## **The Ecclesiastical Parish of All Saints, Cleadon** **Annual Report 2024 and Agenda for the Annual Vestry Meeting & Annual Parochial Church Meeting** **3.00pm Sunday 18 May 2025** ## **Contents** ## **Page** **Agenda for the 2025 Vestry Meeting Sunday 18 May. ................................. 3 Agenda for the Annual Parochial Church Meeting 2025 ........................ 3 Agenda for the first Parochial Church Council Meeting 2025/2026 ............. 3 Minutes of Vestry Meeting and APCM 2024 .................................................. 4 Report of the PCC ............................. 6** Electoral Roll 2025 ................................... 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 ............. 10 Financial Review ..................................... 11 Reserves Policy ...................................... 11 Investment Policy ................................... 11 Future Plans........................................... 11 Notes to the financial statements ............. 16 Independent Examiner’s Report to the PCC of All Saints’ Church, Cleadon. ................. 17 **Organisation Reports 2024 ............. 18 Children and Young People ............. 18** ABC Toddlers@All Saints ......................... 18 Young Saints .......................................... 18 Cleadon Church of England Academy . **Error! Bookmark not defined.** 1st Cleadon Rainbows ............................. 18 1st Cleadon Guides ................................. 19 1st Cleadon Rangers ............................... 19 30th South Shields (Cleadon All Saints’) Scout Group ............. **Error! Bookmark not defined. Fellowship Groups........................... 20** Friends in Faith (monthly 3[rd] Mon. eve.) ... 20 Mothers’ Union ....................................... 20 **Mission ............................................ 21** Children’s Society ................................... 21 **Outreach ......................................... 21** Pastoral Care Group................................ 21 **Worship ........................................... 22** Home Communion .................................. 22 Readers, Sides People, Intercessors and Eucharist Assistants ............................... 22 Sunday Worship 9am ............................. 22 Thursday Worship 10am ........................ 22 **Support Activities ............................ 23** Coffee .................................................. 23 Communications Group .......................... 23 Friends of All Saints ............................... 24 Gardening Team .................................... 24 GiftAid .................................................. 24 Health and Safety .................................. 24 Parish Administrator............................... 24 Rainbow Way ........................................ 25 **Page 2** ## **Agenda for the 2025 Vestry Meeting Sunday 18 May.** 1. Minutes of the Vestry Meeting 2024 2. Churchwardens Report including the Annual Report on the Terrier and Inventory 3. Election of Churchwardens ## **Agenda for the Annual Parochial Church Meeting 2025** 1. Apologies for Absence 2. Minutes of the APCM 2024 3. Reports of the PCC - 3.1.Electoral Roll - 3.2.Proceedings of the PCC - 3.3.PCC membership - 3.4.Treasurer’s Report and Accounts - 3.5.Deanery Synod Report 4. Group Reports 5. Elections - 5.1.Elections to the PCC - 5.2.Appointment of Sidespeople 6. Appointment of the Independent Examiner 7. Vicar’s Report ## **Agenda for the first Parochial Church Council Meeting 2025/2026** In the Vestry 1. Elections - 1.1.Lay Vice-Chair - 1.2.Treasurer - 1.3.Secretary 2. Any Other relevant Business **Page 3** ## **Minutes of Vestry Meeting and APCM 2024** ## 1. **Minutes of the 2024 Vestry Meeting and Annual Parochial Church Meeting Held on Sunday 28th April 2024 at 3.00pm in Church** ## **Introduction** 14 members were present. Apologies were received from Bob and Robina Lawson The Annual Report for 2023 had been circulated beforehand. The Rev’d Vernon Cuthbert chaired the meeting. ## **Vestry Meeting** 1) The Minutes of the Vestry Meeting (Annual Report p4) were accepted as an accurate record. There were no questions or comments. 2) The Churchwardens’ report (Annual Report pp 8-9) was received. There were no questions. The Churchwardens confirmed that the terrier had been checked, although this was not noted in the report. Jenny Grant and Beverley George were thanked for their hard work during the year. The PCC expressed their thanks to Jenny for her five years of service as churchwarden. Jenny is not standing for re-election as she is moving away from the area. 3) Beverley George was elected as Churchwarden for the 2024-2025 year. There was no volunteer as second churchwarden therefore the PCC will need to look for an additional churchwarden as the year goes on. This concluded the Vestry Meeting ## **Annual Parochial Church Meeting** **3. The reports of the PCC for 2023** were presented (pp 6-16). 