2023-12-31-accounts

The Ecclesiastical Parish of All Saints, Cleadon

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Annual Report 2023 and Agenda for the Annual Vestry Meeting & Annual Parochial Church Meeting

3.00pm Sunday 28 April 2024

Contents

Page

Agenda for the 2024 Vestry Meeting Sunday 28 April. ................................ 3 Agenda for the Annual Parochial Church Meeting 2024 ........................ 3 Agenda for the first Parochial Church Council Meeting 2024/2025 ............. 3 Minutes of Vestry Meeting and APCM 2023 .................................................. 4 Report of the PCC ............................. 6 Electoral Roll 2023 ................................... 6 Safeguarding .......................................... 6 Attendance ............................................. 7 Proceedings of the PCC ............................ 7 PCC Membership ..................................... 8 Churchwardens’ Report ............................ 8 Deanery Synod Report ............................. 9 Treasurer’s Report and Accounts .............. 9 Financial Review ..................................... 10 Reserves Policy ...................................... 10 Investment Policy ................................... 10 Future Plans........................................... 10 Notes to the financial statements ............. 15 Independent Examiner’s Report to the PCC of All Saints’ Church, Cleadon. ................. 16 Organisation Reports 2023 ............. 17 Children and Young People ............. 17 ABC Toddlers@All Saints ......................... 17 Young Saints .......................................... 17 Cleadon Church of England Academy ....... 17 1st Cleadon Rainbows ............................. 18 1st Cleadon Guides ................................. 19 1st Cleadon Rangers ............................... 19 30th South Shields (Cleadon All Saints’) Scout Group ........................................... 19 Fellowship Groups........................... 20 Friends in Faith (monthly 3[rd] Mon. eve.) ... 20 Men’s Fellowship .................................... 20 Mothers’ Union ....................................... 20 Mission ............................................ 21 Children’s Society ................................... 21 Outreach ......................................... 22 Pastoral Care Group................................ 22 Worship ........................................... 23 Home Communion .................................. 23

Readers, Sides People, Intercessors and Eucharist Assistants ............................... 23 Sunday Worship 9am ............................. 23 Thursday Worship 10am ........................ 23 Support Activities ............................ 24 Coffee .................................................. 24 Communications Group .......................... 24 Friends of All Saints ............................... 24 Gardening Team .................................... 25 GiftAid .................................................. 25 Health and Safety .................................. 25 Parish Administrator............................... 25 Rainbow Way ........................................ 26

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Agenda for the 2024 Vestry Meeting Sunday 28 April.

1. Minutes of the Vestry Meeting 2023 2. Churchwardens Report including the Annual Report on the Terrier and Inventory

2. Election of Churchwardens

Agenda for the Annual Parochial Church Meeting 2024

1. Apologies for Absence

2. Minutes of the APCM 2023

3. Reports of the PCC

4. 3.1.Electoral Roll

5. 3.2.Proceedings of the PCC

6. 3.3.PCC membership

7. 3.4.Treasurer’s Report and Accounts

8. 3.5.Deanery Synod Report

9. Group Reports

10. Elections

11. 5.1.Elections to the PCC

12. 5.2.Appointment of Sidespeople

13. Appointment of the Independent Examiner

14. Vicar’s Report

Agenda for the first Parochial Church Council Meeting 2024/2025 In the Vestry

1. Elections

2. 1.1.Lay Vice-Chair

3. 1.2.Treasurer

4. 1.3.Secretary

5. Any Other relevant Business

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Minutes of Vestry Meeting and APCM 2023

1. Minutes of the 2023 Vestry Meeting and Annual Parochial Church Meeting Held on Sunday 30th April 2023 at 2.45pm in Church

Introduction

9 members were present. Apologies were received from Val Wallbank, Bob and Robina Lawson and Jean Higgin. The Annual Report for 2022 had been circulated beforehand. Rev’d Vernon Cuthbert chaired the meeting.

Vestry Meeting

i) The Minutes of the Vestry Meeting (Annual Report p4) were accepted as an accurate record. There were no questions or comments.

ii) The Churchwardens’ report (Annual Report pp 8-9) was received. There were no questions. The Churchwardens confirmed that the terrier had been checked. Jenny Grant and Beverley George were thanked for their hard work during the year.

iii) Jenny Grant and Beverley George were elected as Churchwardens for the 20232024 year. This concluded the Vestry Meeting

Annual Parochial Church Meeting

3.3 Jill Rowden was thanked for her service on completion of her 3-year term of office with the PCC, and Anne Hudson and Linda Ross for their service on completion of their 1-year terms of office as members of the PCC.

3.4 The Treasurer’s Report and

Accounts (pp 11-17) for 2022 were received.

The Treasurer clarified for non-PCC members

• that the entries into Unrestricted Fund includes a legacy, a one-off donation, and a utility grant from the Diocese (p11) and that without these exceptional items we would have only a very small surplus this year

• Planned giving is decreasing and that if members were considering reviewing their giving it would be a good time to so - the PCC have agreed that a small committee should discuss how best to use the legacy and then present their findings to PCC for a decision

Keith Higgin was thanked for his work as Treasurer, and the accounts were accepted.

One question was raised under the heading of Safeguarding (pp6-7) Is All Saints sharing a Parish Safeguarding Officer with Whitburn Parish Church? Rev’d Cuthbert responded to confirm that this was correct.

3.5 The Deanery Synod Report (p 9) was presented There were no questions

1. Apologies for Absence

Val Wallbank, Bob and Robina Lawson and Jean Higgin

2. The minutes of the 2022 APCM

(Annual Report pp4-6) were accepted

as an accurate record.

3. The reports of the PCC for 2022 were presented (pp 6-17).

3.1.It was noted that the Electoral Roll had

79 members at the end of 2022, and we are two years away from full renewal of the Electoral Roll.

