## **St. Mark’s Church** ## **MARSKE in CLEVELAND** ## **Annual Report** and ## **Financial Statements** of the **Parochial Church Council** for the year ended ## **31[st] December 2024** ## **Incumbent** The Rev’d Julie Smith ## **Bankers** Santander UK PLC Bootle ## **Independent Examiner** Chantelle Hodgson Fellow Chartered Accountants 6 Corby Dales Close SALTBURN BY THE SEA TS12 1PS ## **The Vicar’s Report.** Throughout 2024 St Mark’s has engaged with the seasons of the church year in worship and outreach. During Epiphany we celebrated the visit of the wise men to the infant Jesus recognising that Jesus is not just for a select few but for everyone. This was explored in the school assemblies and in their visits to church to look at prayer. Prayer was at the heart of the Week of Prayer for Chris�an Unity. The worship materials were put together by an ecumenical team from Burkina Faso. We joined with the other churches in Marske for a joint service on the 18[th] January. February saw us reflec�ng on Candlemas and then moving into Lent, a period of reflec�on before Easter. People had the op�on of a�ending either an a�ernoon Lent Course run by the Mothers’ Union, an a�ernoon course run by Revd Bruce and Revd Rachel Harrison or an evening course run by the Vicar. People also had the opportunity to raise money during Lent by taking a USPG collec�on box. Lent was also looked at during school assemblies and Messy Church. We were also pleased to welcome the local Beavers to church during February and March. March saw us once again joining with the other churches in the village for the World Day of Prayer at St Bede’s which had been prepared by Chris�an women from Pales�ne. The Key stage 2 children from Errington came to church to take part in Experience Easter. At the end of March we gathered to remember the Last Supper, Jesus’ arrest and trial, his crucifixion and rising in glory with a variety of services both inside the church itself and at other loca�ons such as the square on Good Friday and St Germain’s Churchyard on Easter Day. On St Mark’s Day (25[th] April) we began the first of a monthly Pop In Session at church (3pm4.30pm) where we looked at penguins ( World Penguin Day 25[th] April) and the symbol of the lion for St Mark through cra�s, games and refreshments. Other themes later in the year included World Music Day, World Bee Day and World Children’s Day. We con�nued the celebra�on of St Mark on Sunday 28[th] April where we were pleased to welcome the Rt Revd Paul Ferguson Bishop of Whitby to lead us in worship for a Confirma�on and Holy Communion Service for 2 adults and 2 young people. May saw the celebra�on of Ascension Day and Thy Kingdom Come prayer ini�a�ve culmina�ng in Pentecost. In June some of us a�ended the Deanery Morning at St Helen’s in Carlin How. The speaker was Gram Seed who went from a life of crime and addic�on to helping others find new life in God’s kingdom. A service was held in June to commemorate the 80[th] anniversary of the D Day landings which ended with the church bells being rung. In June we presented the Year 6s of Westgarth and Errington Primary Schools with the Scripture Union booklet It’s Your Move and the Vicar went to speak with Year 6 at Westgarth about their move from primary to secondary school. In July we celebrated Sea Sunday and also said goodbye to Bishop Paul as he re�red. During the Summer we had a sermon series looking at some of the Psalms. In July we helped out at the Lunch Box scheme held in Errington School and run by Footprints in the Community with the assistance of the local churches. In August we held a Messy Church morning at Errington School in conjunc�on with the Methodist Church and The Community Church. 3 During our worship in September, October and the first Sunday in November we looked at some of the parts of the Holy Communion Service. There was also a Blessing of the Animals Service in The White House in September. In October we celebrated Harvest Fes�val through services in church and welcoming Errington Primary School for their Harvest Fes�val Service. Dona�ons were sent to Farm Africa and Redcar Foodbank. At the beginning of November we held a service for the recently bereaved (and anyone else who wished to remember a loved one). Services of remembrance were held on Sunday 10[th] November in church and at the War memorial and on Monday 11[th] November at St Germain’s Churchyard. In November and December we supported the 16 Days of Ac�vism Against Gender Based Violence. During November we also took part in the Na�onal Safeguarding Week reminding us that Safeguarding is something that everyone should be aware of. As Advent began our kni�ed sheep were placed in shops as part of the Messy Church Sheep Trail before