St. Mark’s Church MARSKE in
CLEVELAND
Annual Report
and
Financial Statements
of the
Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31[st] December 2025
Incumbent
The Rev’d Julie Smith
Bankers
Santander UK PLC Bootle
Independent Examiner
Chantelle Hodgson Fellow Chartered Accountant (ICAEW)
Vicar’s Report
For everything there is a season, and a �me for every ma�er under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1) 2025 began with St Mark’s celebra�ng the Epiphany reminding us that Jesus is for everyone. We joined with Churches Together at Marske Methodist Church on January 23[rd] for a service to celebrate the Week of Prayer for Chris�an Unity prepared by the ecumenical community at Bose in Northern Italy. 2025 saw the 1700[th] anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, so the worship service had the Nicene Creed at it’s heart and the Bible readings for the week focused on belief.
Lent began on the 5[th] March. We were invited to join with the Methodist Church for their Lent Course based on the Psalms. Lenten studies were provided by the MU and the Vicar. Money was also raised for USPG.
The Pop In at church celebrated World Frog Day on 20[th] March (an opportunity to look at the plagues in the Bible!) and the month ended with a service for Mothering Sunday.
April gave the opportunity to join with the other churches to give witness to the local community of the events of Good Friday. At that �me the square was not available so we met outside the op�cians which proved to be a good spot providing some seats and giving the people enjoying a coffee at the café an opportunity to join in with the hymns.
We rejoiced on Easter Sunday as the dawn broke over St Germain’s Churchyard even though the clocks had gone forward so an hour of sleep was lost.
We were pleased to host the St George’s Day District Scout service on the evening of the 23[rd] April and bless the Squirrel’s new banner.
On the 80[th] Anniversary of VE Day (8[th] May) pupils from St Bede’s laid a wreath at the War Memorial and there was a service in church on the evening.
At the end of May we celebrated Ascension Day with a service on the evening and then joined in with the Thy Kingdom Come ini�a�ve culmina�ng in Pentecost.
In July year 6 pupils from Errington and Westgarth were given a copy of the Scripture Union booklet It’s Your Move.
On the morning of 15[th] August we held a service to mark the 80[th] anniversary of VJ day.
We par�cipated with the other churches in helping out at Lunchbox Scheme during the August school holidays held at the Methodist Church in conjunc�on with Footprints.
The la�er part of the year saw us engaging with the celebra�on of harvest, the commemora�on of the faithful departed (All Souls), Remembrance Sunday Service in church and an act of remembrance at the War Memorial.
During November we engaged with the 16 Days of Ac�vism Against Gender Based Violence holding a service in church at the same �me as Revd Julie lead the short act of worship and 3-minute silence in York Minster.
Advent Sunday was an opportunity to join with other churches at a Peace Vigil held at the Methodist Church
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December began with a display of Na�vity Sets from around the world (mostly provided by Revd Elaine Scrivens) which proved interes�ng and was a talking point as we welcomed people in to church on the evening of the Santa Parade.
As well as holding a Chris�ngle Service open to everyone in church on 2[nd] December the Whitehouse was taken over by Key Stage 2 children from Errington where there was a hec�c but lovely session devoted to making over 115 Chris�ngles. It was a joy to see how the children and staff worked together to build their Chris�ngles and learn more about Jesus.
The whole school was asked to make a dona�on for the Children’s Society which resulted in over £100 going to a good cause.
Churches Together organised the Carol Singing in the square to coincide with the Christmas Market.
During December there was an Advent Study looking at the themes of love, hope, joy and peace to match the themes for the weekly Advent candles.
As 2025 drew to a close the great joy and wonder of Jesus’ birth was celebrated and we looked forward to 2026.
St Mark’s has con�nued to welcome people for bap�sms, weddings and funerals during 2025. The most amazing conversa�ons occurred when people just ‘popped in’ both visitors from afar and closer to home. There were laughter and tears as people remembered their wedding day or the death of a loved one or talked about what worried them in that moment.
In 2025 we began to think about the mission and vision of St Mark’s and how we can honour the past, be ac�ve in the present and prepare for the future.
This is an ongoing theme which we will con�nue in 2026 as we seek to discern God’s will for the church and the community we serve.
LyCiG Prayer for Growth
God of Mission
who alone brings growth to your Church, send your Holy Spirit to give
vision to our planning, wisdom to our ac�ons and power to our witness.
Help our church to grow in numbers, in spiritual commitment to you, and in service to our local community, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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.
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Churchwardens’ Report
This year saw the culmina�on of our fundraising for the work on the church tower. The work was completed in record �me, thanks to the fine weather. We now have a smart looking tower which will stand up to any weather. We are grateful for all the support we have had from church members and the wider community.
