Re8iStered Charlty Number 1131703 THE PARISH OF NEWSOME, ARMITAGE BRIDGE & NETHERTON (Part of the Emmanuel Benefice) Annual Roport of the Parochlal Church Council For the period April 2024 to April 2025 And Flnancial Ststements For the year ended 31 December 2024 Incumbent Interregnum (Julie Anderson resigned 31 December 2023) Bank: Virgin Money HSBC Bank 40 New Street, Huddersfield Kingsgate Centre, Huddersfield Central Board of Finance of the Church of England 80 Cheapside, London Independent Examiner Sally Avery Newsome, Armitage Bridge and Netherton APCM
NOTICE OF MEETINGS 7.30pm Wednesday 3(yh April 2025 atst Paul's Church, Armitage Bridge ANNUAL MEETING FOR THE ELECTION OF CHURCH WARDENS Opening prayers Apologies for absence Approval of the minutes of the last annual meeting held on 08.04.24 Election of Churchwardens Election/appointment of Deputy Churchwardens ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING Apologies for absence Approval of the minutes of the last APCM held on 08.04.24 Report on the revision of the Electoral Roll Annual Report Treasurer's Report on accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 Churchwarden & Fabric Reports Election of 5 PCC members (4 others are within their 3-year term) Election of lay members to the Deanery Synod (maximum of 2) Appointment of Independent Examiner 10 Deanery Synod Report 11 Safeguarding Report 12 Additional Reports 13 Any matters of parochial or general church interest 14 Concluding prayers
- Elertoral Roll Report 2025 Every six years we are required by the Church of England to produce a new roll which only includes those who have completed application forms. It is fortuitous that this revision coincides with our need for a single integrated roll after the closure of Holy Trinity at South Crosland, and the earlier closure of St John's Newsome. The total number for the newly named Parish of Newsome, Armitage Bridge & Netherton is 80, comprising 52 from Armitage Bridge, 23 from South Crosland and 5 from Newsome now attending the Methodist Church in Berry Brow. At this particular time I think it is relevant to report the breakdown of numbers as above, but that in future years it will not be necessary to do so. However I think it will always be worth mentionin8 the numbers within - and outside - our combined parish area. On this occasion 53 are residents and 27 are non-residents. David Hirst Electoral Roll Officer ANNUAL REPORT Membershlp Members of the PCC are either ex officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meetin8 in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. During the period, thefollowing served Gs members of the PCC.. Ex offlclo Pamela Thomas Church Warden Antony Crawshaw Church Warden Bruce Greenwood PCC Treasurer and Deanery Synod Helen Pearson (from September 2024 Deanery Synod) Armitage Brldge elected members lan Hales (co-opted 13 May 20241 Melody Hirst (co-opted 13 May 2024) Helen Hales {elected 28th March 2022) Naomi Pinkney (elected 28th March 2022) Sarah Pope (elected 28th March 2022) Catherine Day (elected 24 April 2023) David Hirst (elected 8th April 20241 Chris Storey (elected 8 April 2024) th Graeme Williams (elected 8 April 20241 Pamela Kent (elected 8th April 20241 Katherine Hugget (elected 8th April 2024) REVIEW OF THE YEAR The principal event of the year was the regrettable closure of Holy Trinity, South Crosland. In order to perpetuate the memories of the Church and Congregation we have accepted the priest's stall from Holy Trinity as an additional piece of furniture. We also display the Memorial Book and are arranging for a light box to show photographs of the stained glass of the East Window. The PCC met 6 times during the year under the Lay Chair. With the help of retired clergy the PCC has ensured that the Church continues to make its presence felt in the community as shown in the separate reports in this document.