returning for the Christmas Eve Crib service. An Advent Study based on Women of the Na�vity took place. Every child in Westgarth and Errington Primary Schools were given a copy of the Bible Society Christmas Book The Shiny Bright Sparkling Light. As part of the Follow the Star Church of England campaign we held a Follow the Star week where people from the church and local community groups made stars that reflected their organisa�on. December services included the Chris�ngle Service and Carol Service. We were pleased to welcome Westgarth Primary School for their Christmas performance and Errington Primary School for their Carol Service. Both schools also a�ended church for Experience Christmas. We were pleased to welcome people into church during the Santa Parade where we provided refreshments and were entertained by the choir from Errington Primary School and the Steelworks Steelband. The Carol Singing in the square was cancelled due to bad weather but members of local churches gathered to give people Christmas tree baubles with details of one church service from each of the four churches in the village. During 2024 we have also welcomed people to St Mark’s for bap�sm, wedding and funeral services. Representa�ves from St Mark’s have a�ended Deanery Synod mee�ngs and Deanery Chapter mee�ngs. “Abide in me as I abide in you. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.” _John 15.7-9,11_ I give thanks for all who have been a part of the life of St Mark’s in 2024 and look forward to con�nuing to proclaiming the Gospel in 2025. Revd Julie Smith 4 **St Mark’s Mission** At St Mark’s Church in Marske we seek to glorify God by crea�ng a community where we live with the love of Christ. As we follow Christ we value; **Inclusion** - we respect the individual and embrace people of all faiths. **Relevance-** we promote Christ as central to our community, our world and ourselves. **Caring-** we share Christ’s love through welcome, hospitality, service and stewardship. **Rela�onships-** we build nurturing connec�ons with God, each other and the wider community. **Worship-** we provide a space for people to celebrate and grow in the healing love and grace of Christ. ## **Churchwardens’ Report** This year our social events have proved popular. We have had good support at concerts and ‘Tea on the Lawn’. This has helped to raise money for the church expenses and the tower fund. We have received grant money towards the cost of the tower repairs and very generous dona�ons from church members. It is hoped that the work on the tower can be completed in 2025. This will be the first major work on the fabric of St Mark’s for several years. It is no�ceable that our Sunday morning a�endances have dropped during the year. This is due partly to illness and infirmity. Visitors to the church tell us that they appreciate the warm welcome they receive. We need to con�nue to welcome more to join our worship. St Mark’s relies on its volunteers. We are grateful to all who help to make the church and its garden a pleasant and welcoming site. Thank you to all who make our church commitment easier. Peter Tinkler, Sue Sotheran. Churchwardens. ## **PCC Secretary’s Report for 2024** St Mark’s PCC has the responsibility of co-opera�ng with the incumbent in promo�ng in the parish of Marske in Cleveland the whole Mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelical, social and ecumenical. The PCC has responsibility for St Mark’s Church building, the White House and St Germain’s Tower. ## Membership of the PCC Vicar Rev Julie Smith Churchwardens Mrs Sue Sotheran and Mr Peter Tinkler Elected Representa�ves The following succeeded the 2022-2023 commi�ee in May 2024: Miss Carol Anderson, Dr Janet Dack, Mrs Elizabeth Fox, Mrs Clare Marshall, Mrs Laura Maskery, Mrs Margaret Tinkler, Miss Sue Thompson, Mrs Maureen Taylor (co-opted), Mr Jonathan Bragg, Mr Jack Thomas, Mr Andrew Fox Representa�ves on the Deanery Synod Dr Janet Dack, Mr Jack Thomas, Mr Peter Tinkler 5 Standing Commi�ee Rev Julie Smith, Sue Sotheran, Peter Tinkler(Churchwardens), Elizabeth Fox, (PCC Secretary), Janet Dack (Reader). The PCC met on ten occasions and has been occupied with monitoring all ac�vi�es rela�ng to St Mark’s and considering revisions and addi�ons where necessary. Free Will Ofering The PCC voted to retain our Freewill Offering at £56,000 Fund Raising Quiz Nights, “Tea on the Lawn”, Amaryllis Night, concerts by the Fishermen’s Choir, Rockulele, The Odell Singers were supported by the PCC. Mission and Vision. In October the PCC examined St. Mark’s Mission Statement which was found to need revision. There was a discussion as to whether we should offer some non Eucharis�c services and use different styles of music. In December Ven. John Day “Growing Healthy Churches” Adviser was invited to speak to the PCC Christmas Parcels for Eastern Europe Gi� Filled boxes for children and adults were again donated by members of the congrega�on for onward delivery by “Children in Distress”. ’ Redcar Women s Refuge. We have con�nued to provide gi�s at Christmas and Easter. Repairs to the tower. The quota�on of £107,000 for repairs has been revised upwards to £110,000. We have sufficient funds to be able to a�ract grants. As we have always paid the full amount of our freewill offering, St. Mark’s should receive a worthwhile dona�on from the Diocese. At December 31[st] the Tower Fund stood at £44,608. Electoral Roll A new electoral roll will be needed in 2025. Educa�on Trust Advice from the Diocese has been requested as to how we can access funds and how we can use them. Elizabeth Fox (Honorary Secretary to the PCC) ## **Safeguarding Report** ## Safeguarding Statement The PCC has complied with the duty under sec�on 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016, fully recognising its duty to have due regard to House of Bishops guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. All Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and relevant training for St Mark’s members who are responsible for regular ac�vi�es with children and vulnerable adults have been completed and up to date, these are for all Church Leaders, Safeguarding team, PCC Members, Church Wardens, Messy Church Leaders, and Choir Master. The Safeguarding representa�ves a�end regular mee�ng and training events to keep up to date with all new regula�ons and guidance. St Mark’s is now on the “Parish Dashboard” and “the Parish Hub”, this is a central online computerised system for recording parish records. Safeguarding protocols & policies have been reviewed and updated where necessary. The Safeguarding Team has been more proac�ve in promo�ng a safer church environment at St Mark’s No Safeguarding issues have been reported this year. Carol Anderson & Sue Thompson Safeguarding Representa�ve 6 Independent examlnoV8 report to the trustees of St klark's Church. Marske In Cleveland Parochlal Church Councll I report to the trustees on my examination ofthe accounts ofthe St Mark's Church, Marske in Cleveland Parochial Church Council (the Trust) for the year ended 31 December 2024. Responslbllltles and basls of report As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of Ihe accounts in accordan￿ with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (Ihe Acf). I report in respect of my examinalion of the Tfusvs accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying oui my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. Independent examinerfs statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to belbeve that in any material respect: 1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act: or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Chantelle Hodg%>n Fellow Chartered Accountant (ICAEW) 6 Corby Da￿S Close, Sattbum by the Sea TS12 1 PS 19 May 2025 Independent examination of charty accounts.. DirectFons and guidance for examiner5 (CC32) 55 THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESJASTICAL PARISH OF MARSKE IN CLEVELAND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31¥r DECEMBER 2024 Notes Unrestric Restricted Total Fund Fund 2024 Total 2023 RECEiiyfs AND PAYMENfs AccouKf FOR THE YEAR ENDED 315r DECEMBER 2024 Recelpts Incoming resourcesfmm donors Tax Efficient planned giving Gift Aid small donations scheme Collections L)onations Income Tax Recovered Artivitiesfor generatingfvnds Christmas Bazaar Upleatham Tn￿t Sundry Incomefmm Investments M & G Charifund Rent received from E E Church Artivities Weddng/Funeral Fees Gross Income from Magazine White House Lets White House Genral Tower Fund Sunday Club Charitable Givinq Children, Society & Others Funerals TOTAL RECEIPTS 35628 10516 2244 2876 10575 35628 10516 2244 2876 10575 33775 9251 4268 2372 59 2229 2229 2416 5623 5623 5832 3701 3701 3515 3063 11933 2958 12216 4496 11237 11933 2958 12216 4496 11237 9386 4264 12636 10283 72 2290 1546 3836 2290 1546 124131 3133 1845 115170 120295 Payments Church Activities Diocesan Freewfi Offering Clergy Expenses Church Running Expenses Fees (Weddings & Funerals) Fees { Auditor & Surveyor) Costs of trading (Magazine) White House Charitable Giving Sunday Club Sundry TOTAL PAYMEKfs 3134 26074 2972 330 4435 21128 5013 78 791 119955 18922 18922 420 420 14762 14762 4019 4019 829 101652 829 105671 4019 Excessldefidt of Recelpts over Payments Bank current account as at tst January 2024 Transfer to Yorkshlre Building Society Bank current account as at 31st December 2024 18460 18198 4785 22983 26658 18198 THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIAsncAL PARISH OF MARSKE IN CLEVELAND FINANCIAL￿ATEmENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 Notes UnrestTiCted Restricted Fund Fund Totsl 2024 Total 2023 SrATEMET￿ OF ASSEfs AND UABILtnESASAT31ST DECEMBER 2024 CASH FUNDS Santsnder Bank Account Yorkshire Building Society T17fAL CASH FUNDS 26658 26658 18198 36658 36658 18198 INVE5fMEKt ASSEts Uoyds Banking Group 73 Ordinary Share5 @ 54.78p M & G Charifund 117.206 Accurnulation Units M & G Charifund 2067 Income Units M & G Charifund 2045 Income Units (Parish Funds) 35 35158 29662 29343 112396 38258 30434 38258 30434 66797 135489 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL sfATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 Coffees/Raffles Memorial Book "IOO. Club Amaryllis Supper Sale Calendar5 Christmas Cards General Sales 2630 80 1490 iio 471 265 577 $623 aeani Wine. Wafers etr Gas Electricty Stationery Insurance Organ Service Repairs Dona Percentsge Bazaar Gui$boro￿ Deanery 2235 Honorarium 523 Cleani 4247 Gas 2726 Electricity 1565 Ins & Rates 4871 Porch Roofing 210 Routine Expenses 2183 Rodent Riddance 236 1200 3011 2517 1133 2310 3783 388 420 14762 57 List of funds at year end Sick & Poor Fund Magazine Tower White House Church Sunday Club TOTAL and on Its behalf by R.S.C.M. Riding Lights F.W.O. Envelope5 Sundry Expenses 127 550 738 -1446 40764 62 829 1950 -5834 486 36658 Approved by the Paro(hlal thurch Coundl 2nd Marth 2025 Rev. Julle Sknlth Ivkar) 2131 aoA5 **Electoral Roll** 147 people on the electoral roll as of December 2024. 120 residents 27 non residents David Dack (Electoral Roll Officer) ## **Redcar Foodbank.** Basic foodstuffs have con�nued to be donated regularly at St. Mark’s. During the year 595.1 Kg of food and other items were donated by our parishioners. The staff at the Foodbank look forward to our weekly dona�ons because of the wide variety of items we donate. They are extremely grateful and have expressed their thanks to all our church members. ## **Deanery Synod Report** Deanery Synod Representa�ves ## **Dr Janet Dack, Mr Jack Thomas, Mr Peter Tinkler** The Deanery Synod has met three �mes to discuss good prac�ce but also meet to share where support can be gathered. Whether this be on financial ma�ers, through the work of Bruce Williams (Deanery Financial Advisor) or the Diocesan Financial Advisor. There was a Deanery Day that sought to bring people together and celebrate the faith. Collec�ve faith of the Anglican communion, irrespec�ve of where our respec�ve churches are (high, low, or in between). Deanery Synod has been a really posi�ve experience for people to gather and share what it means to be a Chris�an and how to spread that message! Deanery Mee�ngs- **2nd July 2024, 1st October 2024.** Deanery Leadership Team (DLT): **Revd Adam Reed (Area Dean), Oliver ‘Ed’ Evans (Lay Area Dean), Bruce Williams (Deanery Financial Advisor), Jack Colin George Thomas (Deanery Secretary), Father Adam Gaunt, Jean Parncu�.** ## **Parish Magazine** Joyce Cawthorne decided to stand down as magazine editor in February 2024 and we thank her for her contribu�on to the life of St Mark’s and beyond during her �me producing the magazine. As a temporary measure the Vicar took over as editor. Despite increasing the price of the magazine and not using colour it is running at a deficit. Joyce did an excellent job of recrui�ng and making sure payment was received from adver�sers but this is s�ll something that needs to be addressed. The magazine is delivered to 250 residents and copies are placed in church, in the White House and in local businesses. Thanks go to Carol Anderson for coordina�ng this. 10 ## **Marske Bellringers** To celebrate 50 years since the new bells were hung in St Mark’s, a peal was rung. A peal consists of three hours of con�nual ringing star�ng, and finishing, with the bells rung in order from the treble (lightest) to the tenor (heaviest) bells . We also rang two quarter peals (only 45 minutes) and this enabled two of our newer members to become qualified members of the Yorkshire Associa�on of Change Ringers – Congratula�ons to Sue and Emma. We con�nue to ring for every 9.30 Sunday Service and to prac�ce every Monday evening. We o�en welcome visitors to our ringing sessions and also venture out to other towers. ## **Marske Bellringers Accounts 2024** INCOME EXPENDITURE Weddings £ 120.00 subs £ 108.00 subs £ 60.00 Repairs £ 84.60 interest £ 3.00 TOTAL £ 183.00 £ 192.60 ## BALANCE balance at 01/01/24 £ 147.58 deficit £ - 9.60 balance at 31/12/24 £ 137.98 ## **The White House** The White House con�nues to host an array of long term regular users from MOAM Soup kitchen to childminders and keep fit classes. Over the year we have welcomed some new users and have began