3.1. It was noted that the Electoral Roll had 70 members and we are one year away from full renewal of the Electoral Roll. (i.e. the electoral roll will be renewed at the 2025 APCM) - 3.2 Proceedings of the PCC (pp7-8) were presented 3.3 PCC membership (p8) the PCC recalled with gratitude the service of Cathy Barnes who has sadly passed away: Jill Rowden, Marie Philpott, Linda Ross and Caroline Snaith were thanked for their service on completion of their 1-year terms of office as members of the PCC. Caroline joined PCC mid-year to fill a vacancy. It was noted that there was an error under this heading in the report viz. Linda Ross was elected until April 2024, not 2025 as stated. PCC members were reminded that DBS checks lasted three years, and that training must be renewed /updated in this period. **3.4 The Treasurer’s Report** and Accounts (pp 10-15) for 2023 were received. The Treasurer clarified for non-PCC members that this has been quite a tough year for the church financially. Income from planned giving and hall letting is down on last year. Expenditure has increased on utility bills and more significantly on unforeseen repairs and maintenance. The deficit has been covered through drawing upon legacy funding, which now stands at £28,000 Keith Higgin was thanked for his work as Treasurer, and the accounts were accepted. ## **1. Apologies for Absence** Bob and Robina Lawson ## **2. The minutes of the 2023 APCM** (Annual Report pp4-6) were accepted as an accurate record. **3.5 The Deanery Synod Report** (p 9) was presented There were no questions **Page 4** ## **4 Group reports for 2023** were received (pp 17-22) There were no questions PCC thanked all those who are involved in Support activities for their service. ## **5. 2023 Elections** 5.1 Elections to the PCC Jill Rowden, Caroline Snaith, Linda Ross, Jenny Grant and Marie Philpott were elected to the PCC for 1 year. Anne Hudson and Keith Higgin will attend PCC as Deanery Synod representatives. This leaves 4 vacancies to be carried forward. 5.2 Appointment of Sides-people: This was delegated to the churchwardens as previously. ## **6. Appointment of the Independent Examiner** for 2024 will be Peter Calvert ## **7. Vicar’s Report** – Rev’d Cuthbert presented his report orally. There were no questions. **Page 5** ## **Report of the PCC** ## **for the year ended 31 December 2024** ## **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, 1 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 2025** Over the last year there have been several names taken off the Electoral Roll for a variety of reasons. We have had 2 new names added. The roll now stands at 66 members, 5 of whom live outside the Parish Boundary and 61 live within Cleadon Village. A new Electoral Roll has been compiled, please check with me to ensure your name is included. **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. The parish dashboard and safeguarding hub are now in use, and many thanks to Vernon for all his hard work inputting all of the data; in the long term this makes **Page 6** things easier, short term it's created a lot of work! All members of PCC have enhanced DBS and these will be updated upon expiry and have or are in the process of completing their required level of training; Basic and Foundation level training for all PCC members, with other roles requiring higher levels of 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 25 communicants on Easter Day from 35 worshippers. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 243 people attended services of which 36 took communion. The Usual Sunday Attendance is 18 adults and 4 under the age of 16. ## **Proceedings of the PCC** The PCC continues to move forward with The Rainbow Way, All Saints strategic plan for 2030, and the joint Co-ordination group with members from All Saints and Whitburn Parish is proving to be very effective in bringing items of significance to PCC which are common to both parishes. We continue to seek out ways of working with our local schools and the community, and with our support of Key2Life foodbank. More details of specific activities can be found in the Rainbow Way report and the 2024 monitoring booklet. Numbers attending our Sunday and midweek services remain small but are stable and we have some families who come regularly now to Young Saints: it is lovely to see the children grow in confidence as they present what they have learned during the service. As always, there was high attendance at the Remembrance service in November and at the interactive Christmas Eve Carol service. The Lent course this year was based on “The Joy of the Gospel” and Rev’d Vernon led “Calling the Wounded earth Home” a bible study to action course on Thursday afternoons over the summer. PCC completed their course on the leadership role of the PCC in June. We still struggle to recruit volunteers to the PCC and began the year carrying three vacancies, (which increased to four following the APCM) and without a verger. All members of the PCC have enhanced DBS and there have been no concerns regarding safeguarding. The PCC is committed to working towards Net Zero and have appointed a Net Zero working group to take forward initiatives in this area. The Archdeacon’s inspection took place in July and PCC were delighted to receive a glowing report. PCC would like to thank Jenny and Bev for gathering the papers together, those who supported the data collection process and to the Gardening Team for their hard work in preparing the church grounds for his visit: the gardens looked lovely. After much prayerful consideration the PCC decided to seek a tenant on a longterm lease for the Old School Room. Bradley Hall estate agents have been engaged to help us with this, and PCC are pleased to report that we have agreed to let the space to a local business as a café / cocktail and craft ale bar. We are now waiting on solicitors and the council to take the process forward. Our financial position remains fragile and the letting of the Old School Room will bring in much needed revenue. Ongoing maintenance of our buildings continues to be a drain on our resources in terms of time, energy and money. However, following meetings with some of our user groups PCC invested in repairs and redecoration of the upper room, parish **Page 7** hall and administrator’s office, and replacement of the toilets. It was fifteen years since the hall was last