We continue to support the Church School at Netherton plus keeping contact with other schools during the interregnum. The local Nursery School held its Nativity Service at St Paul's. The Christmas Services were well attended, particularly the Nativity Service when the church was full. The annual Art & Craft Exhibition was also well attended with a good atmosphere and many new relationships established. It was also financially successful. We have appointed Frances Nunn as our new priest and she takes up her post in May 2025. We look forward to welcoming her to the Parish where we hope to make progress in establishing our presence in the large parish we represent. During the year we discussed the Barnabas project which could be a way forward for us. Our Services continued to be held on alternate Sundays until Holy Trinity, South Crosland closed when we reverted to every Sunday. The PCC, after discussion, agreed to change the time of the Sunday Service to a more community friendly 10.00 am. We continue with the Prayer Service each Wednesday at 9.15 am. Rlsk Management The PCC is aware of risks to which it is exposed and steps have been taken to mitigate such risks, for example havin8 insurance cover. Sarah Pope is Health & Safety Officer, lan Hales is Fire Officer, and Pamela Thomas is Safeguarding Officer. Envlronment The church holds a silver award for reducing its effect on climate change and is working towards achieving the Gold Award. Tony Craw5haw and Pamela Thomas Churchwardens CHURCHWARDENS, REPORT As well as the routine maintenance i.e Servicing Fire Alarms, PA testing, Boiler maintenance, cleanin8 and repairin8 this is to ensure the church is kept in good order. The Christmas services were all well attended. The inventory and logbook are both up to date. The churchyard grass areas have all been well maintained by our team of dedicated volunteers. As Church Wardens we would like to thank everyone for their help and support over the last year which has enabled our services and maintenance of the building to continue seamlessly. We would also like to give our 8rateful thanks to the retired Cler David Angela and Debbie who have made ourjob so much easier. Tony Crawshaw and Pamela Thomas Churchwardens DEANERY SYNOD REPORT On the Almondbury and Kirkburton Deanery, John Kent and Helen Pear50n have served the second year of three as South Crosland Representatives, and Bruce Greenwood has ser4ed his second year as Newsome and Armitage Bridge Representative. Bruce has continued to serve as Deanery Treasurer and Helen as Deanery Secretary. At the time of writin& five synods have been held, all of which have been joint with Huddersfield Deanery. A sixth is scheduled to be held 28 April.
Reports from General Synod and Diocesan Synod have been made to Deanery Synod throughout. The topics of the common cup, lack of clergy. lack of young people and financial problems have been discussed throughout the year. Bishop Smitha attended our synod of last April and the main business was a session chaired by the Bishop for parishes to report on both the challenges they face and also the opportunities/good news they feel they have. The main challenges faced are lack of clergy {there have been several vacancies in the Deaneries this yearl, financial/property issues and overburdened lay people. Good new5 Stories included stories of local churches working together and having a strong prayer life, churches working in the community and outreach projects. Bishop Smitha recognised the "volunteer fati8ue" evident in churches especially since covid. She felt that by making good appointments, there will be new opportunities to engage with our communities and reverse the challenges created by long term vacancies. At the July synod, Jude Smith 8ave a presentation on the Barnabas Project- church revitalisation. At September synod, Debby gave a presentation on Ecochurch which included how St Marfs of Embsay with Eastby achieved Gold award, and where resources for putting together an environmental service can be obtained. The December Synod was held on Zoom and was a "drop in" prayer session. In February discussions were held on the outcomes of the October Diocesan Synod. These included funding to support parishes in the installation of net zero carbon infrastructure, all parishes belng requested to engage with Fairtrade and all PCC'S to reflect on the "Clergy Wellbeing document which has been circulated. Reports from General Synod and Diocesan Synod have been made to Deanery Synod throughout. Helen Pearson SAFEGUARDING REPORT Pamela Thomas was appointed as Safeguarding Officer for St Pauls at the PCC meeting followln8 the APCM 24 April 2024. The Diocese continue to give guidance on Safeguarding in our churches via regular newsletters. There have been no issues of concern at St Pauls to report during the last 12 months. Pamela reports to every PCC meeting on Safeguarding issues. Helen Pearson continues to work as "Lead Recruiter" for the Benefice with Pamela Thomas as the Additional Recruiter. Our task in addition to overseeing all Safeguarding Aspects of our respective churches is to ensure timely DBS checks are carried out on people volunteering to work with children or vulnerable adults. Currently the Diocese advises that DBS checks should be carried out every 3 years, and our relevant people are requiring new checks this year. All of these have commenced with four of these being completed at the time of this report. The Parish Safeguardin8 Policy was renewed and approved by PCC in March Pamela Thomas/Helen Pearson SOUTH CROSLAND JUNIOR SCHOOL REPORT The school continues to progress well under the leadership of Clare Brewster and her dedicated staff. School is a happy place and Christian ethos continues to underpin all teaching and learning in the school. The school continued to worship at Holy Trinity, once a term, until closure early September. The whole School were welcomed to St Paul's Church 24 September for a lively service with Rev