to take a lot more bookings for children's par�es and hope to con�nue working with community groups with their room hire requirements. All enquiries regarding the White House to- Mrs K Callaghan 07412656492 thewhitehousemarske@gmail.com 11 ## **Mothers’ Union** Our Branch of 36 members con�nues to be run by commi�ee. On the first Monday in the month we hold a Prayer Group at 11am in church, the second Wednesday at 1.45pm is the Branch mee�ng when we have had interes�ng speakers and discussions and on the third Wednesday members take part in the 10.00am Communion Service followed by our coffee morning. Last year in Lent and Advent we had house groups and Services in church were led by Revd. Julie. On Mothering Sunday we provided daffodils and cards for both Services and contributed towards church flowers at Easter and Christmas. Fund raising events took the form of a�er Service lunches on Lady Day and Mary Sumner Day (to which we invited members from other Branches) and our annual Strawberry Tea. These with our monthly coffee mornings raised £1,400 for M.U. projects at home and abroad. Many thanks to all who supported these events. We con�nued suppor�ng the local Women’s Refuge dona�ng toiletries and household essen�als and together with our Church congrega�on, Easter eggs and Christmas gi�s for the women and children. Sadly in 2024 two of our long serving members passed away. Some members are now unable to get to mee�ngs but are s�ll suppor�ve in prayer and dona�ons. Jean Johnson (for Commi�ee) ## **Friends of St Germain’s** Our volunteer group will soon be returning to our tasks now that Spring is here. We will begin by removing any Christmas tributes and spent flowers which remain on interment plots and graves. We will con�nue our work, as the weather allows, by weeding interment plots and graves, pruning back plants and removing vegeta�on from the perimeter fences and walls. We also maintain the flower bed along the fence. During the year we have enhanced some old graves by clearing the plot, membrane and covering with decora�ve stones. We are grateful to Hugh and Mark, who assist our team, for their work in the churchyard. They have strimmed and mowed pathways which has given visitors a clear route through the churchyard and around the Commonwealth Graves. RCBC con�nue to cut the grass throughout the year and in April they replaced a broken gatepost. In November a beau�ful poppy cascade was created for the tower which was in place for the Remembrance Day service. Marske Fishermen’s Choir led our Candlelit Christmas event in December, generous dona�ons have boosted our funds. We have been given some funds by RCBC to help enable the repair of the perimeter Grade 2 listed wall. Thank you Gill Haveron 12 ## **St. Mark’s Choir** The Choir leads the worship at the 9.30 Sunday Eucharist. The music is varied in style to accommodate a range of musical tastes within the congrega�on. We aim to sing a short choral item at all 9.30 Eucharist services including all major fes�vals. The December Nine Lessons and Carols service went ahead as usual with some guests and members of the congrega�on joining the choir. The service was well a�ended again with an es�mated congrega�on of 110. It clearly a�racted visitors who do not regularly a�end St Mark’s, possibly because a no�ce was placed on St. Mark’s Facebook page. St Mark’s is fortunate in having a small core of very loyal singers who a�end almost all prac�ces and services. We are a small choir and every voice really counts. At present we have eight singers. N.B WE URGENTLY NEED RECRUITS IN ALL VOICES in order for us to fulfil our role at St. Mark’s. We have just one short prac�ce on Monday morning and sing at one Sunday service - not much more commitment than is made by regular members of the congrega�on already. The Choir cannot be taken for granted. We are fortunate in having two supplementary organists, Debbie Read and Llinos Mary who enjoy playing for us. All at St. Mark’s will miss Ann Saunby whose funeral was on August 22[nd] .Anne was a longstanding, much loved and very sociable member of the choir. She had a lovely soprano voice, and proclaimed her faith through the choir she loved.[.. ] Andrew Fox, Organist and choirmaster. ## **Choir Accounts 2024 -** Audited by Ian Stoker 02/04/25 For the purchase of robes, music, organ and piano repairs etc Summary Pe�y Cash Yorks BS 31/12/23 Brought Forward £24.19 £5100.82 Income £10.00 £ 172.84 Interest £ 178.00 Coffee Mornings Expenditure Nil Nil Balance at 31/12/24 £34.19 £5451.66 **----- Start of picture text -----**
NB Cofee Mornings
31/01/24 £50.00
29/05/24 £47.00
01/08/24 £40.00
30/1024 £41.00
£178.00
**----- End of picture text -----**
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