3.2 Proceedings of the PCC (p7) were presented

4 Group reports for 2022 were received (pp 18-24)

Two questions were raised under the heading of Church Reports (pp-18-28) i. Under the heading Pastoral Care Group (p 23)

Why is baptism information no longer passed onto the Pastoral Care Group? Rev’d Cuthbert responded that this had been an oversight.

ii. Under the heading Children and Young People (pp19-22)

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Why is there no group report for scouts? Churchwardens responded that Scouts had been invited to produce a report but none had been forthcoming.

• It was noted that as 1st Cleadon

Brownies has closed, girls will be with All Saints as Rainbows, then transfer to the Methodist for Brownies and then return to All Saints for Guides.

5. 2023 Elections

5.1 Anne Hudson and Keith Higgin were elected to the Deanery Synod. 5.2 Linda Ross, and Cathy Barnes were elected to the PCC for 1 year. Jill Rowden is expected to stand again. Marie Philpott continues her term of office. This leaves 3 vacancies to be carried forward.

Anne Hudson and Keith Higgin will attend PCC as Deanery Synod representatives.

6. Appointment of the Independent Examiner

for 2023 will be Peter Calvert

7. Vicar’s Report – Rev’d Cuthbert

presented his report orally. There were no questions.

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Report of the PCC

for the year ended 31 December 2023

Administrative information

All Saints’ Church is situated in Cleadon Lane, Cleadon, Sunderland, SR6 7UU. It is part of the Church of England’s Diocese of Durham.

The correspondence address is c/o All Saints’ Parish Hall, Sunderland Road, Cleadon, Sunderland SR6 7UR.

to the PCC are used to further its aims and purposes. The PCC takes as wide an interpretation of the ‘whole mission of the Church’ as possible to enable community use of its buildings, whilst retaining the right to not allow use that is contrary to this mission.

Structure, governance and management

The PCC is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. The PCC is a registered charity No. 1132228 with the title “The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of All Saints Cleadon”.

Aims and Purposes

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It has responsibilities for the maintenance of the Church building, the Parish Hall and the Old School Room.

The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church and to become part of our parish community. Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament. In particular, we try to enable all 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.

• Mission and outreach work.

To facilitate this work it is important that we maintain the fabric of the All Saints Church and its associated buildings.

Public Benefit

Our worship is open to all regardless of faith or affiliation. The resources available

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All Church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.

Objectives and Activities

Electoral Roll 2023

The current roll was originally compiled in 2019 and has been reviewed for 2024. Next year will see a complete renewal of the roll with all requiring to apply for inclusion before the 2025 APCM.

Unfortunately our electoral roll numbers are still declining. I added one new member in 2023 but due to deaths and movement out of the parish our numbers as of December 2023 are 77. Please ensure your name is included if you worship at our Church.

Robina Lawson

Safeguarding

There have not been any safeguarding referrals or any concerns raised this year.

The Church of England Safeguarding Policy has been accepted by the PCC.

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DBS checks are being updated as and when they expire.

Debbie completed her induction trainingRole of Parish Safeguarding Officer in November.

All members of PCC need to have a Church Of England; Enhanced DBS and complete Basic and Foundation Training, which is in progress. Some other roles, require higher level training.

In keeping with Church of England Guidance; other training has been offered to PCC members to complete if they are able to.

Deborah Wood

Attendance

There were 29 communicants on Easter Day from 67 worshippers. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 258 people attended services of which 12 took communion. The Usual Sunday Attendance is 18 adults and 2 under the age of 16.

Proceedings of the PCC

2023 has been a mixed year of joys and challenges. The PCC is trying to be more outward looking in terms of mission, and continues to make progress with The Rainbow Way, All Saints strategic plan for 2030. There have been some notable successes, including the poppy cascades for Remembrance Sunday, the Summer Fair and further development of our links with Cleadon Academy.

Numbers attending services have risen slightly compared with 2022 and PCC is delighted to see some families with Young Saints on Sundays. Overall numbers still remain well below pre-covid except on special occasions such as the family service at Easter and the interactive Christmas Eve Carol service.

At the APCM in April, despite the restructuring the PCC in 2022, we still

struggle to recruit volunteers to the PCC and began the year carrying three vacancies and without a verger.

Following a recommendation by the Archdeacon, a Co-ordination group with members from All Saints and Whitburn Parish was set up in May, to ensure coherence and streamline the work of both PCCs. There is a common format for PCC meetings and matters that are of significance for both churches are prioritised in the agenda. This is working well.

The Church of England have introduced a new mandatory Safeguarding Action Plan with three levels. The PCC are working through the criteria for these: Safeguarding level 2 must be reviewed every three years.

Towards the end of the year, the PCC was delighted to achieve the Bronze Award for Eco-church, although we recognise there is a long way to go to Net Zero!

In spring the PCC was relieved that the report from The Quinquennial Review had raised no significant issues, although it carried a strong recommendation to be vigilant about maintenance especially with regard to water ingress and the condition of the fleche. Unfortunately, as the year progressed, strong winds and heavy rain led to substantial issues with the roofs of all our buildings.

The cost of repairs to the Hall, Old School Room and Church roofs and other essential repairs, including upgrading the electrics following an unsatisfactory electrical survey, has cost around £13,000 this year. Coupled with the increased cost of utilities, which are coming in at an annual cost of about £12,000, the PCC is being forced to consider creative ways of generating income in order to balance the books. PCC are thankful for a legacy that was received at the start of 2022, or we

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might have been in serious trouble by the end of the year. The financial position remains fragile.

The PCC were able to meet the reduced Parish Share pledge that we made for 2023, but regrettably have been unable to increase the pledge for 2024.

In autumn the PCC began an in-house training programme based on “PCC tonight” which looks at the role of PCC in leading the three dimensions of church life, Worship, Mission and Fellowship: a refreshing change from talking about finance and buildings.