Debby Plumber. Services took place in two halves (due to fire regulations), with upper school attendin8 in the morning and lower school attending in the afternoon. Debby spoke about St Paul and Angels. The children were enthusiastic and enjoyed their trip out to Armitage Bridge and the worship. Debby has led worship in school once each half term. The school is very grateful to Debby for her support of the Children's worship. The whole school were welcomed, again in two halves, by Debby Plummer to St Paul's in December for their Nativity Seniice. The school had prepared the service - the Nativity Story as told by the animals. The school choir led the enthusiastic singing of both traditional carols and Christmas son8S. The school is very grateful to the Wardens at St Pauls and Debby for their continuing support of the Children's worship. St Paul's is now formally the link church for South Crosland Junior School. Sadly in September, Rev Julie Anderson resigned as the chair of school Governors. In addition to this ex officio vacancy there were already vacancies for 4 Foundation Governors. A plea was made to the congre8ation both in church and via the Focus magazine for Governors. In December, the school Governing Body resolved the issue of the vacant Chair. Foundation Governor Karen Hobson and LEA Governor Chrlstine Lancaster were appointed to co-chair the Governin8 Body. Recently we have received two nominations for Foundation Governors - a worshipper from Netherton Methodists and a lady known to our co-chair who worships at Cathedral House. Rev Frances has already visited school and wlll also act as an ex-officio Governor. Helen Pearson JUNIOR CHURCH Junior Church meets on the fourth Sunday of the month at 10 am. The children go upstairs for their activities and return to join the con8re8ation for Communion and a blessing. They share and discuss thelr work with the congregation at the end of the service. Where possible we follow the Lectionary readlngs for that week. Some of the themes covered with the children.. Simeon and Anna in the Temple, Parable of the Sower, Nativity, Advent, Lent, Trinity, Harvest, Jesus calming the storm. Jesus heGling the Blind man. A Risk Assessment for Junior Church which is completed and reviewed every year was presented to the PCC members, in March, for their for approval There must always be two adults With the children, and we have two main leaders, Sam McGregor and myself (both with DBSI. If one of us is unable to attend, then we have several people with a Self-declaration who can assist. There is now no longer a need to have a PCC Authorisation form, but attendances must be reported to the PCC. In 2024 numbers attending fluctuated. Sometimes we only had one or two and sometimes four or five children but in November of that year our numbers increased with the appearance of the Sham Family. Attendance numbers for 202412025 March 2024 April May June 2 children 3 children 2 children I children James, Martha Gabe, Thea and Martha James, Martha Martha
July September November January 2025 February 7 children Max, James, Gabe, Thea, Martha, Joe and Quinn I child Gabe 6 children James, Joe, Sara, Sultan, Omra, Bushra No Service at AB 7 children Martha, Max, Lucas, Jasmine, Sultan, Yousra, Omra 14 children Martha, Gabe, Thea, Quinn, James, Joe, Max, Sultan, Yousra, Maddy, Maisie, Mae, Teddy and Milo With the increase in numbers there is the need for another session per month. An appeal to the congregation brought an offer of help from one of the parents. We hope to begin an extra session in September. March AcfiviTY BAGS FOR USE IN SERVICES Activity bags containing clip boards, colouring and activity sheets, crayons and books are available forthe children to use during services if they wish. Gillian and Ann have kindly made some new bags for us as we have on occasions had as many as nine children in the congregation. The Wednesday volunteers have offered to oversee the replenishing of the bags each week. Graeme and Ann Williams have kindly donated 4 Doodle Pads, and we are trialling them before purchasing any more. CHRISTMAS WORKSHOP AND EASTER CRAFT WORKSHOP Both workshops have been very well attended and have been enjoyed by children and adults alike. They are busy events incurring a lot of preparation, but we would not be able to go ahead without the help and support of the many helpers who give up their time to make it a very enjoyable experience for the children. A Risk Assessment for the Easter Family Craft workshop in April was