painted and the upgrading has been very well received, making the community space more attractive and fit for purpose. The PCC were able to meet the reduced Parish Share pledge that we made for 2024, and have been able to increase our pledge for the coming year by £6000 taking the total pledge for 2025 to £30,000. The PCC recorded its thanks to Beverley our Churchwarden, 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 to 28 Apr 2024 Keith Higgin* Deanery Synod to 30 Jun 2026, Diocesan Synod to 2027 Anne Hudson* Deanery Synod to 30 Jun 2026 ## **elected until APCM 2024** Cathy Barnes (d7 Jan 2024) **elected until APCM 2025** Jill Rowden Marie Philpott Caroline Snaith Linda Ross Jenny Grant (resigned 13 Dec 2024) 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 and regular attendance at both Sunday midweek services this year, but sadly numbers are still low. Our number of regular attendees at Young Saints has remained steady and enthusiastic. During the year we have had 6 Funerals., 4 Baptisms, 2 Weddings and one Marriage Blessing in church. Cleadon Primary School have also continued to attend for some special services. We have continued to welcome staff from the school to church on a regular termly basis, to enhance their knowledge of church life and Christianity and to further develop our close links and their teaching in school. We were also delighted to have Bishop Sarah in Church on 17th December to present the Growing Faith Foundation Partnership Award jointly to Cleadon Academy and All Saints Church recognising the exceptional partnership work between us: only the second such award in the Diocese. A great accolade to both the school and the church demonstrating our close relationship- which includes congregation members holding a bible study session every Thursday in school. Links between All Saints and Whitburn churches continue to strengthen ensuring that both churches run smoothly while we share one Vicar. Our Lent Course was based on a document issued by Pope Francis, The Joy of The Gospel. It was an encouragement to share our faith. We also held our first Family Pet Service on 20th October, sadly this was not as well **Page 8** attended as we hoped but our pets were impeccably behaved. In November church volunteers again put up beautiful and very effective poppy installations at the Village centre to commemorate Remembrance Sunday. Poppies were reused from the previous year; made by the school and many of the groups who use our hall including scouts and the Cleadon Craft Club. We also had a very successful and well attended Carols around the Tree in December, supported by JWBrass band. The collection at the end enabled us to donate £170 for our local foodbank. And our Family Carol Service on 24th December was the best yet; it was really wonderful to see so many people of all ages enjoying the fun service as a start to their Christmas celebrations. During the early part of the year the PCC made the sad decision to put the Old School Room up for a five year lease. This will ensure that Old School Room is used and still supports the community but will reduce our church financial outgoings and generate much needed income. We have continued to address ongoing issues emerging with our building estate over the year and also updated our toilets in the Parish hall as well as refurbishing our Upper Room. Grateful thanks to the congregation members who spent their spare time on these tasks (Marie Philpot and Ian Ross). I was re-elected as Church Warden at the APCM and would like to thank everyone for their ongoing support. I would also like to thanks all those members of the congregation who perform a lot of the invisible roles and tasks that enables our church to successfully operate. The tasks and people are too many to mention but include opening and locking up each weekday, Readings at each service, laundering church linens, delivering donations to the food bank etc. etc.; it is not unnoticed – thank you all so much. ## **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. Anne Hudson and Keith Higgin are the representatives for our parish. They report back to the PCC. The Synod only meets twice each year now, with the expectation that local clusters of churches will 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 cluster includes Whitburn and the Boldons but has not met formally during 2024. At the Synod meeting in May, which was poorly attended, Gilliam Melvin was appointed as Lay Chair. Ali Bianchi, the Diocesan Transformation Officer for Church Growth and Resource Churches, was the first speaker. His role is to assist Deaneries and parishes in engaging with ideas to enable growth, especially with young children, families, young adults and lay leaders. The second speakers were Bethan Still, Diocesan Environmental Officer, and Clare Gibb, Creation Care Officer. They gave a joint presentation about the Diocesan Plan for aiming to achieve Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2030, with ideas and suggestions about how this could be followed up in parishes. **Page 9** In November, again poorly attended, the speakers were Maddie Fisher, Development Worker, Community Together Durham and Claire and Janice, two members of her team. Their mission is challenging poverty. They shared some of the projects happening within their own churches to alleviate poverty, isolation, mental health issues and working with asylum seekers and refugees. They then outlined their own individual specialisms. **Keith Higgin** ## **Treasurer’s Report and Accounts** These appear on pages 11-16 following. **Keith Higgin** This annual report was adopted by the PCC on 23rd April 2025 and signed on their behalf