The PCC recorded its thanks to Jenny and Beverley our Churchwardens, and Shirley our Administrator, for their hard work, good humour and unwavering support. Marie Philpott (PCC Secretary)

PCC Membership

Vernon Cuthbert Priest-in-charge Beverley George Churchwarden Jenny Grant Churchwarden Keith Higgin Deanery Synod to 30 Jun 2026, Diocesan Synod to 2024 Anne Hudson* Deanery Synod to 30 Jun 2026

elected until APCM 2024

Jill Rowden Marie Philpott Cathy Barnes (d7 Jan 2024) Caroline Snaith (from 29 Nov 2023) until APCM 2025

Linda Ross Anne Hudson (* denotes an ex-officio member of the council by way of their post).

The Standing Committee consists of the Priest-in-charge, the Churchwardens, and the Vice Chairman, Hon. Treasurer and Hon. Secretary of the PCC. It meets on an occasional basis when urgent business needs to be transacted by the PCC.

Appointment of Sidespeople

As is the local custom appointments to Sidespeople was deferred to the Churchwardens.

Churchwardens’ Report

There has been a good attendance at midweek services this year, but sadly numbers are still low on a Sunday morning although we are delighted to have regular attendees at Young Saints again. During the year we have had 8 funerals and 5 baptisms in church. The school have attended on numerous occasions for services, their Nativity and for Experience Pentecost and Harvest. The school staff have also held two meetings in church, learning about the religious significance of parts of the building and also about the church’s year.

We have increased our contact with Whitburn church and now have a coordination group made up of members of both churches which decides the PCC agenda so that things run smoothly and in parallel. We have also had two social events with Whitburn and the Boldons as part of working together across the deanery.

The Lent course was based on How To Eat Bread by Miranda Threfall-Holmes and covered different methods of reading the bible from Lectio Divina to experimental play.

During the summer we had a very enjoyable concert by the Argus singers followed by Pimms, strawberries and cream and in December a crib festival with over fifty cribs lent for display.

The Quinquennial report was received in the spring highlighting some repairs and maintenance that needed to be done as well as the routine five yearly surveys. Unfortunately other problems have appeared since and we will need to spend a large amount on the heating.

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Our finances and buildings have been a major source of concern throughout the year. We have been paying £1000 /month for gas and electricity across the site and our income has not risen to match this. As a consequence we have been discussing the future use of the buildings.

Both churchwardens were re-elected at the APCM and would like to thank everyone for their ongoing support.

Jenny Grant & Bev George

Deanery Synod Report

Jarrow Deanery consists of 17 parishes (22 churches) spread across Hebburn, Jarrow, South Shields, the Boldons, Cleadon and Whitburn. The Deanery Synod is made up of all the clergy and elected lay representatives from each parish in the Deanery. Elections took place in 2023 and Anne Hudson and Keith Higgin were elected for All Saints, Cleadon for 3 years. They report back to the PCC.

positions and the Standing Committee. No one was proposed as Lay Chair; in the absence of any other nominations, Mary Thompson was re-elected as secretary, Keith Higgin was re-elected as treasurer and Christine Alder was elected as a lay member of the standing committee. There was another vacancy for a lay member and two vacancies for clergy members on the standing committee.

Keith Higgin

Treasurer’s Report and Accounts

These appear on pages 10-15 following. Keith Higgin

This annual report was adopted by the PCC on 10th April 2024 and signed on their behalf by the Rev’d Vernon Cuthbert, PCC Chairman.

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Since 2022 the Synod has only met twice each year, with the expectation that local clusters of churches would meet separately on at least two occasions during the year to form closer links and discuss matters of mutual interest. This arrangement has not been successful as few clusters actually meet. Our own cluster includes Whitburn and the Boldons but has not met formally during 2023, although there has been one social event.

At the Synod meeting in May, which was poorly attended, members divided into groups to discuss how they were emerging from Covid; what were their concerns; and what possibilities were seen.

In November, again poorly attended, the first meeting of the new triennium commenced with a celebration of the Eucharist. There was no outside speaker, so the business merely consisted of the election of members to the official

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Financial Review

In accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and in particular the 5th Edition PCC Accountability, the Annual Accounts are presented adopting the Receipts and Payments basis.

Total Receipts into Unrestricted Funds are down at £64,422 (2022 £115,200), but we did have exceptional receipts of £48,249 in 2022, so that the net figure in 2022 was £66,951. In 2023 we had unexpected donations and legacies of £4,827, without which income would have been £59,595.

Planned Giving has decreased at £26,936 (2022 £27,118 ) and Hall Lettings are down at £12,330 (2022 £16,544). The other major changes in receipts are from social & fund raising activities and Church Coffee at £4,740 (2022 £3,522) and Wedding & Funeral fees £1,377 (2022 £2,280). Magazine income decreased to £1,183 (2022 £2,514) largely because of a delay in invoicing advertisers.

Reserves Policy

It is PCC policy to endeavour to maintain a balance in Unrestricted and Designated accounts equivalent to 3 months payments, to cover cash flow and emergency situations that may arise. The balances available are presently well above this requirement.

Investment Policy

It is the PCC policy to invest any surplus fund balances with the CCLA Central Board of Finance Church of England Deposit account.

Future Plans

The PCC intends to form a strategic plan incorporating proposals for refurbishing the Parish Hall and carrying out all necessary repairs to all the properties. These repairs are estimated to cost in the region of £15,000.

Payments from Unrestricted Funds have increased to £74,800 (2022 £66.891). There have been some increases in Utility bills, but the main increase is in repairs to the church and hall £13,117 (2022 £4,078(. We met our Parish Share pledge in full at £24,000, a decrease of £12,000 on the amount paid in 2022.

The end result is an excess of payments over receipts of £10,378 on the General Account for the year, with transfers between funds decreasing the deficit to £7,973. This deficit has been covered by transfer of funds from the General Fund Deposit account.

The Friends Designated Account shows a deficit of £814 and the Repair Fund Restricted Account a surplus of £53 before closure, reducing the Total Funds surplus to £50,852.