also approved by the PCC. ANNUAL FAMILY PICNIC AT BEAUMONT PARK Our Annual Family picnic in July 2024 was cancelled because of rain and then rescheduled but It rained again so we decided to have it in Church. It was a very different event but nonetheless enjoyable. We still managed to have our picnic and games and with music provided by Paul and Anita we even had dancing down the aisle! The event will take place again on July 13 this year. Thanks to children's leader, Sam McGregor and all those Involved in the children's activities for their work and support. COMPASSION We have had regular contact with Dafne our Compassion child. She appears to be enjoying her time on the project that we sponsor. Collections have been steady from us and from Berry Brow Methodist Church. Hall Bower have agreed to take South Crosland's Box following their closure. l attended one of Hall Bower's Coffee mornings and spoke to them about the work of Compassion and our involvement as sponsor for Dafne. Thank you to all our congregations for their support in their giving to help Dafne. Melody Hirst
LAY LED WORSHIP Every two months the service at St. Paul's, Armitage Bridge has been led by the three members of the Worship Team who have taken these services since 2012 and have now been joined by some members from the South Crosland Worship Team. The inclusion of their music group has enlivened and enhanced our services. We have followed the Lectionary and some of the theme5 covered have been: Chri5tingle. the Baptism of Chrlst, using Godly Play materlol, Harvest, Remembrance Sunday• Temptatlon of Chrlst and Christian Ald. We also offer an activity for the children at these services The Worship Team appreciate the on80in8 help, support and enthusiasm of the congregation. ANNUAL REPORT ON HEALTH & SAFETY- 2025 Various church members take on safety inspections and subsequent work in their own areas of responsibility and all inspections and maintenance have been recorded centrally and updated as part of the H&S role during 2024/25. In the last 12 months, 4 risk assessments have been completed by Melody Hirst and reviewed and approved by Sarah Pope. Details of these are as follows: Risk Assessment5 2024-2025 July 2024- Annual Family Picnlc- approved Dec 2024- Christmas Craft Workshop- approved Feb 2025- Easter Craft Workshop- approved Feb 2025 - Junior Church Annual Risk Assessment - approved A full church annual risk assessment is due and this will be carried out in the next couple of months with a full report presented to the PCC. The list of who is responsible for carryln8 Out the various safety measures as well as the schedule of inspections and testing's is being reviewed and has been circulated to the PCC for comment. Further guidance on Health & Safety has been Issued by the Eccleslastical Church includin8 an updated self-assessment questionnaire which is to be used for the upcoming annual review. In addition in the last 2 weeks there has been guidance issued on tree maintenance for churches. This is being reviewed and provided to the PCC In coming weeks. AII H&SE polioi documents and the risk assessments are available should anyone wish to view these. Report completed by S Pope- H&S - April 2025. PARISH ENVIRONMENT OFFICER REPORTTO THE APCM Since the last APCM, the Environment group at St Paul's Armitage Bridge (which became two overlappin8 groups in 2023, the Ecochurch group and the "6 Steps to Carbon Net Zero" committee) has been in abeyance mainly because of the demands of the vacancy. The Ecochurch group has the task of pressing onward with our aim of becoming a church that is a good steward of God's Creation together and when we are dispersed. The "6 Steps to Carbon Net Zero" Committee will begin meeting once Rev Fran Nunn has arrived. As the 5th Mark of Mission of the Anglican Church worldwide says, "we will care for creation and renew the life of the Earth There have still been regular reports on environmental matters at PCC meetings. Our progress to Gold Ecochurch has been slowed down by A Rocha upgradin8 the survey questions for Eco Church,
after 5 years. I was pleased to be able to host Rose Gosling, a Gold Assessor for Ecochurch, here in November at St Paul's Church and invited Parish Environment Officers from the other 7 Silver Churches in the Huddersfield Episcopal Area to hear her explain the changes, which came into force in January 2025. Rose stressed having clearly visible signage saying 'Yhis is a Silver Ecochurch" outside our church & the priority of having an environmental policy {based on the diocesan model one) In fact, it is the first question in each of the 5 sections (Worship & teaching, Buildings, Land, Community &global, and Lifestyle). Another Well Dressing took place in June 24 in Armitage Bridge - again a joyful 8athering, with more children, and plans are afoot for a third one this year. This is a beautiful tradition, asking God's blessings on our water supply. Issues like water quality, depleted freshwater wildlife, flooding and drought mean that the Holme and its tributaries are at risk in these times of climate emergency. During Creationtide, in September, we held a combined Harvest & Environment Sunday Service, environmentally themed, with music and worship led by members