We held our first Garden Party on the church lawns. This was a great success, with families si�ng on the grass enjoying the sunny weather. We hope this will become an annual event. It is necessary to have fund raising events as our weekly income from collec�ons is insufficient to cover our essen�al overheads. We thank those who organise and support our events.
The PCC agreed to have the last Sunday of the month as a non-Eucharist service to encourage more people to a�end St Mark’s. Unfortunately it has not introduced new a�endees.
We have ensured that all the necessary safety checks have been completed. We are indebted to our team of hard working volunteers who ensure that the church and its grounds are kept in such good condi�on. We thank all who help us in this way.
Sue Sotheran, Peter Tinkler
PCC Secretary’s Report for 2025
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 PCC
Incumbent: Rev Julie Smith
Church Wardens: Mrs Sue Sotheran and Mr Peter Tinkler
Elected Representa�ves:The following succeeded the 2023-2024 commi�ee in May 2025 Miss Carol Anderson, Dr Janet Dack, Mrs Elizabeth Fox, Mrs Clare Marshall.
Mrs Laura Maskery, Mrs Margaret Tinkler, Mrs Sue Thompson, Mrs Maureen Taylor, Mr Jonathan Bragg, Mr Jack Thomas, Mr Andrew Fox
Representa�ves on the Deanery Synod: Dr Janet Dack, Mr Jack Thomas, Mr Peter Tinkler, Standing Commi�ee: Rev’d Julie Smith, Sue Sotheran, Peter Tinkler, (Wardens), Elizabeth Fox,(PCC Secretary), Janet Dack (LLM).
Mee�ng: The PCC met on eight 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.
Fund Raising: Quiz Nights, ”Tea on the Lawn.” Concerts by The Fishermen’s Choir, Rockulele, The Odell Singers and The White Rose Singers were supported by the PCC.
Mission and Vision: In March the PCC decided to look seriously at introducing a monthly non eucharis�c service at 9.30 am on Sundays and to possibly have more varied music to a�ract a more diverse congrega�on, with a target date of Sunday 25[th] May.
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Links with the Schools: Errington Primary School and Westgarth Primary use the Church for their Harvest Fes�val Service. Both schools took part in Experience Easter and Experience Christmas.Errington and Westgarth Primary Schools con�nue to use the Church for their Christmas Carol Service and Christmas produc�on respec�vely. Rev’d Julie Smith conducted assemblies at Bydales, Errington and Westgarth schools. Rev’d Julie Smith, Clare Marshall and Melissa Roberts holdadamy fortnightly.
Church Magazine: The Magazine is s�ll running at a significant loss at the moment. Efforts to correct this are being made.
Parcels for Eastern Europe: Gi� filled shoe boxes for families in Eastern Europe were again donated by members of the congrega�on for Christmas.
Women’s Refuge at Redcar: We have con�nued to provide gi�s at Christmas and Easter. Repairs to the Tower: In April the PCC authorised the withdrawal of £45,000 from the Res�cted Building Fund to enable the work on the work on the Tower to be completed over the summer. Fund raising and applica�ons for grants will be con�nued to replenish the Restricted Building Fund. The Diocese no longer makes a contribu�on to repairs such as ours.
Elizabeth Fox (Honorary Sectretary 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�ngs and training events to keep up to date with all new regula�ons and guidance.