by the Rev’d Vernon Cuthbert, PCC Chairman. **Page 10** ## **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 up at £67,860 (2023 £64,422). ## **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** Planned Giving has increased slightly at £27,583 (2023 £27,075 ) and we had the benefit of legacies totalling £5,250 (2023 £1,000). Hall Lettings are up at £13,098 (2023 £12,330). The other major changes in receipts are from social & fund-raising activities, Church Coffee at £3,552 (2023 £4,740) and Wedding & Funeral fees £2,506 (2023 £1,377). Magazine income increased to £2,113 (2023 £1,183). Total Payments from Unrestricted Funds are similar at £73,950 (2022 £74,800). There have been some decreases in Utility bills. The main increase is in repairs to the church and halls £17,010 (2023 £13,660). We met our Parish Share pledge in full at £24,000. Whitburn Parish Church now make a contribution towards the salary of the Parish Administrator for work she carries out for them. 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 is forming a strategic plan incorporating proposals for refurbishing the Parish Hall and kitchen as well as continuing to carry out ongoing maintenance and repairs. The Old School Room has been advertised for let and one tenant has been selected who has sought permission for change of use before carrying out some changes and refurbishment, expecting to complete the lease and then open for business soon after Easter 2025. The end result is an excess of payments over receipts, after transfers, of £6,071 on the General Account for the year. This deficit has been covered by transfer of funds from the General Fund Deposit account. The Friends Designated Account shows a surplus of £433. |Acting as agent, we have raised and paid|Acting as agent, we have raised and paid| |---|---| |over the following amounts to these|| |charities:|| |Children’s Society|£586.12| |Christian Aid|£170.00| |Church Mission Society|£133.00| |Key2Life Foodbank|£169.56| |St Benedict’s Hospice|£150.00| **Page 11** All Saints. Church Cleadon Statemont of Financial Activities For th• ￿riod from 01 January 2024 to 31 D•cemb•r 2024 T￿•1 furnkn t￿al flm 44.4&].47 6.057. 11211. 1.7&5.24 44.460.47 6.057.69 15.693.23 1.916.C 4).828.29 10.123.68 14,191.5) 1.415.38 128.10 481.58 1X)_81 67.ath. 6113 ,82&95 Exp￿ilUre on." Ra5irvJ 182.12 31.346.43 42.421.31 18112 31.346.43 42.581.31 35.Wi.44 44.442.31 I￿.1X) TL*al expe￿1￿* £￿. .86 160.00 74.10•.86 77,53171 Nql irtOn￿ I l•xpwKknI 14089. 39 15.637A7) 110.70&801 Transfers 10. 128 581 2.435. 12.435.9)1 GrLE5 transfw5 fvTrJ5. fArt 110.(1)I {38.581 Net Ir*une I lexpeThknl IW12b) 4J3J1 15.637A7) 110.711&801 IW128 433J1 1S.637An 11Q71￿80) Reconc4olI￿ of funds Trrtal fwKls fmv•d 47,6￿8¢ 1199.37 61,558.01 41.$81.a6 .18 4521&74 ,8S121 Page 12 All Salnts. Church Cloadon Analysis of income and expenditure Selocted prlod: 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2024 Total Income and endowments Llonatit)ns •nd18g•ci•s 0100- Bank Slrys Grft Aded 0110. Parish Giving S¢h Gift Aided 0120- Planned Giwng Env &ft Ajded 0130- Other Giwng Gtft Aded 0200- Bankd Slos Gfft Aid 0220- Planned Giwng Env Non ()ft fvj'd 0300. L005e cdleiknis 5.340.(KJ 19.197.51 2.516.f4) 5.340.CKJ 19.197_51 2.516.60 6240.00 17.135.16 3,560.70 120.IXI 20. 1260.29 17.50 41.35 3.867.32 6.792.18 773.79 1.CA)O.00 1,723.93 1,723.93 0310- C￿leCtions- Funerals 0330. Cdlecty"ons. Baptr"yns 0400- Donations- Sundry [￿0. Gfft Aid reclaimed 0610. Gfft Aid Smal tkn 8d￿ne 0700- Legaaes 103.18 1,403.12 7.233.18 103.18 1,403.12 7.233.1B S.2￿.(*) 5.250.th) Donations and legacies Tolals 44.4eAJ.47 44.460.47 40.828.29 0g)O. Events 0910- Church Coffee 0920. Saturday MLxniThJ Coffe 0940. Grand Draw- Chrislmas E¥ents 0950. Fund Raising Ebpnts 0960- Charitable Events 1100- PCC Fee5 Funerals 1110- PCC Fees Weddings 1120- Fees lof DBF. ￿ganISt Vry & Bells 828 30 1.289.39 828 30 1.289.39 1.581.98 1.574.38 639.85 771.IXI 771.fXI 413.85 99J.62 1,377.00 1,6B8. 818. 1.688.1KJ 818. 3.016.00 Income from chaiitable activit*s Totals 6.057.69 6.057.69 10.123.68 OUW tr•ding ocbvlbes 1200- Fnends subscnpts.ons 1210- Friend5 sale of gLx#J5 1220- Fri8nds donabrx 1250. Magaifle Subs and AdNYts 1270. Hal. OSR and Chapter FbyJs• Lettings 438.00 10. S28.C 10.00 280. 1.183.00 12.330.50 10.1 2.113.40 13,09825 2.113.40 13,098.25 Olher tr4dlng actlvltles Totsls 15211.65 481.58 15.693.23 14.331.$0 l￿o- Bank and CBF Interest 1.785.24 130.81 1.916.OS 1.415.38 1.785.24 130.81 1.916_05 1.415.38 0800. Grants HMRC and LPW Sc*8rne 128.10 Olherlncom Tolals 128.10 Income and endowments Grand totals 67.8eAJ.00 612.39 68.472.39 66.826 95 Page 13 Expendlture Raising fvnds 1720- Fund Rai&ThJ Evellls 1730- Sum Up C￿rniSsion 167.40 167.40 14.72 14.72 Ralslng funds Tot•ls 182.12 182.12 1810- Children¥ ￿ety 1820- Church Misgon Society 1830- Ch8rilable donations 1KJO- Parish Share ojrrellt year 2(KJO- Churth Slaff and Services 2010- Parish Administrator 2015- Parish fv4Jmintstrator Penson 2025- HMRC 2030- org8n￿erger￿ells-Wed-Fun 2110- Vicarfs 8wses 2120- Vicarage Water Flates 2130- Assistant Clergy TraN•l 2140- V15iting Ckrgy 2200- ￿l￿on Evangelisrn 2210- Baptism costs 663.10 1SS.SO 585.87 24,000.00 24,OCKJ. 24,IKM).rKI 20. 4.293.01 792.87 4.293.01 792.87 4.224.60 624.57 171.26 760.(M) 1.170.15 535.71 22.10 106.20 778.1 778.( 27.32 371.85 27.32 371.85 25.(K) 25.fKI 71.38 Expendilure on charitab activities Totats 31.346.43 31,346.43 33,090.44 Other expenditure 2011 - Whitbum Parish At1mkn 2300- Church Gas 2310- Churth BeclrirAty 2320- Church Water 2330- Church Ins¢Jrance EIG 2340- Churth R(yJline repairs 2360- Church Ck8niThJ wages 2370- Upkeep of SeNces 2380- Organ tuning and repa 2390- Worship materials 2395- ￿Vernan￿￿ees to D￿ces0 2400- Friends eyFenditure 2500- Hall RunniThJ expenses & Administratr'on 2510- Hall CleanAw wages 2520- Hall Gas 1668.461 1,567.21 I.