of both St Paul's and Holy Trinity South Crosland. The magazine Focus continues to include environmental articles and prayers and Sunday morning intercessions usually include prayers for the planet and all its creatures. The Ecochurch 8roup knows that there is a good-sized group of people committed to sustainable living under our church roof. Thank you to all who have played a part in our environmental journey this year- gardeners, Eco- group, intercessors, Graeme. Bi8 thanks to Chris Storey who was Parish Environment Officer for the year when I was struggling. Debby Plummer April 2025 GARDENERS REPORT ARMITAGE BRIDGE A mixed 12 months all in all. The tree that blew down blocking the drive in one of the early storms in 2024 was quickly dealt with and cleared up, our team handled everything except the large trunk which was cut professionally. Stephensons also took down another tree at the top of the drive that was tested and considered to be dangerous. Towards the end of 2024 two large branches came down off a couple of our large conifer trees. Managing these ourselves we used the material to make a "dead hedge" barrier running between the carpark and the river. Using donated wooden pallets we have made several compost bins which take our grass Cuttings, leaves and any donated material helping towards our "Eco Friendly status. Hopefully we can produce some useful compost for ourselves. Having already captured 2 awards for work already done, we have continued to leave a number of areas for wildlife, planting insect friendly plants and encouraging our fruit trees to produce blossom. Although we do have to cut the grass we are attempting to leave as many dandelions as we can as an early food supply for bees, butterfly and moths etc. Although it is difficult to control all of the churchyard we do feel that the "Garden Of Remembrance" is looking as good as it has ever done. A lot of effort has 8one into this particularly by Maureen, Cath and Lorraine giving the area a weekly clean up. It is one part of the site where we do get a lot of positive comments and thanks from relatives tending their plot. We have had a slow start to 2025 with Alan's leg injury, even so to date most of the grass has been cut and although we have lost Brian from the team Maureen has become a regular with Mr Sham helping when he can. Alan Trebble April 2025
RINGERS REPORT We have continued to be a local centre for learning attracting ringers from various towers including Holmfirth, Meltham, Almondbury and Saddleworth on a regular basis. Our numbers remain steady with the addition of I new member who we have been teaching over the last year. With no peals being attempted we have rung 6 quarter peals includin8 firsts for Meltham ringer Joanna Martin in Oxford Treble Bob Minor, Holmfirth ringers Cath O'Halloran and Margreit Mulder both from Holmfirth ringing Plain Bob Minor, and our rin8er Scott Iveson rin8ing his first 1/4 peal, again Plain Bob Minor. Halifax Archdeaconry have also been entertained with their regular monthly Monday evening learners practice, plus the Yorkshire Association have also held trainin8 sessions usin8 our bells. Last Summer the tower roof etc was inspected and cleaned. A couple of local towers have not done this and have suffered the consequences with water findin8 its way into the bell chamber and ringing room. At this time we also installed a small camera in the bell chamber alon8 With a TV monitor in the ringing room which when turned on allows us to watch the bells being rung "live" Our stock of ropes 8ets rotated and checked on a regular basis, we did scrap one rope, we don't require a new replacement at this time. As the services are now back at Armitage Bridge every Sunday we have managed to ring for them all up to datety perhaps not all 6 bells but a noise has been made every week. Unfortunately, Alan ruptured his Achilles tendon on 1st February 2025 which has slowed us down wee bit, an inconvenience more on the maintenance side of things. Hopefully we should be able to put this right after Easter. Going forward Graeme and Ann are arranging a Beetle Drive at the end of Aprll 2025, we have a number of 1/4 peals in the pipeline and Oliver is arranging a peal attempt for the arrival of our new vicar on May Ilth. Alan Trebble April 2025 LINK TO THE DIOCESE OF ROYRA. TANZANIA-A BRIEF SUMMARY REPORT St Paul's continues its link with a church in the diocese of Royra in Tanzania. The church we link with in Royra is a small village called Sokorabolo. Followin8 the visit last year from Bishop Moses we now receive regular news of progress in the whole Royra area. News and updates for the last 12 months include the following: Some ongoin8 challenges There continues to be a large amount of repairs needed across the churches that are already established, especially on roofs There is still a need for a more sustainable project across the diocese-although new members are joining there are still some leaving. There continues to be poor transport across the region. This is particularly an issue for Bishop Moses and his clergy who rely on their cars for getting around to parishioners and providing their missionary. Some success stories There has been successful growth from 38 parishes to 45 parishes.