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All Salnts. Church Cleadon Statement of Flnancial Activities For ihe perlod from 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2023 Unrostrict8d R￿rkE•d Totsl f￿d$ fwd 4U.760 79 6T.9) 4U,82g 29 IU,123 68 14,331 9) 1,415 38 85,244.51 lQ,Th 31 2U,01025 1,404 4T 13.528 SU 1.28569 53.16 1.637(Kl 64.42228 547.04 1.457.63 6&826.95 117.818.TS Ex￿ndituTe vn." Rasry fLvKas 155 50 1248.97 155.50 934.94 44.442.31 161.rK> 44.5)JJS 26.￿ 31.685.9T 1.327.50 Ty 1,31T. Tl.SJ2.75 11.637.11 Met it￿￿￿e I leApendhwe 110.3T8.501 1380.461 53.16 46.181.O4 rransfers 2.420.5U 115.QUI 15.(¥J 1449.ojl 2,435 IZ435 501 .75 1685 75} {1,971 9)) Mot ir￿rne￿I9￿pOr￿lthl 17.9n.001 1814.461 11.918.341 11QTIJ5.80) 181.04 1kner￿nlsEdg•iTrs /ltrss¢s 11.91a.341 11QTQ5.901 46.181.lJ4 R•¢oftcikt*xJ olfvnds s5.625￿4 4.013.83 1918.34 61.558.M 15J76Jl TijI￿ C￿tr￿f0￿¢￿rd 4T,652.BI 3,159.3T .85R.31 61.558.01 Page 11

All Salnts. Church Cleadon Analysls ol Income and expendlture 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2023 T•tal VtY••trl¢tod Thh y•ar Lo•1 year Income and endowments Do￿tIon¥ •nd 1•g•cI• B Slus Glt Athd GMf¥J Sch Grfl AbJEd P￿r￿d ErNGth Akd Otrv Gfft AKJed Bad Non Grft En¥ N(￿ GItA 01￿ N¥Jn Gfi 8.240 Cp) 17.135 18 3.W 70 6,240 00 17,13516 g,SeO 70 7,075 00 15,087 35 4,866 11 120C 120 00 210 00 4WOO 1,220 80 239 00 158.38 4,140.59 7,051 21 859 71 44,056 56 1.2￿).29 1750 4135 3.827 32 6.764 88 773 79 i.000( I,￿)29 1750 41.35 3,867 32 6,792 18 773 79 1,(th00 cictW￿. FwrraLq 4000 2750 ret￿rned GfiAKJ Smal (k•)Sdtme LegacE5 Don•tlons •nd 1•g•cl•s fotl¥ 40.760.T9 67.50 40.828.29 85,244.51 In￿rne frorn ¢h•rilable •¢tivities Swal Everts Cluch Coffee 1.58198 1.574.38 639.85 1,58198 1.574 38 639.85 1,252 72 1,212.71 B33.10 5atwttay Coffee Coffee Stry O S R 16.10 530 (MJ 41385 9W.62 1.37T. Fwwj Rar￿￿ Charai Ew PCC Fees 41385 990.62 207 00 1,576.68 1.371.(M) PCC Fees Weddirys Fee5fw06F. •nts rot•ls 1.285 68 7654 5316 1,41538 Otherincom• GrdntsHMRC aNI LFW Sct 128 10 128.10 1,637.00 Oth•rlncom• forais 128 10 128 10 1,837.00 Income and endowments Gran(J totals 64.422 28 947 04 145763 66,828 95 117,818.75 Page 12

Expenditure Expenditure on ch8rit&ble activities MI￿On Giwry chI￿ren'S SocEty Churth MIS￿On Souety Charitabk donati￿6 518.20 667.48 663.10 863.10 155.50 155.50 161.00 585.87 585.87 230.00 Pansh s￿re Cu￿ent year Pansh Administralor Pansh Administralor Perwi HMRC 24,000.00 4,224.60 624.57 171.26 760.00 24.000 OD 4.224 60 624 57 17126 760 00 36,000.00 4,372.76 296.52 7.00 714.40 OrgarOlergerlBe1￿Wed.F1jn Vicarfs expetises Vicarage Waler Rate5 As%stant Ckrgy Travel Vtsrting CleryJy Misgon and EwdroelL%m Baptsm costs 1,170.15 535.71 1,170.15 535.71 800.61 494.27 22.10 22.10 23.23 106.20 1062D 33T.90 4.79 63.19 7138 71.38 Expendlture on charltable actlvltles Torals 31,685.97 1.404.47 33.090.44 44,691.35 Other expenditure Church Gas 4,087.83 1,106.98 116.31 3,050.62 2,989.71 1,107.63 359.20 357.22 4,087.63 1,108.98 118.31 3.050 62 2,989.71 1,10763 359 30 357 22 1,087.34 1,227.15 90.00 2,773.40 841.72 1,029.60 4B3.39 Church Ekctricty Church Waier Church Insurance EIG Church RoLrtine repairs Church Ckaning wages uPk￿P of Ser¥￿es Organ luniry and repairs Worthp materi￿S GovernancelFee5 ttr Dtiese 441.00 56.30 56.30 129.61 2,181.00 2,181.00 1.327.50 298 38 2,743.80 81.75 1,129.79 FnerKJs exp￿ilUre Hall RunniTrJ exper￿e$ & Ad[nIn￿1rat￿n Hall Ckaning wagES Hall Gas 1.327.50 298.38 4,430.34 3,562.37 2,411.03 342.86 873.46 1,525.31 513.37 4,430.34 3.562.37 2.41103 342 86 873 46 1,525.31 51337 4,118.40 1,276.41 592.08 Hall E￿tt￿￿ty Hall Water c￿anIng materials ar￿ refuse Hall InSUrar￿ EIG Te￿phOne Printru, StatK)nery and postages 153.34 1,149.01 1,386 70 662.80 1,247.72 1,247.72 657.94 Hall Routne repairlmanfce O S R Routine repairlmaint'ce O S R Letknng expenditure Okj sc￿01 R￿[￿ Gas 10,127.82 542.93 10,127.82 542 93 3,237.02 616.56 791.55 791.55 416.38 378.36 378.38 335.89 Okj ScFK)ol R￿[￿ E￿cir Okl st￿01 R￿M Water 384.91 291.70 364.91 291.70 113.88 171.80 Other expenditure Tot•ls 43,114.81 1,327.50 44,442.31 26,946.36 Expendlture Grand totals 74,800.78 1.327.50 1.404.47 77.532 75 71,637.71 Page 13