[￿1. 133.55 3.050.64 549.C(I 1.227.24 91.94 432.24 1668.461 1,567.21 1.CMI1. 133.$5 3.050.84 549. 1.22724 91.94 43224 89.04 33.53 I60.￿> 710.77 4,087.63 1,106.98 116.31 3,050.62 2,989.71 1,107.63 359 30 3S7.22 2,181.00 1,327.50 298 38 1fA).00 710.77 4,￿￿.72 3,087.22 )2.59 572.23 1.014.83 1,525.32 649.20 4.>￿.72 3,087.22 2.59 57223 1.014.83 1.525.32 649￿0 4,430.34 3,562.37 2,411.03 342 86 873.46 1,525.31 513.37 2530- Hall Electiicty 2540- Hall Water 2550- CleaniNJ matsrials and refvse 2560- Hall Inwjrarth EIG 2570- Telephone 2575- Printing. Slationery and pJstag8S 910.07 910_07 1247.72 2580- H811 Rwb"ne repaSrlmainfce 2600- 0 S R R(NJtine repairlrnainfce 2605- O S R Letbng ewdrture 2610- Old Room Gas 1.996.$6 10,127.82 542.93 3.051.94 387.48 3.051.94 387.48 791.55 378.36 2620. Old Schod Room Eleclnoty 2630- Old SChTr￿ Room Water 2700- Major Repairs to churth 2720- Major Repairs to Hall 2740- Ilajor Rewrs to Cmd SCIK 494.C 237.Kl 10.46424 808.51 2.244.O) 494. 237.80 10.464.24 .51 2.244.C 364.91 291.70 011M expenditure Totals 42.421.31 1￿.00 42.$81.31 44,442.31 Expendlture Grand totals 73.949.86 le￿.1X• 74.109.86 77,S32.75 Page 14 All Saints. Church Clgadon Balance sheet As aL' 31 DOwn￿r 2024 A• •131MY2024 A• •t 31112r2023 Frxqd •55915 Tangbl8 a&￿ts P￿sh H￿1 at ￿￿%[ 2.228.rxi 2.228. 2.228.tx) 2.228. Curr￿1 Cash at bank￿d in hand 42.986.74 48.624.21 42.986.74 48.624.21 42,986.74 48,624.21 Total a88•ts ￿88 Cliirent l￿bIlItI8$ 45,214.74 50,85221 Total net assets ￿55 IlabllRI8S 45.214.74 50,852.21 R•pr•Mirtgd by Unrn8trlctsd Unr8Stricted- Genera fvnd 41,581.56 47.652.84 D•8lgnatsd Cwgnaled- Fnendsof￿I Saints Fund 3.633.1B 3.199.37 Restric￿- Repairand Maintenance FuTrJ Reslricied. Charitie& Fund Fur￿5 of the church 46,214.74 $0,8S2.21 Page 15 ## **Notes to the financial statements** For the year ended 31st December 2025 ## **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. Designated Funds are funds earmarked by the PCC for specific purposes. In these accounts they represent the funds of the Friends of All Saints’ Church. 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. ## **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. Funds received and paid over as agent are excluded from these accounts, these being funds raised specifically for charities to which they are paid, or from occasional offices which are due to the Diocesan Board of Finance or organist. ## **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. **Page 16** ## **Independent Examiner’s Report to the PCC of All Saints’ Church, Cleadon.** **Page 17** ## **Organisation Reports 2024** ## **Children and Young People** ## **Non-Uniformed Children’s and Youth work** ## **ABC Toddlers@All Saints** During the year the numbers have sadly reduced. This is probably due to parents returning to work and free early years child care provision being extended to 2 year olds rather than what we provide. Those that come appear to enjoy the sessions and grow in confidence. At Easter we donated Easter eggs to the food bank. At our summer celebration we said goodbye to some of our toddlers as they prepared to move on to fulltime nursery and we also presented ‘Biscuit Janet’ (Janet Birchall) with flowers and a plant from the children to say thank you for all the biscuits, juice, coffee and tea she had made for us. As she was turning in the Autumn we decided it was fair to let her retire, but we definitely miss her. We visited the church for our final toddlers before Christmas, using the chapter house to play and listen to the Christmas story before investigating under the tree for their Christmas books. ## **Janet Cuthbert** ## **Young Saints** During 2024 we have regularly had 5 to 7 Young Saints and their parents attending worship. The children appear to enjoy being participants in worship and the young saints group. We have mainly used the Roots material this year. The children always enjoy reporting back what we’ve been learning to the rest of the congregation and it is a delight to observe them participating through music and dance during the final hymn. They particularly enjoy the clapping Gloria! Their thought provoking prayers on the prayer tree are worth reading! It has been encouraging that some of the parents stay in the main worship as well as joining the children in the chapter house. A big thanks to Claire for her practical help during sessions and for making sure we have a weekly photo record of what we have been up to - ensuring safeguarding is implemented. She has also taken the lead on a number of occasions through the year when I am unavailable. Bishop Paul said that if we had children in our midst we were doing something right. Long may this continue! ## **Janet Cuthbert** ## **Uniformed Children’s and Youth work** ## **1st Cleadon Rainbows** Our unit continues to go from strength to strength, we are full with 18 Rainbows, 2 leaders and 3 young leaders. We have had another busy year having lots of fun. We went to the Cinema to see the new Disney film Moana 2, the girls loved it. We also went to a silent disco at St Andrew’s, Roker held by our Division. The Rainbows are also really enjoying working on their interest badges at home, the most popular badge still seems to be the Family Tree one. We have completed the Know Myself and Express Myself Theme Awards. The Rainbows continue to enjoy taking Rainbow Bear home for a week and telling **Page 18** everyone what they got up to with her. We ended the year with a Christmas party. 