The number of Christians in the region has grown from nearly 7000 to 8000 which is remarkable. Church buildings are progressing across the region with 6 new locations 25 members of the congregations have successfully been enrolled in colleges with the churches support and funding. This is a very positive achievement given the reduced funding for schooling in the area th They have successfully set up a 6 Diocese general synod across the area There has been a passing of a bill to allow women to be ordained Bishop Moses would like to ask for our prayers for the following: The pre school and primary school need further funding if they are to develop in 2025 Money is needed for new transport for the Bishop as they are now down to one car for all Clergy and this one is also in desperate need of repair. Bishop Moses has sent regular messages since he returned to Sokorabolo in Sept following his visit to Leeds. The village send their prayers and best wishes to the people of St Pauls. The work remains challenging but he believe5 in what he is doing and has plenty more ideas to develop the village and surrounding area further. The village have much to be thankful for and are comforted by the ongoing support from the people of St Pauls. We look forward to hearing more about their projects in20251 S Pope - Aprll 2025 SHcf COMMUNITY WORKER REPORT I feel this has been a very rewarding year in many ways. The community (from within and without the Churches) has come together on many occasions, giving time, ener8y, food, encouragement, and using a massive amount of skills through a variety of events. The Bread and Butter Thln In these straightened times, which are difficult for many people, TBBT is proving ever more useful. A real rapport has been built between the volunteers, members and the drivers. This project is doing great things for sustainability and the environment as well as maklng life more affordable for many people. Helpers are always welcome, even when we seem to have many hands, we may get a curved ball of loose tomatoes or eggs to pack, or volunteers can't make one session. If you or anyone you know, might like to help us unload the van for half an hour on Wednesdays from 11.45, or pack, they would be most welcome. Warm welcome Regular donations of delicious soup and amazing cakes has made this venture more popular. I can't thank enough those who regularly take the time and effort to turn up to serve, make food and enable this to carry on. I know many people appreciate it. Once again owing to popular demand and with the agreement of the volunteers we are continuing with a Warm Welcome once a month. Upcoming dates May 13th, June 10th th July 15th August 12 September 9th and October 14th Anyone with a couple of hours would be most welcome, to participate or to help. Shrove Tuesda Having lost our previous pancake maker we were overjoyed when Tony, Cath, and Helen stepped in making wonderful pancakes1 Huge thanks to the team and everyone who made fillings and also Angela who spent the day on her feet filling the pancakes. This has become a brilliant communitv event that everyone enjoys.
Po sale for the To ether Sho Thanks largely to Caroline's amazing organizational skills and the enthusiastic band of volunteers the March Pop up shop was most successful. Appreciation to the Scouts who cater. Their contribution is a definite draw. Future dates.. 7th June, 6th September, 8th November 2024. Film Café Many people have attended the Film Cafe. We have had Ship to Shore twice, to sing us sea shanties and shown Films which are 'feel good,. I have had many supportive comments for those who sometimes feel lost for somewhere to go. Ark church and Ber Brow flats So few people are now living in the flats, The Ark church is focussing on Lowerhouses and ex residents so my services are no longer required. Re ular events. Crafty Chatterers continues every other week on a Tuesday morning from 9.30 at Berry Brow and I continue to support Newsome Tenants and Residents, association on the first Tuesday each month, although membership of this group has fallen dramatically. l attend Newsome Forum every other month to share our work and glean what is happenin8 in the area. l attend the coffee morning at the Scout hut, and Hall Bower coffee and soup days as well as the rambling group. l enjoy these events but also think keeping up links is very important. l am also taking assemblies at Berry Brow Infant and Nursery School alternately with Tim. Coffee and homemade cake at Hall Bower the first Wednesday each month (with a chance to pick up the impossible quiz). Soup at Hall Bower the second Monday Each month Hall Bower Ramblers who meet on the Third Monday each month19.30) Warm Welcome at Berry Brow. Coffee mornin85 every Wednesday in the Scout Hut. Hearts and Hands Community Gospel Choir 1st and 3 Sunday each month 5.30. Berry Brow Church. Coffee morning at South Crosland School on the Second Saturday mornln8, each month. I have enjoyed this year and would like to thank the many people who support and encourage me, particularly my line manager, Pam. I pray the next year will be as fruitful. rd Carol Waters WORSHIP REPORT From the beginning of the year up until September we continued to worship on alternate Sundays between St Paul's and Holy Trinity. Sadly we formally closed Holy Trinity and so Sunday worship has been weekly at St Paul's. The lay worship team have continues to hold bi-monthly Morning Worship SeNices accompanied by the music group and with the help of volunteers from the congregation. Since the closure of Holy Trinity the two teams have come together bringing a refreshing dimension to our Sunday worship. We continue to hold regular united services wlth the local Methodlst churches rotating around our three buildings. Morning prayer continues to be held weekly on Wednesday mornings and the contemplative prayer group continues to meet weekly on Thursday evenings on Zoom in winter and in the Lady Chapel in Summer.