All Salnts, Church Clèadon - 1132228 Balance sheet (Church of England) As at: 31 Do¢•mb&r 2023 As at 3111212023 As at 3111212022 Flxed assets T8nuible 8s$ei$ 2.228 00 2.228 00 2.228 00 2.228 00 Current asset Cash al bank and in hand 48,624.21 S9.￿0.01 48.624.21 59.UO.01 Not ¢urront assot$1•$8 ¢urr•nt liabiliti•S 48,624.21 59,330.01 Total gss•ts léss curr•nt Ilabilltiès 50,852.21 61,550.01 Totsi nét asséts &•ss IIBbllll•s 50,852.21 61,55B.01 Represented by Unrestricted Unrestncied- Gener81 fund 47.652 84 55.625.84 Designated DesignAled- Friends of ￿1 Saints Fund 2.199 37 4.013 83 Restricled Reslricled- Repair and Maintenance Fund Reslricled- Chant￿S Fund 1.918 34 Funds ol the Church SO,852.21 61,S38.01 Page 14

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31st December 2023

Accounting Policies

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and the PCC Accountability 5th Edition. The Charities Act 2011 is a consolidation of previous Acts but did not introduce new legislation. The financial statements have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis and under the historical cost convention. The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body, nor those that are informal gatherings of church members.

Funds

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

Resources expended

Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding or constructive obligation on the PCC. The Diocesan Parish Share is accounted for when due. Amounts received specifically for mission are dealt with as restricted funds. All other expenditure is generally recognised when it is incurred and is accounted for gross.

Assets Retained for Church Use

Consecrated and benefice property is not included in the accounts in accordance with the Charities Act 2011.

Movable church furnishings held by the vicar and churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal are inalienable property, listed in the church’s inventory, which can be inspected at any reasonable time. For anything acquired prior to 2000 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the financial statements. Subsequently no individual item has cost more than £5,000 so all such expenditure has been written off when incurred.

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

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

Incoming resources

Planned Giving, collections and donations are recognised when received. Grants and legacies are accounted for when the PCC receives the amounts due. All other income is recognised when it is received. All incoming resources are accounted for gross.

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Independent Examiner’s Report to the PCC of All Saints’ Church, Cleadon.

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Organisation Reports 2023

Children and Young People

Non-Uniformed Children’s and Youth work

Cleadon Church of England Academy

This academic year we have really “gone to town” on harnessing the potential of our amazing school environment, particularly the outdoor areas. We are extremely fortunate to have extensive school grounds; including trim trails, a Spiritual Garden, fields and a games area and it has been wonderful to see the potential of the outdoor areas maximized in supporting pupil development and general progress.

ABC Toddlers@All Saints

During 2023 I gave Toddlers a little bit of a rebrand by creating an ‘ABC Toddlers@AllSaints’ banner in order to publicise the group . ABC standing for Adults, Babies, Children. The reason being I wished to encourage parents and carers that it didn’t matter how young the children coming to the group were. I’m pleased to say that although numbers vary from week to week the group continues to be a popular place for children to grow in confidence and improve their social skills. For many of the children this has been really important post covid lockdowns. Janet Birchall continues to enjoy helping set up and provide refreshments and the children love her, missing her if she is unable to join us. I value her help enormously.

Janet Cuthbert

Young Saints

During 2023 it has been an absolute joy to welcome back on a regular basis 6 to 8 Young Saints and their parents. The children enjoy being in church and exploring faith at their level. It has also been lovely that the parents get involved and assist. The children have got more confident in their reporting back when we return to church. The social area in church has encouraged the families to stay for refreshments at the end of the service and both the parents and children enjoy chatting with the rest of the congregation.

Janet Cuthbert

We are so blessed to have access to our very own small, wooded area, the Forget Me Not Garden, where our Forest School lessons take place. Forest School is a program that has really “taken off” in Early Years, Nursery and Reception. It is great to see the children in their outdoor clothes and wellies, exploring the natural environment in a meaningful and structured way, in all weathers! Skills such as collaboration, safe risk-taking and creativity are supported; whilst increasing pupils’ positive relationship with the natural world. The outdoor environment supports positive physical and mental health and starts the journey on a lifelong love of nature and respect for the natural world, as well as harnessing an attitude of awe and wonder towards God’s wonderful creation.

Another exciting and enjoyable outdoor project that has really taken root this year is Commando Joes. Commando Joes is a program that is implemented consistently in school, with several year groups participating. Using an engaging, practical, fun-filled approach, Commando Joes uses an active, problem solving, adventure theme to support the development of resilience and collaboration. Children work in teams to complete practical problemsolving challenges, which are set outdoors and use a range of equipment to make the challenges fun and engaging. Through inspirational role models, whom the challenges are built around, children develop an understanding of character

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development, such as respect, teamwork and compromise. It is always heartwarming to observe groups of children working co-operatively, and purposefully, to accomplish Commando Joe “missions” such as crossing “crocodile filled rivers” (bean bags on a canvas ground cover, with planks as walkways) to take supplies to the other side!

Because of the strong link between physical and mental health, school has also prioritised outdoor playtimes as an important part of the school day to further enrich and develop. Opal Play has been introduced into our school this year. It is a program that has revolutionized playtimes at school. Opal Play is based on mixed age groups playing together, with the outdoor area of the school being divided into different play areas. With an imaginary play area, ball games area, dressing up area and building area, amongst others, there is something for everyone! Opal play ensures that children’s playtimes are productive, supporting their social and emotional development, their physical skills and their co-operation and team skills. It has been heart-warming to observe children dressed as wizards and police, dancing along in the Performance Area while others collaborate to use old tyres and planks into interesting structures in the Building Area! Playtimes have certainly become even more popular than they were, amongst the pupil population, and staff are pleased to know that they are now much more purposeful and enriching for all.