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)** ## **1st Cleadon Guides** Our number increased from 13 in January to 20 by end of December, some of these Guides started as a result of friendships rather than Brownies moving up which was really positive news. Our leadership team is 3 leader, 1 leader in training and a young leader. We continued with our usual Guide program doing activities across all the 6 themes and we did a Take Action Skills builder which our unit had not completed before which was about no matter who we are we can help things looking at environment, community and politically. We also made more time to play games this last year and introduced a few new ones, also easier with greater numbers. Crafts also included flowers for Mother’s Day, some tie dying and making Christmas choir boys. up and we were down to 3, of which one was doing exams so naturally took time out. They continued to enjoy crafts and some varied program activities. One came with the Guides and Rangers to our joint camp with East Boldon at Whittonstall in the summer. We made the decision when 2 of the girls decided to leave that we had to suspend the unit in September since Guide still did not have any 14 year olds looking to move up. East Boldon Guides opened a Ranger unit so it is hoped our older Guides in due course will join with them to make a bigger unit. Rangers often has peaks and troughs, and units come and go with the local needs so maybe back one day! ## **Lynne Carr (Rangers Leader)** We had a few trips out to the local park for games and camp skills, to the beach, the division silent disco and bowling at Christmas. Some of our Guides went to Camp House in April with East Boldon Guides and we also shared a fab camp in July at Whittonstall having a festival theme which went down very well (that is after we got the Guide trailer out of the mud!!!). ## **Lynne Carr (Guide Leader)** ## **1st Cleadon Rangers** Our Ranger unit struggled in 2024 due to numbers as no new Guides due to move **Page 19** ## **Fellowship Groups** ## **Friends in Faith** 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 15 members attending this year. In 2024 we welcomed speakers on a variety of subjects including Rev’d Dick Bradshaw on Japan, Revd Kath Long on her time working in Salisbury Cathedral, the Quakers. the work of St. Benedict’s’ Hospice and Rev’d Jonathan Adams on his work in Palestine. At Christmas, the group held our usual bring your own food party, which included a quiz and carols accompanied by David Scrafton on his guitar. sheets. Linda chose the hymns and Bible readings. We then welcomed our speakers who included Rev’d Kath Long, Jean Baker, Gill Griffiths, Jenny Grant and Emma Duffy from Wearside Women in Need, to which we gave a donation of £100. On two occasions we held discussions amongst ourselves. Noelle Hayes continues to write excellent revues for the Courier. In June we 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, led by Linda and accompanied by organist Simon. 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** The group also held a coffee morning in May in aid of the St. Benedict’s Hospice. New members are always welcome. ## **Jean Higgin** ## **Mothers’ Union** In 2024 Mothers’ Union met every 2nd Thursday afternoon at 2.00pm in the Chapter House except for January and August. We have 18 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. 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 **Page 20** ## **Mission** ## **Children’s Society** It was 114 years ago when a Sunday School teacher, called Edward Rudolph, founded The Children’s Society. Since then, the society has deeply valued the support, prayers and donations of Church of England parishes and supporters across the country. In helping children and young people live a happy, carefree childhood. I am pleased to report that All Saints’ Church, Cleadon continues to support the work of the Children’s Society and has over the last year contributed to the £870,000 raised nationally to improve the lives of over 72,000 children in need. The supporters within the parish who are part of the home box collection scheme raised over £554. Guests at the coffee morning in July gave £133 and £28 was collected from the Christingle candles. Every coin counted and every donation gathered makes a difference. There are lots of other ways you can get involved in the work of The Children’s Society. To find out more you can visit childrenssociety.org/support. As home box coordinator thank you for your prayers, generosity and continued commitment. ## **Anne Hudson** ## **Outreach** ## **Pastoral Care Group** We have eight members who meet each month at 11 Laburnum Grove. They are Beverley George, Jean Higgin, Anne Hudson, Jan McGill, Linda Ross, Ellen Smith, Val Wallbank and Margaret Westerberg. We were also joined by Methodist representative, Ian Sturrock. 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 to which many attended. There were five baptisms this year. Baptism, wedding and bereavement anniversary cards have been sent by Ellen, Linda and Val respectively. Gifts of bowls of hyacinths were again sent to more than ten sick or lonely people at Christmas, mainly thanks to George Wilson. Jean keeps a record of all funerals and arranges invitations to the All Souls ‘service, which was held in 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 2024, always with God’s help and grace. ## **Jean Higgin** **Page 21** ## **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** All Saints Church relies on a small number of volunteers from the congregation to support key roles in church services. These duties as Readers, Sides People and Eucharist Assistant are essential to the smooth running of services enabling the priest to focus on his role. We are truly grateful for their support. 