We are very fortunate in having the services of two organists who accompany our worship alternate Sundays and the choir has been reinstated at St Paul's with members of Holy Trinity choir joining them enriching the musical component of our worship. The Anglican/Methodist congregation at Berry Brow is now well established and our clergy continue to lead worship at both Berry Brow and Netherton Methodist churches on a rota basis. From time to time the cleryi are also called upon to lead worship at Hall Bower Sunday School. All the major festivals throughout the year have been obsen4ed and well attended and in October we were able to celebrate David's 40th anniversary of his priesting. Throu8hout this last year our parish has been in vacancy yet we have continued our worship unbroken with the benefit of our retired clergy and worship group. On two occasions Archdeacon Bill led our Sunday worship which provided a welcome relief as well as bringing his own unique style to bear in our 5en4ices. David Kent
St Pall, Anr#lage Brfdgo at 31nw2n24 3111112023 Fli•d a8••ts ¢)22.. lfjtthen 18YJ.O) Tot•1 FS•d i•wts 1,950.QO 2,340.OQ Curr•nt •M•ts CL94'. CÈsh Iwtsji 905&91 10.081.KI Cwla. Fd)itCBF/Y)xrtJni 17,91a32 3351.50 17,01&19 3.18Z66 ' 353Z92 2242XS 11,528LQ a3n.10 231.fy) 18, 231.IXI MRGN fmffjl .' D'd131rtyTftfyIYo1kIh Bthi Fabrlck£t)mtYtytr3Nf& knk 4QCVJ 8?5A8 370 Total Curr•nt a8J•ts 73,753.79 69,772.72 U•bllltl•A 126.8D Totsl 1,009.13 1.481gB N•1 A••t $tsrplu• Id•flGIt 74694.66 70,62&76 Eu$$1(dljty Z01'. iJotancs 4,Cth9) To,8.78 74.094.80 ,73&Q) 70.6U76 Tgt•l R•wNe• Reprewrted by Funds &7211118 21.17& 2324&n 131 M¥thJQ5 12) pnl Py 1 d2
St PaA, Brtdge Seknckd porknd: 01 January 2024 to 31 DKwthr2024 Tot•1 G•n•ral D•81onat•d R••trl¢tsd InrnIng r••ourc•s from g•n•r•t•d 4.01&49 3m 4n1i49 C(UIM. CdlethaftA 13111 1CQ(MI 3,1M70 gcKA¢y) 1CrfIO) 914.62 2,068 1.41&91 1& 3,9T4.53 14,&10.(X) 416&59 FithYAG4. FlarrdQ4r¥GftA TmND. GftAd TèxPthAd 3,97453 394153 14A3&(h) 4,427.$0 240.fyj 4,1n52 &12&59 4.12152 31d27 023& 7281) 31827 S2. 726120 5,52&CKJ 2T&58 InBIF5r.1lknTeg1th1 Dwlts PRCfiT. Fbll¢ffi lUI In¥wn 1.88& 22&59 1S171 I1&00 IS171 Incon9 r••ourtt•• from g•n•r•t•d lund# Totsl• 42,567.05 3T&11 8,97&92 51,917.01 47,5#0.97 Oth•r Incomln9 r••our¢•• G49N. C4 TrStsr 4P53&9 52Z7AS 210.IK) 13&53 SA5 2100 10,487. 4fi71.LKJ 15Q Oth•r Incoffdry r••pur¢•• Total• 10.300.98 1.414.OQ 11.104.98 1SMg8 R•c•lpts lknnd Tol 51950.03 37411 10,389.92 83,722J)6 62.689.95 Paynwnts Co•t of g•n•r•tlng fund• 4.128.88 49n55 4,97055 I,n7.10 11&03 CO of g•n•r•tlng fvnd• Totd• S,1)P7.37 4,12&68 1,224.45 g,n1.91 charh•b ¢ll¥l¢l•• ILW.fA) 1.571.QA) 1.571.1 837A7 Chvllabl• acllvlll•s Totals 4.186.00 4.18&1XI 3.OX8J 131 K*th Ill5 1245 1 rf2
G•nerAI D•Jlgnthd R••trkl•d Th1• T L••t •r Gov•in4nu co¥ts 1(n4.tyJ 3.459.95 e6.15 207.75 4.757.84 572.X) 18.7XCi) S.486 A15 I521 3291.76 477AI 110AO 4.8e&24 572. 417s Q•v•rnanc• 18 TotAI• 28,287.44 2409198 Olh•r r••ourc•s u••d 109.T2 131.TJ 241AS &ECT. Sqthty iK424 3.eK75 IAJ 1W112 7,Cfat)) 12thts) $28 10.43&SS 5.541A) 81 181Gy 34179 182m 34179 Oth•r r••oure•• u••d Tots 12,208.13 1,321.11 1•.390.47 10,071.40 P•yn*rt• ¢knnd Total• 47.818J4 1,321A1 10,515A1 59.85Q16 52J9&19 Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 6 April 2025 and signed on its behalf bv l.R.Hales Chairman B.N.Greenwood Treasurer 131 1245 pn) P•p2d2
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Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Ecclesiastical Parish of Newsome and Armitage Bridge I report to the trustees on my examination ol the accounts of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Newsome and Armitage Bridge {the Charity) for the year ended 31 December 2024. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 {'the Act,). I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed allthe applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145{5}{b) of the Act. Independent examlner's statement I h8ve completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my 8ttention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: 1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by sectlon 130 of the Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records. or 3. the accounts do not comply with the 8pplicable 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 8 '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 connectlon with the ex8mination towhich attention should be drawn in this report in orderto enable 8 proper understandingof the accounts to be reached. Signed: Name: Sally Avery, Fellow Chartered Accountant, ICAEW Date: 27 March 2025