Our wonderful school community, including our PTA have been so supportive of the development of our outdoor area and the schemes we have implemented. Thank you to all who have contributed through attending our fundraising events and contributions of practical resources too. We continue to be extremely grateful for the positive support of the Church Community in providing spiritual guidance

for our pupils, through the wonderful opportunities provided to our pupils: the regular worships led by Reverend Vernon, the celebration services held in All Saints Church and the Experience Visits which the children love and which really bring alive some of the significant events of the Christian year. The support of All Saints Church helps bring to life our Christian Ethos and the lived values we promote.

Mr G. Scott (Principal)

Uniformed Children’s and Youth work

1st Cleadon Rainbows

We have had another busy year having lots of fun. We had a fun evening exploring the outdoors at West Hall. Some of the activities we have done during the year include toasting marshmallows on a BBQ, making animals from Hama Beads and making Christmas decorations using clay. We also went to the Cinema to see the new Disney film Wish, the girls loved it.

The Rainbows are also really enjoying working on their interest badges at home, the most popular badge seems to be the Family Tree one. We have completed the Have Adventures and Take Action Theme Awards. Some of the Rainbows have gained their Bronze award by completing all the parts of two Theme Awards.

We ended the year with a Christmas party, we played games and met Santa in his sleigh. Thank you to the Rotary for making that possible.

Thank you to everyone who helps at Rainbows, parents and the girls themselves, without them we wouldn’t have so much fun.

Lisa Nesworthy and Gemma Connolly (Rainbow Leaders)

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1st Cleadon Guides

Our number remained lower than our normal still at an average of 10 Guide throughout 2023.

We continued with our usual Guide program which nationally has 6 themes (Know Myself, Express Myself, Be Well, Have Adventures, Take Action and Skills for My Future), this provides scope for a good spread of activities. This included some things such as cooking, sculpting with playdoh, planting basil seeds in selfwatering used plastic bottles. We still had time for Christmas crafts, Chinese new year activities, Easter crafts, Coronation party and still time for games. We were also able to get outside for a couple of nights in our summer term to the park.

A few of our Guides went to a PGL weekend with Cleadon and Boldon’s Brownies and Guides in September. It was at Ford Castle in Northumberland which was a great venue and they did various outdoor activities such as abseiling, zip wire, buggy building and problem-solving activities.

A high light for our Guiding County was a trip in May to Beamish for our County’s Coronation celebration day. 6 of our Guides attended and enjoyed a look around and did a few craft and historical activities. There was also a flag parade.

At the end of the summer term we had a night at West Hall Scout site and the following week 5 of our Guides went to a Silent Disco at St Gabriel’s which was being held for the Sunderland North and South units.

Our Christmas trip was to the Supertramp trampoline centre.

Our leadership team is generally 3 of us with Lynne splitting her time with Rangers every other fortnight. Karen our unit

helper started doing her leadership training which is great news.

Lynne Carr (Guide Leader)

1st Cleadon Rangers

Our year started with the 4 Rangers who had started the previous term and all but one stayed with our unit all year. Whilst 3 is a very small number they do get on well together.

We continue to meet fortnightly and dip in and out of the Girlguiding national program with it’s 6 wide ranging themes. The girls do sometimes join in with things the Guides are doing if something special, but generally the 3 of them like to do crafts and a having a good chat! Rangers need to be that place where they don’t need to overthink things as they have enough going with their final school years and exams.

In May, 2 of our Rangers attended a trip in May to Beamish for our Guiding County’s Coronation celebration day. They enjoyed a look around and did a few craft and historical activities. There was also a flag parade.

In June they had a BBQ at West Hall Scout site and for their last night in July they had a pizza night in.

Lynne Carr (Rangers Leader)

30th South Shields (Cleadon All Saints’) Scout Group

This year has been another exciting and fun filled year for our scout group. We have hosted a variety of camps including Hawkhirst, space camp, Beaver camp and many more. In sessions we have had fun both indoors and out. Beavers have cooked on fires, went on scavengers' hunts, visits from our local paramedics, yoga teachers and our local bank to teach us all about money. In our Cub section we have also had a visit to our local Town hall to meet the Mayor, learnt about Chinese New Year and our mental wellbeing.

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Scouts this years have a fun time getting to use a Flight simulator, making outdoor ovens and learning how to budget and make tasty meals from our local supermarket. We are excited to continue with our Adventures next year and are looking forward to expanding our group with a new Squirrel and Explorer unit.

Glyn Purvis-McGinn

Fellowship Groups

Friends in Faith (monthly 3[rd] Mon. eve.) Friends in Faith is a Christian group meeting each month, except July and August, for fellowship and friendship.

Members meet on the third Monday of the month at 11, Laburnum Grove, at 7.30pm. There was a maximum of 17 members this year. New members are always welcome.

This year we have had speakers on a variety of subjects; a Buckingham Palace garden party, attending the King’s coronation, working for the Bible Society in Burkino Faso, famous people from the North East, Water Aid, Glenn Miller, Memory, woodwork carving and working as a magistrate.

At Christmas, the group held a shared party with the Men’s Fellowship which included a quiz and carols accompanied by David Scrafton on his guitar.

The group also held a coffee morning in aid of the Alzheimers’ Society which raised £200. Some members ran the bottle tombola at the Summer Fair.

Jean Higgin

Men’s Fellowship

Frailty has caught up with the members of the Men’s Fellowship and a decision was made to cease meeting.

Mothers’ Union

In 2023 Mothers’ Union met every 2nd Thursday afternoon at 2.00pm in the Chapter House except for January and August. We have 15 members, including five who have joined us from closed Mothers’ Unions. We are now the only remaining one in the Jarrow Deanery. We have one member from Cleadon Methodist Church. We also have two home members, Margaret Robson and Kathleen Robinson.