St Mark’s is now using the “Parish Dashboard” and “the Parish Hub”, to keep all our parish records up to date and accurate, this is a central online computerised system
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
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Independent examiner's report to the trustees of St Mark’s Church, Marske in Cleveland Parochial Church Council
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the St Mark’s Church, Marske in Cleveland Parochial Church Council (the Trust) for the year ended 31 December 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in ' accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act ).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's 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 believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or
-
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 Hodgson Fellow Chartered Accountant (ICAEW) 23 March 2026
Independent examination of charity accounts: Directions and guidance for examiners (CC32)
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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF MARSKE IN CLEVELAND HNANCIAL STATEMENT5 FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025 Notes Unrestric Restricted Totsl Fund Fund 2025 Totsl 2024 RECEIPTS AND PAYMEKfs Accoumf FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025 Recelpts Incoming resourcesArom donor5 Tax Efficient planned giving Gift Aid small donations scheme Collection$ Donations Income Tax Recovered Artivitiesforgenemtinqfvnds Christmas Bazaar Upleatham Trust Sundry Incomefmm Invertments M & G Charifund Rent received from E E Church Activities WeddnglFuneral Fees Gross Income from Magazine White House Lets White House Genral Towef Fund Charitable Giving Children, Society & Others Funerals 37039 9314 2735 2559 9965 37039 9314 2735 2559 9965 35628 10516 2244 2876 10575 2339 2339 2229 8011 8011 5623 2583 2583 3701 13249 1974 10592 13249 1974 10592 11933 2958 12216 4496 112>? 111853 111853 2132 1518 3650 2132 1518 216727 2290 1546 124131 TOTAL RECEIPTS 2130n Payments Church Activities Diocesan Freewll Offerin8 cler Expenses Church Running Expenses Fees (Weddings & Funernlsl Fees l Auditor & Surveyor) Costs of trading (Magazifte Whlte House Charitsble Giving Capital Expenditure Church Sundry TOTAL PAYMEP4T5 55992 140 19097 4543 350 3635 15171 55992 140 19097 4543 18922 5806 420 4404 14762 4019 350 3635 15171 3227 127752 4487 234394 3227 127752 829 105671 231167 3227 Defidt of Recelpts Payments Bank current account as at 1st J•nuary 2025 Transfers frm Y.B.& and others Bank current account as at 3tst Detyiiber 2025 -17667 26658 15107 24098 18460 18198 26658
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF MARSKE IN CLEVELAND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025 Notes Unrestricteql Restricted Fund Fund Totsl 2025 Totsl 2024 STATEMENf OF ASSETS AND UABILMES AS AT 315r DECEMBER 2025 CASH FUNDS Santander Bank Account Yorkshire Building Society TOTAL CA FUNDS 24098 SOLD 24098 26658 24098 36658 INVESTME ASSETS Uoyds Banking Group 73 Ordinary Shares @ 97p M & G Charifund 117.206 Ac¢umulation Units M & G Charifund 2067 Income Units M & G Charifund 2045 Income Units (Parish Funds) M & G Charifund 2045 Inc Units (New Parish Funds) 71 71 SOLD SOLD 38258 30434 SOLD 26923 51092 26923 51092 135489 Credltor York Diocese Parish Share York Diocese Fees December Quarter NOTESTOTHE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 315r DECEMBER 2025 Cleaning Wine, Wafer5 etc Gas ElectriKity Stats'onery Insurance Repairs Dona Percentsge Bazaar 2934 Honorarium 329 Cleaning 3723 Gas 2632 Elertricity 563 Ins & Rates 4971 Renew Boiler 3r19 Routine Expenses 96 Drive Concreting 70 19097 12(Kl 3912 Upleatham Trust Coffee/Raffles Memorial Book Calendars Sale of cards General Sales YBS Interest Grass Cutting Clock Repair Easy Fund raising Tree Survey Town Chrustmas Open Week Christmas Evening Sick & Poor Fund °ICK)" Club 2164 iio 2140 1089 2743 2560 627 545 324 105 15171 33 473 141 140 iio 120 1570 8011 List of funds at year end 454 Sick & Pr Fund 423 Magazine 2620 White House 499 Church 137 Sunday Club 261 TOTAL 93 Julie's Payments Calendars Altsr Frontsls Octopus Bond R.S.C.M. Sundry F.W.O. Envelopes 758 -1661 .3716 28231 Approved by the P•fothlal Chur(h Coundl on 3rd February 2026 and on Its beh4f by Rev. Julle Smlth Mc•r)
Deanery Synod Report
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.
The Deanery has seen significant increase in a�endance in the Deanery Synod mee�ngs by all members within the Deanery which has meant that there has been greater posi�vity spread.
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 churchmanship.
Deanery Mee�ngs- 8th July 2025, 7th October 2025, 4th February 2026.
Deanery Leadership Team (DLT): Revd Adam Reed (Area Dean), , Jean Parncu� (Lay Area Dean), Bruce Williams (Deanery Financial Advisor), Jack Colin George Thomas (Deanery Secretary), Father Adam Gaunt.
Mr Jack Colin George Thomas, Mr Peter Tinkler. (St. Mark’s Synod Representa�ves)
Electoral Roll
For the purpose of the 2026 AGM
The stats are taken up to the end of December 2025 and are as follows: -
We had a total of 147, (120 residents and 27 non-residents.) in December 2024
The total for year-end DEC 2025 and for the purposes of the 2026 AGM are as follows:116,(88 residents 28 non-residents.)
David Dack (Electoral Roll Officer)
Redcar Foodbank.
Basic foodstuffs have con�nued to be donated regularly at St Marks.
In the year ending 31[st] December 2025, we donated 580 Kg. of food to the Redcar Foodbank. This was very slightly down on last year, but when you think that the amount donated was just over half of a metric Tonne of food, it makes you think what a real difference that makes to those who rely on Foodbanks to provide for their families.