TREASURER'S REPORT 2024 Looking at the financial performance of St Paul's Church, the main factor affecting the figures apart from inflation, is the sad closure of Holy Trinity, South Crosland. This meant that from September we had weekly services plus an increase in the congregation, with the consequence that giving increased and also expenditure, particular on heating. Our new lighting is helping to hold down electricity costs. Collections increased by £700, Planned Giving by £1,000, Gift Aid Tax Refund by £700, and the Art & Craft Exhibition was able to donate £2,000 to the Fabric Fund this year. The Church Hall also ran in surplus at £300. The positive results on the income side are due to the hard work of many people in the congregation and the generous giving culture that has been built up over the years. I must also mention the £7200 income we receive from Letting out the Church. We can only continue to make the building available to the community through the willing giving of time by the keyholders who come at all times and in all weathers to look after our customers and prepare the church for them. In 2024 our Expenditure Included an Increase of £1,500 in Parish Share, £600 in maintenance, and £2,000 in Gas. Exceptional expenditure on Fabric included £600 to clear the trunk of the fallen tree in the drive, £1,146 to survey and test the remaining trees in the drive in case of similar deterioration, and £1,680 to fell the diseased tree. We replaced much of the lighting at a cost of £6,540. As a Church we have donated £100 to National Churches Trust,£200 to Christians Against Poverty, £300 to Forget Me Not Hospice, £35 to British Legion, £100 to Sokorabolo, £500 to Welcome Centre, £500 to the Huddersfield Mission Appeal, and £300to Disasters Emer8ency Committee. In addition collections and events for the Congregation contributed to donations to Compasslon Child, Christian Aid, and The Children's Society which are not shown in these figures. We begin 2025 with a good balance in our accounts which will be needed in the next few years. Looking ahead we will be hoping to move from consolidation to expanding our congregation and making sure that the large Parish we sit in knows that we are here for them whether in Newsome, Rashcliffe, Berry 8row, South Crosland, Netherton or, indeed, Armitage Bridge. This will need funding because, when a congregation increases, our Parish Share costs increase and it take a few years before new members realise what expenditure has to be covered per person. The current membership has always been generous to the Church according to their means. This generosity tends to increase with age, so that the greatest financial contributions come from the oldest members of the congregation. This will not last for ever. We will need to plan to cover any sudden losses, but we do have a buffer in the balances held at the moment. Another adverse effect will come every year in the Parish Share. In 2025 we will pay £18,408 but our assessment is actually £45,061. The increase is due to an increased average attendance and that we will be the on5y church covering the cost of a priest. The Diocesan rules are, at the moment, that no
church will be asked for an increase of more than IO% in the Parish Share, year to year. However, for us that means many successive increases of IO% until we reach the Diocesan figure, which will, itself, keep increasing with inflation. This we must also plan to cover. I think that it is inevitable that we will need a Stewardship campaign in the next five years. Lastly I will draw your attention to the age of our boiler for the heating system. It was installed in 1990, has been robust but is now aged and not the most efficient at providing heating. The Church Council is researching a suitable replacement, which would be Eco-friendly, and might include solar panels on the roof, and heat would probably be provided by electricity. We are a long way from making a decision but could possibly contribute £20,000 from our balances and seek grant support. We would still have enough remaining to fund a campaign such as Barnabus. Bruce Greenwood Treasurer