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** 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, intercessors and assistants at the Communion table all playing a role. ## **Vernon Cuthbert** ## **Thursday Worship 10am** This is a said service with an accompanied hymn sung at the preparation of the table for Holy Communion. **Page 22** ## **Support Activities** ## **Coffee** On the second Saturday of each month throughout the year there has been a coffee morning held in the Old School Room. Six of these happy social gatherings have been aimed towards raising money for Church funds, the remaining months have been set aside to raise funds for designated charities such as Church Missionary Society, Christian Aid and The Children’s Society. Hospitality, in the way of coffee, tea, biscuits and scones have been provided by Margaret Laws, Leslie Smith and Anne Hudson. Help has also been gratefully accepted from everyone who gives a lending hand to putting up tables, clearing away and cleaning up after these events. During the morning of socialising, the chat is interrupted for the raffle which still proves popular. There is always a table full of a variety of prizes, which are kindly donated each month. As more coffee house venues are springing up within the community it is hoped that these regular monthly Saturday get togethers can be sustained. The Chapter House and Church are the chosen venues for coffee and catch up following the weekly services held on Sunday and Thursday morning. Fairtrade coffee is served from the pump flasks and it’s thanks to Helen Belsham and Lesley Smith who prepare these in advance prior to the Sunday and Thursday services respectively. Milk, tea, biscuits, and on special occasions cake, is all donated generously and much appreciated, as is the offer of help with washing up etc. It’s a joy that we have these welcoming facilities available. **Anne Hudson** ## **Communications Group** As church members will know, we lost Brian Bage and Gordon Coxon during the year and Allan Bailey resigned due to ill health. We have recruited David Scrafton to the Group to enable things to carry on. We produce The Cleadon Courier each month. We really would welcome articles from anyone wishing to contribute, particularly the uniformed organisations and other groups such as Rainbow Way that do not already feature. The collation team included Allan Bailey, Anne Hudson, Margaret Laws, Ann Richardson, Walter Carr and Ken Oley. Shirley Newton does the printing. 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 Second 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 would welcome a few more people to lighten the load for some. An advertisement on the All Things Cleadon Facebook page produced several willing **Page 23** volunteers. Celia Moore, who worships at Whitburn Parish Church, produced the paintings for both cards and we are grateful for her skilled artistry. like to gift aid in future through the Parish Giving Scheme, by standing order or using the envelope scheme, please speak to Jen or the treasurer. ## **Keith Higgin** ## **Friends of All Saints** The membership of the Friends at the start of 2024 was 49 adults. We purchased 320 Cleadon Couriers at a cost of £160.00 Again we were unable to sell any plants and jams in the chapter house, however we did sell plants privately at a cost of £10.00. The Sum Up machine close to the main door allows 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 GiftAid on any donations under £30 made in this way. GiftAid is a very valuable part of our income. ## **Vernon Cuthbert** ## **Health and Safety** We wish to thank our 'Friends' for their help and support. Anyone interested in joining 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** Health and Safety checks have been carried out in the church, wires from microphone by lectern need to be secured to the floor as this could be a trip hazard. This will be done immediately. Chapter House, Parish Hall and Old School Room have no other issues. ## **Gardening Team** The church gardening team consists of about ten volunteers who meet up every other Monday morning. Our task is to keep the gardens looking good. To that end we cut and edge the lawns, trim the hedges, and maintain the flower beds. To fund the ongoing project, we have an annual coffee morning, and we also will be having an afternoon tea in June. We are a happy band of workers and welcome anyone who wishes to join our group. ## **Dave Scrafton** ## **GiftAid** During 2024 Jenny Grant passed on the role of GiftAid Administrator to Jen Flanagan. As always, we are very grateful to those who are able to GiftAid their donations allowing us to claim an extra 25% on the amount. If you are a taxpayer and would First aid boxes all up to date. Fire alarm tests are ongoing weekly. Steps to boiler house are cleared of leaves periodically especially in winter. Church grounds and outbuildings all appear to be in order. Car park is in need of some repair but not essential. Health and Safety continues to be everyone's responsibility, if anyone sees anything untoward please report it to me it will be noted and addressed if necessary. ## **Helen Belsham** ## **Net Zero Working Group** All Saints Church Net Zero Working Group The Church of England’s General Synod has recognised the climate emergency and called on all parts of the Church to become net zero carbon by 2030. One of the major causes of climate change is carbon dioxide emissions, which act as a **Page 24** greenhouse gas, trapping the heat of the sun. Net zero carbon means carbon emissions, which