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Mission

At every meeting we commenced with a service, led by President Linda Ferries. We used our blue MU book which includes services and prayers including prayers for members throughout the world. We also used various Mothers’ Union service sheets. Linda chose the hymns and Bible readings. We then welcomed our speakers who included Helen Belsham, Walter Carr, Christine Alder, Kathleen Wilson and Jean Baker. On two occasions we held discussions amongst ourselves.

In June many of us enjoyed attending the Mothers’ Union Festival in Durham Cathedral, proudly carrying our banner. Our final meeting of the year was our Advent service, held in church and led by Linda.

At the end of each meeting, we relaxed and chatted, with refreshments most generously provided by Margaret Laws. New members are always made most welcome.

Jean Higgin

Children’s Society

The first event of the year to support the Children's Society was a coffee morning held in July 2023. It was a happy and successful occasion and over £100 was raised. During the months of August and September the home collection boxes were emptied and collectively reached a total of £673.85. Finally in November and into December, Christingle collection candles were available and the monies received from those returned will be forwarded to The Children’s Society.

The generosity and commitment of the supporters of The Children Society, including those at All Saints’ have helped to secure more than £1.5 billion during the past year. This allows children the support they need, when they need it, and work with them to build the futures they deserve. Your donations are crucial, as many children are already living in poverty. On behalf of the Children Society, thank you for standing with the young people.

Anne Hudson

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Outreach

Pastoral Care Group

We have nine members who meet each month at 11, Laburnum Grove. They are Jean Higgin, Anne Hudson, Jan McGill, Linda Ross, Ellen Smith, Val Wallbank and Margaret Westerberg. We were also joined by Beverley George and our new Methodist representative, Ian Sturrock, who replaced Kathleen Robinson during the year. We also have an honorary member, Lesley Smith.

Jean keeps a record of all funerals and arranges invitations to the All Souls’ service which was held on 29th October. These were delivered or e-mailed.

The intercessions and request lists were sent out each week.

We hope we have been able to respond to those in need in 2023, always with God’s help and grace.

Jean Higgin

The group meet in person to pray and share thoughts and ideas with each other. Each member has a designated Care List which covers all those on the electoral roll and on the Parish Network. We are committed to contacting them in some way at least once a month, if not more. These contacts are reported on each month and action taken, if needed.

The Parish Network has been kept up to date, with new members having been recruited. They work quietly, mostly unseen but vitally essential. They deliver cards and pray for those on their patch. We held a Get-Together for them in September and over twenty attended.

There were five baptisms during the year. Jean and Anne assisted with two of them from the same family. All the baptism equipment, candles, books, etc. has now been stored in the vestry for use by those now helping with baptisms. Sadly, a group member no longer visits the families beforehand so little or no contact for follow up is possible.

Happily, however, baptism, wedding and bereavement anniversary cards have still been sent by Ellen, Linda and Val respectively. Gifts of bowls of hyacinths were again sent to ten sick or lonely people at Christmas, thanks to George Wilson.

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intercessors and assistants at the Communion table all playing a role. Vernon Cuthbert

Worship

Home Communion

Home Communion is available to anyone in the parish who is baptised and unable to attend Church. Please contact Rev Vernon Cuthbert if you wish to have home Communion.

Vernon Cuthbert

Readers, Sides People, Intercessors and Eucharist Assistants

Over the course of the year All Saints Church has relied heavily on a small number of volunteers from the congregation to support key roles in church services. These duties as Readers, Sides People, Intercessors and Eucharist Assistants are fundamental to the smooth running of services enabling the priest to focus on his role.

Thursday Worship 10am

This is a said service with an accompanied hymn sung at the preparation of the table for Holy Communion.

We use the seasonal booklets from Sunday’s 9am service unless outside of the seasons (Ordinary time if it is not Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, or Eastertide) when a booklet specifically for midweek worship is used.

On some 1[st] Thursdays of the month our congregation is swelled by members of the Mothers’ Union. There are opportunities for the set Bible readings to be read by those attending.

Vernon Cuthbert

Our volunteers at All Saints are few so the rotation of their support is more frequent than we would like and makes it all the more important that we recognise their contribution.

Thanks to all our volunteers your help and support is invaluable.

We welcome anyone who would like to join our volunteers and support our services. Beverley George

Sunday Worship 9am

This is our main act of worship as it has Young Saints in the Chapter House running alongside the early part of the service, and we sing.

We use seasonal booklets for variety when the service is a celebration of Holy Communion.

Our singing is supported by CD with some sung responses as part of the liturgy as well as the hymns. Participation is encouraged with Bible readers,

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Support Activities

Coffee

A small group of volunteers make it possible for coffee and refreshments to be served following the weekly services on Sunday and Thursday. We continue to use Fairtrade ground coffee which is generally appreciated. Tea is available for those who prefer. It was necessary last year to purchase a new coffee machine along with a pump flask. For many years Jean Higgin has managed the ordering of coffee and regularly sterilising the flasks. Helen Belsham has kindly offered to take over this role.

There have been six Saturday coffee mornings held throughout the year to raise money for church funds. Again a few volunteers regularly man these events. It appears that some months are better supported than others. However, we should be thankful that we can continue to offer hospitality to our community. Special thanks to everyone who supports in this service.

Anne Hudson

Communications Group

The committee members continue to be Brian Bage, Allan Bailey, Gordon Coxon and Keith Higgin.

We produce The Cleadon Courier each month. We would welcome articles from anyone wishing to contribute, particularly the uniformed organisations and other groups that do not already feature. The collation team includes Allan Bailey, Anne Hudson, Margaret Laws, Walter Carr and Ken Oley. Shirley Newton is now doing the printing, which is much easier to complete on the new printer. Thanks are due to them all for this work.

Anne Hudson maintains the distribution lists and collects the subscriptions, as well as being Advertising Manager. Thank you,

Anne, for this. Our advertisers change very frequently nowadays and some have withdrawn during the year. If you know of anyone who might wish to advertise, please pass their name to Anne. It also helps if readers who use businesses that advertise, mention The Courier, so that they know that their contribution is appreciated.

