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)
11. **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: 07702 836938 Tel: 07711 485170 Tel: 07468 971759 Tel: 01254 503088 Tel: 07484 073146
## **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 Dember 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
ChUh 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