are eliminated/balanced with the use of renewables and carbon removal. So as a faithful response to the climate crisis, we are all called to reduce our carbon emissions. This commitment requires us all to take action to reduce our carbon footprint. This will involve making material changes to our buildings and adopting new behaviours that both reduce our energy use and switch usage to renewable sources. Our Diocese advised all churches in 2024 of the requirement to support the aim to achieve Net Zero by 2030. At All Saints we have taken a number of actions to support this aim: - Appointed a PCC member to be lead Net Zero Champion – Beverley George. - We have set up a working group dedicated to achieving Net Zero with volunteers from the congregation. - We have completed the Diocese Energy Footprint Tool in 2024 to give us a baseline of our energy footprint for our church and church buildings. - Produced an Action Plan up to 2030 with initiatives and actions to drive down our energy footprint. - Successfully applied for a Diocesan grant to support repairs to our parish hall flat roof to reduce damp entering and reduce warm air escaping. - Assessed our overall church estate and the rental offerings and agreed the decision to reduce the size of our church estate and reduce our utility bills through offering the Old School Room on a long lease. - Investigated the option to install Infra Red panels to one of our rooms to pilot the effectiveness and cost – installation not progressed at this time. But the data and information is ready for a future point. - Improved our facilities available for rental to generate more income to invest in facilities and make more carbon efficient. This included the refurbishment of our Upper Room and the toilets in the Parish Hall. We will be progressing to our year two elements of the Action Plan. ## **Beverley George** ## **Parish Administrator** Another year has passed and I am happy to say the groups here are still doing really well. I would like to welcome our latest group Swing fit who seem to have settled in nicely. I would like to thank you all for your patience concerning the Old Schoolroom, especially the groups that have been moved to other rooms hopefully everyone is now sorted and happy where they are. As always I think it’s important to mention the volunteers here at All Saints Church. We have several volunteers here at the Church. We have the ones who do the monthly magazine, then there are the ones that do the Church coffee morning and the social evening events, and then there’s the gardening team who keep the gardens looking so good especially this time of year and on into the summer. A big thank you to you all. I always try to call in after the Church service on a Thursday for a coffee and a chat it is so nice to see you all and I do appreciate it. 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** As in previous years, in 2024 the Rainbow Way Group focused our activities on actions towards the long term goals of All Saints Strategic Plan for 2030. Our work has covered four key areas which are **Page 25** identified as the Red, Orange, Yellow and Green strands, and we have tried to work in ways which enable us to change and adapt to be relevant in today’s world, use our assets and resources for the benefit of all and work in partnership with others. Examples of our activities include: Red Strand: Be visible in our community as people who live and share Christian values We continue to develop our partnership with Cleadon Academy through regular weekly and one-off events. Bible stories Club is very popular and enjoyed by both the children and members of the congregation who lead the activities. In June we joined with the school to create a mini version of the Peace Doves art installation which was taking place at Durham Cathedral, with paper doves from all the children on display inside our church and a focus on praying for peace in our homes, communities and across the world. Over 170 children and adults visited the church to see the exhibition. The effectiveness of our church-school partnership was recognised on 17th December when Bishop Sarah presented us jointly with the Growing Faith Foundation Partnership Award. Yellow Strand – Encourage and develop leaders for worship, fellowship and mission In February the Rainbow Way group had a half day at Cuthbert House to concentrate on our own spiritual development. Facilitated by Revd Canon Dr Alan Bartlett we reviewed, refreshed and re-focused ourselves. PCC’s six part in-house training which explored the role of PCC in leading worship, mission, and fellowship was completed in June. Green Strand – Care for God’s creation and live sustainably We continue to support Friends of Oakleigh Gardens and are taking steps through the work of the Net Zero Working Group to combat climate change and live sustainably. Our thanks to everyone who has helped us in moving forward this year. ## **Marie Philpott.** Orange Strand – Seek out and support where God is working in the community We are committed to working in partnership with our local community, starting with groups that use our facilities. In June we held meetings with leaders of the uniformed organisations and U3A to find out what was going well and where there was scope for development. Outcomes from these discussions were fed back to the PCC and resulted in action immediately on some items e.g. supporting indoor overnight camping experiences, and some longer projects such as making the parish hall a more attractive space for the community. We also had some very enjoyable social events including a Valentine’s quiz night, Christmas Quiz and Grand Prize draw. **Page 26**