or the accounts do not accord with those records., Of 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 lo which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the aGcounts to be reached. Mr David G Miller, FCCA Miller Roskell Limited Chartered Certified Accountants 17 Victoria Road East Thornton Cleveleys Lancashire FY5 5HT Date: .. Page 2

CHRIST CHURCH, THORNTON LE FYLDE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 2024 Total funds 2023 Total funds Unrestricted fund Restricted funds Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 183,302 17,147 180,449 167,418 Other trading activities Investment income Other income 1,643 204 47,737 20,411 560 5,986 22,054 764 53,723 10,450 1,096 44,688 Total 212,886 44,104 258,990 223,650 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 2,813 2,813 Chantable actlvitles Church Activities 202,225 70,703 272,928 227,753 Other 1,537 1,537 1,570 Total 206,575 70,703 277,278 229,323 Net gains on investments 33 33 NET INCOMEI{EXPENDITURE) Transfers between funds 8,344 <12,446) (26,599) 12,446 {20,255) (5,873) 11 Net movement in funds (6,102) {14,153) (20,255) 15,672) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 21,866 43,970 65,836 71,509 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 15,7S4 29,817 45,581 65,836 The notes form part of these financial statements Page 3

CHRIST CHURCH, THORNTON LE FYLDE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 31 DECEMBER 2024 2024 Total funds 2023 Total funds Unrestricted fund Restricted funds Notes CURRENT ASSETS Deblors Investments Cash at bank and in hand 200 1,480 16,364 200 1.480 48,700 13,447 52,389 32,336 18,044 32.336 50,38Q 65,83S CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year (2,279) (2,520) (4,799} NET CURRENT ASSETS 15,765 29,816 45,581 65,836 TOTALASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 15,765 29,816 45,581 65,836 NET ASSETS 15,765 29,816 45,581 65,836 FUNDS Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 15.765 29,816 21,866 43,970 TOTAL FUNDS 45,581 65,836 The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and aLrthorised for issue on 25 May 2025 and were signed on its behalf by: Rev D Platt- Truslee (] Pfv Mrs A M Walsh- Trustee The notes form part of these financial statements Page 4

CHRIST CHURCH, THORNTON LE FYLDE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of preparing the financial statements The financial statements of the charity, which is 8 public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP {FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicab18 to charitFes preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financi81 Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS 1021 (effective 1 January 2019}', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland, and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. Flnanclal reporting standard 102 - reduced dlsclosure exemptions The charity has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions in preparing these financial stalemenls, as permitted by FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland,: the requirements of Section 7 Statement of Cash Flows., the requirement of paragraph 3.17{d}. Income All income is reco9nis8d in the Statement of Financial Activities onc8 the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be retsived and the amount can be measured reliably. Expenditure Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as th8re is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, rt is probable that a transfer of economic benefrts will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be m8asur8d reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under he8dings that aggregate all cost relaled to the category. Where costs cannot be dlrectly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated Ic> 8Ctivities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end date are noted as a commitment but not accrued as exp8nditure. Taxation Th6 charily is exempt from tax on its charitable activities. Fund accounting Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives al the discretion of the trustees. Restricled funds can only be used for particular restricted purpose5 Wlthin the objects of the charity. Restriclions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are r8ised for particu12r restrtcled purposes. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES 2024 2023 Meadows Christian Bookshop Special Events Food pantry Worship group 9.497 1,207 11,027 323 10,081 369 22,054 10,450 Page 5 continued.

CHRIST CHURCH. THORNTON LE FYLDE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- ￿ntinued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 INVESTMENT INCOME 2024 2023 Deposit account interest NS&I income bonds Current asset investment income Income from investments held in trust 587 119 666 363 52 15 39 764 1,096 TRUSTEES, REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS There were no trustees, remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 December 2024 nor for the year ended 31 DeGember 2023. Trustees, expenses The clergy are memb8rs of the PCC. They are remunerated through the diocese. Thèy receive expenses from the PCC in respect of their duties as clergy. STAFF COSTS The average monthly number of 8mployees during the year was as follows: 2024 2023 Administration No emp5oyees received emoluments in excess of £60,000. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES Unrestricted fund Restricted funds Total funds INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 131.275 36,143 167,418 Other trading activities Investment income Other income 10,450 385 38,612 10,450 1,096 44,686 711 6,074 Totsl 180,722 42,928 223,650 EXPENDITURE ON Charitsble actlvltles Church Activities 184,777 42,976 227,753 other 1,570 1.570 Total 186,347 42,976 229,323 NET INCOMEI(EXPENDITURE) (5,625) (48} (5,6731 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 27,491 44,018 71,509 Page 6 continued..

CHRIST CHURCH, THORNTON LE FYLDE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued Unrestricted Restricted fund funds Total funds TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 21,866 43,970 65,836 DEBTORS. AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2024 2023 Prepayments and accrued income 200 CURRENT ASSET INVESTMENTS 2024 2023 Unlisted investments other 1,480 1,447 12,000 1,480 13,447 CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2024 2023 Other creditors 4,799 10. LOANS An analysis of the maturily of loans is given below: 2024 2023 Amounts falling due wtthin one year on demand: Other loans 4,799 11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Net movement in funds Transfers btheen funds At 31112124 At 111124 Unrestrtcted funds General fund 21,866 8,345 (12,448) 15,765 Restricted funds Organ fund St Peter's Burn Naze outrèach fund Church and hall fabric fund ChU￿h and churchyard maintenance fund 1,154 316 13,299 1,154 {308) (2,488) 6.106 16,917 29,201 <23,804) 6,340 11,737 43,970 <26,600) 12,446 29,816 TOTAL FUNDS 65,836 (20,255) 45,581 Page 7 conlinued...

CHRISTCHURCH, THORNTON LE FYLDE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued Nel movement in funds, included in the above are as follows.. Incoming resources Resources expended Gains and losses Movement in funds Unrestrlcted funds Genéral fund 212,886 (206,574) 33 6,345 Restrlcted funds St Peter's Bum Naze outreach fund Church and hall fabric fund Church and churchyard maintenance fund {308) (45,654) (308) {2,488) 43,166 938 {24,742) {23,804) 44,104 <70,704) (26,6001 TOTAL FUNDS 256,990 (277,278) 33 (20,255) Comparats'ves for movement in funds Net movement in fund8 At 31112123 At 111123 Unrestricted funds General fund 27,491 (5.625) 21,866 Restrlcted funds Org8n fund St Peterfs Burn Naze outreach fund Church and hall fabric fund Church and churchyard maintenance fund 1,154 1,727 12,647 1,154 316 13,299 (1,411> 652 28,490 711 29,201 44,018 (48) 43,970 TOTAL FUNDS 71,509 (5,673) 65,836 Page 8 continued...

CHRIST CHURCH, THORNTON LE FYLDE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows.. Incoming resources Resources expended Movement in funds Unrestricted funds General fund 180,722 (186,347) (5,6251 Restrlcted funds St Peter's Bum N8ze outreach fund Church and hall fsbric fund Church and churchyard maintenance fund {1,411} {41,565) (1,4111 652 42,217 711 711 42,928 (42,9781 (48) TOTAL FUNDS 223,650 (229,3231 (5,673)

2. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 December 2024. Page 9