The volunteers at the Food bank are extremely grateful for our contribu�ons week by week. - Brian Polli�.
Children’s Society
A large number of volunteers gathered to make over 100 oranges into Chris�ngles. The Chris�ngle Service was well supported and £452.00 collected for the Children's Society. A further £637.50 was raised by members of the congrega�on who had collec�on boxes in their homes.
Sue Beach.
The White House
The Whitehouse con�nues to host a range of ac�vi�es from Mondays Soup Kitchen to Tai Chi and Yoga. We have gained several new groups over the last year and it is becoming a popular venue for children's birthday par�es.
Mrs K. Callaghan.
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Marske Bellringers
This year the bellringing team have rung for every 9.30am Sunday Service and con�nued to prac�ce every Monday evening. They have welcomed visitors to prac�ce nights, helping other towers give their learners extra support. Five Quarter Peals were rung during the year. All our regular ringers have now managed to ring a Quarter Peal. They were pleased to ring for several weddings. The ringers raised the Christmas Star on the roof again. As their accustomed prac�ce, the ringers met in the tower on New Year’s Eve. All eight bells were rung ‘half muffled’ at the end of the old year and a�er midnight, ‘open’ to welcome in the new year.
Marske Bellringers Accounts 2024
INCOME EXPENDITURE Weddings £100 Repair £80 Visits £90 Interest £2 TOTAL £192 TOTAL £80 Balance 1.1.25 £137.98 Increase £112.00 Balance 1.1.26 £249.98
Mothers’ Union
Mothers' Union
Our Branch of 35 members con�nues to be run by Commi�ee.
On the first Monday (apart from the Bank Holidays) we hold a prayer mee�ng at 11am in Church and on the second Wednesday a�ernoon our Branch Mee�ng. On the third Wednesday our members have con�nued to take part in the 10am Communion Service followed by our monthly Coffee Morning. All are welcome at these events - for details (speakers etc) see the MU page in the church magazine.
In Marriage Week (7-14 Feb) we produced Prayer Cards which were handed out at Services. During Lent and Advent we held House Groups and our Services in Church were led for us by Revd. Julie. On Mothering Sunday we provided daffodils and cards for both Services and contributed towards the cost of church flowers at Easter and Christmas �me.
Our main fundraising event was the Annual Strawberry tea a�ernoon held in June and this, together with our monthly Coffee Mornings over the year raised £1,200 for M.U. projects at home and abroad. Many thanks to all who supported these events.
We con�nued to support the local Women's Refuge by dona�ng toiletries & household cleaning products and, together with our church congrega�on, Easter Eggs & Christmas gi�s for the women and children.
Toward the end of 2025 we were joined at one of our Branch Mee�ngs by Mrs Barbara Ford our Diocesan President who outlined the worldwide, na�onal and Diocesan plans to celebrate our 150th Anniversary in 2026!
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Jean Johnson (for Commi�ee)
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 at 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 very well a�ended again with an es�mated congrega�on of 150. 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 press we have seven singers. N.B WE URGENLY 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 Rev Bruce Harrison
Andrew Fox Choirmaster and Organist.
Choir Accounts 2025 - Audited by Ian Stoker 02/02/26
For the purchase of robes, music, organ and piano repairs etc Summary
Pe�y Cash Yorks BS 31/12/23 Brought Forward £34.19 £5451.66 Income Nill £ 181.05 £ 191.00 Coffee Mornings
Expenditure Nil Nil Balance at 31/12/25 £34.19 £5823.71 N.B Cofee Mornings 29/01/25 £52.50 30/04/25 £40.00 30/07/25 £53.00 29/10/25 £45.50 £191.00
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Friends of St Germain’s
Our small group of nine people have con�nued our work keeping the churchyard �dy. This includes weeding the interment plots, graves and the planted areas. We have cut back shrubs and climbers along the fence adjoining the gardens. We have 2 men who cut the grass in addi�on to the grass cu�ng done by the council. Hugh Docherty, an army veteran, keeps a cut path to the commonwealth graves and another gentleman cuts a path through to his family grave.
The Remembrance Day service was well a�ended and, as in previous years, a group of year 6 pupils from Errington read the roll of honour of the fallen who are buried or memorialised in the churchyard.
The Fishermen’s choir were unable to lead our usual Carols by Candlelight in December due to very wet weather. We have received dona�ons from Marske in Bloom to help with plants for the tubs. We also receive money from RCBC. Other dona�ons have been collected from FOSG members annual contribu�on and from single dona�ons from individuals throughout the year.
Gill Haveron
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