The Thirty First edition of the Information Booklet was produced at the beginning of the year, including information on the Methodist Church personnel and events. Copies are always available at the back of church and Parish Network members give a copy to newcomers as part of the welcome.

Easter and Christmas cards were produced for village-wide distribution in conjunction with the Methodists.

We are most grateful to all the distributors and need a few more volunteers to lighten the load for some. Celia Moore, who worships at Whitburn Parish Church, produced the paintings for both cards and we are grateful for her skilled artistry.

Keith Higgin

Friends of All Saints

The membership of The Friends at the start of 2023 was 60. We purchased 385 Cleadon Couriers at a cost of £192.50.

The Gardening Team shed roof was leaking, this was covered with a waterproof membrane at a cost of £850.00, which The Friends paid for. The Friends also paid for the renewal of the door from the car park to the Old School Room at a cost of £350.00

We wish to thank our ‘Friends’ for their continued help and support. Anyone wishing to join The Friends please contact us at 5 Woodlands Road. It is £10 for an individual £15 for a couple per year. Helen and Ernie Belsham

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Gardening Team

The Garden Team continues to meet every fortnight from the end of March until the end of November. Our main focus is maintaining and improving the church garden, we renew many plants seasonally, mow the lawns regularly, and trim the hedges as required.

During the past year we have also refurbished the gate to the main road and re-coated the seats facing the lawns. In addition, we have replaced the felt roof of our store shed.

Our team will miss Derek and Bryan, they contributed much to our gatherings. We are always pleased to welcome new recruits, no experience is needed, the coffee and snacks tasteful, and humour and repartee abundant.

We want to thank the congregation at All Saints’ and the wider village community for their continued support.

John Byers

GiftAid

As always, we are very grateful to those who are able to gift aid their donations allowing us to claim an extra 25% on the amount. If you are a taxpayer and would like to gift aid in future through the Parish Giving Scheme, by standing order or using the envelope scheme, please speak to myself or the treasurer.

Health and Safety

Health and Safety checks have been carried out throughout the year, in the Church, Chapter House, Parish Hall, Old School Room.

First aid boxes have been checked and all are correctly stocked.

The church grounds and outbuildings were inspected and all appear to be in order, however the car park is in need of some repair. The Gardening Team shed roof was leaking badly but has been repaired and paid for by the Friends.

There was glass on the stage in the hall, where a child had cut their foot, this was reported to the Church Wardens and the Health and Safety Officer who duly noted the accident, however no further action was taken by the parents.

On 17th April there was a fire in the bin outside of the church porch main door, this was extinguished by the fire brigade. Health and Safety Officer dealt with the remnants of the bin safely. The bin has not and will not be renewed.

Health and Safety is everyone’s responsibility, so if anyone observes anything untoward please report it to me and it will be noted and addressed.

Helen Belsham

Parish Administrator

This year we have purchased a Sum Up machine allowing us to take money by card or phone app; this has proved useful as so many people no longer carry cash. We are able to claim gift aid on any donations under £30 made in this way.

Gift aid is a very valuable part of our income, during 2023 we reclaimed more than £7500 on donations made to us.

Jenny Grant

As always I would like to start by mentioning the groups here at All Saints.

I would like to thank you all for working together alongside myself to make sure everything runs smoothly and everyone is happy. All groups seem to be doing really well and some even joining together to keep their groups going.

As always I would like to give a special mention to the volunteers here at All Saints Church so many people give up

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their own time. We have several different groups. We have the ones who do the monthly magazine, then there are the ones that do coffee morning and evening events, and last but, by no means least I would like to mention the gardening team. Last year some of our groups even used the outdoor space for their groups as the gardens looked so nice over summer so a big thank you to you all.

I am now a familiar face after the Church service on a Thursday and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all as you are all so very welcoming and take the time to have a coffee and a chat.

Finally to the people who just call into the office to say hello my office door is always open and it is always a pleasure to see you.

Shirley Newton

Rainbow Way

Throughout 2023 the Rainbow Way Group focused all our activities on the long term goals linked to the four strands of the Rainbow Way Strategic Plan. Although it is not possible to list everything that has been done, we are pleased to report good progress overall, as can be seen in the examples that follow.

Red Strand – Be visible in our community as people who live and share Christian values

We are reaching a wider audience by making use of social media to advertise what the church is doing in terms of worship and social events. In February we hosted a successful get-together with congregations from Whitburn and The Boldons. We were delighted with peoples’ reaction in the village to the poppy cascades and on lamp-posts for Remembrance Sunday which were achieved by working in partnership with our uniformed organisations, Crafty Ladies and The Rotary Club.

Relationships with Cleadon Academy are flourishing through hosting staff meetings in the church, supporting with PTFA social events, leading lunchtime bible story club, and activities in church for various groups of children.

Orange Strand – Seek out and support where God is working in the community We are building up our links with users of our premises and in June had a fun summer fair to share and celebrate what goes on in and around the church complex. In July we had a lovely summer concert in the church by The Argus Singers followed by Pimms and strawberries. We continue to support Key2Life foodbank. At Christmas we held a Crib Festival with over 50 cribs attended by 87 people.

Yellow Strand – Encourage and develop leaders for worship, fellowship and mission In autumn 2023 we began a training programme to strengthen the effectiveness of the PCC. A Co-ordination group has been set up with Whitburn to ensure there is a coherent approach to leadership. We are carrying out an audit to identify the many and varied roles and responsibilities that exist and to support succession planning.

Green Strand – Care for God’s creation and live sustainably

We supported Friends of Oakleigh Gardens as they worked towards becoming an established volunteer group. We worked with Durham Wildlife Trust to set up an after school information and workshop session for us and the children, and we were delighted to be awarded the Bronze Eco-church Award just before Christmas.

Our thanks to everyone who helped in any way towards these goals. The work goes on.

Marie Philpott.

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