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2025-12-31-accounts

The Parochial Church Council of Ellesmere Port

2025 Annual Report

Ellesmere Port Parochial Church Council Annual Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31[st] December 2025

The Parochial Church Council of Ellesmere Port Annual Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31[st] December 2025

Reference and Administrative Details of Ellesmere Port Parochial Church Council, its Members and Advisors

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a charity registered with the Charity Commission in November 2009, registration number 1132859. Prior to this date, the PCC was a charity excepted from registration, by statutory instrument 2007 No. 2655.

Structure, Governance and Management

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. The Council comprises the Incumbent, the Churchwardens, those elected to the Deanery Synod, and other members who are elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting, by those on the Electoral Roll. Members of the congregation are always urged to join the Electoral Roll and to stand for election to the PCC. There is a Finance Committee which oversees the Parish Budget, and which makes recommendations to the PCC concerning the giving strategy of the Parish.

In 2025, the PCC met on seven occasions. All PCC members completed the required Diocesan Safeguarding Training and were DBS cleared.

The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance in the parish, and for all financial matters. In accordance with Church Representation Rule M29, a small amount of business was conducted by e-correspondence.

Administrative Information

The Church is situated on Whitby Road, Ellesmere Port CH65 6UW. It is part of the Deanery of Wirral south, in the Diocese of Chester. The PCC is a body corporate (PCC Powers Measure 1956, and the Church Representation Rules 2006).

Staff Team

Revd Rachel Newell (Rector) Chair Revd Gill Foster Resigned 30/09/25 Revd Ricky Montgomery Associate Minister licensed 03/12/25

Mrs Gemma Alexander-Bloomfield Resigned 15/06/2025

Mrs Charmaine Maw Parish Administrator

Church wardens

Helen Burgess St Thomas & All Saints Susan Mayers PCC Secretary St Thomas & All Saints Jan Tomlinson St Lawrence Jane Chance St Lawrence

Term of office expires

Deanery Synod Representatives

Sue Johnson (stepped down during 2025)
Helen Burgess

Karen Milne
Parish Safeguarding Officer
Gemma Alexander-Bloomfield (Stepped Down May 2025)
2026
Elected Members
Pam Maxwell
Dayna Harrison
St Lawrence
2026
Jean Welch
St Lawrence
2026
David Blair
Ruby Milne
Amanda Price
Win Moorcroft
Mike Burton
Lorraine Shields

Molly Bunnell
The following were co-opted:
Diana Burton
Assistant treasurer
Judith Derby
Gift Aid Secretary
Gaynor Lyth
Treasurer		 2026
2026
2028
2026
2026
2026
2027
2027
2028
2028

Other members of the ministry Team

The parish has one retired Clergy member with PTO: Revd Gordon Welch who is based at St Lawrence. We are also blessed with one reader emeritus: Frank Mawdsley who serves mainly at St Lawrence Church, and one Reader: Mrs Linda Tudor, who was licensed on October 12[th] , 2024. In addition, we have an occasional worship leader, Helen Burgess, and during 2025 had 2 ordinands with us on placement.

Advisors and Agents

The PCC’s Bankers: Barclays Bank Leicester LE87 2BB Independent Examiner: Mr W.J. Ford. A.C.M.A 7 Plymyard Close Bromborough Wirral

The PCC’s Investment Managers: CCLA Investment Management Ltd 80 Cheapside London

EC2V 6DZ The PCC’s Insurers are: Ecclesiastical Beaufort House Brunswick Road Gloucester GL1 1JZ The PCC’s Treasurer is: Mrs Gaynor Lyth 27 Fern Road Whitby Ellesmere Port CH65 6PA

Aim and Purposes

The joint PCC has the responsibility of cooperating with the Incumbent, the Reverend Rachel Newell (vicar), in promoting the ecclesiastical parish, the Diocese, and also at home and abroad the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC is also responsible for maintaining the church buildings and grounds; of which there are two; St Thomas & All Saints, Ellesmere Port and St Lawrence, Stoak. The mission statement of the Parish is ‘Christ in the centre of the Church; the Church at the centre of the Community.’

Objectives and Activities

The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our Churches and to become part of our church family. When planning our activities, we consider the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit, and in particular the specific guidance on charities for the advancement of religion.

Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament. We try to enable ordinary people to live out their faith as part of our parish family, through:

To facilitate this work, it is vital that we maintain the fabric of the church buildings.

In addition, the parish provides for the wider community:

All of this helps us to live out our mission statement

“Christ at the centre of the church, the church at the centre of the community”

We have two church schools connected to the parish; The Ellesmere Port Church of England College (voluntary-aided) which is a member of the Frank Field Trust, together with Ellesmere Port Christ Church – Church of England Primary School. They provide opportunities for partnerships between the church and the schools.

The Clergy team have a strong relationship with both schools. with church members serving as governors and trustees. We are also welcomed into many of the local primary schools in the parish, leading acts of worship/assemblies together with our assembly team, who take Bible stories into many local primary schools in the parish.

In these ways the Parish carries out the aims expressed in its Mission Statement. “Christ at the centre of the church, the Church at the centre of the community”

As part of the process of appointing a new Associate Rector, we reached out to the PCC and the wider church family to talk about our dreamed vision for the future:

Some of this will help us to form a vision in the coming year. The staff team have certain roles and responsibilities in order for the above goals to be achieved.

Safeguarding

The benefice reviewed and re-approved its safeguarding policy in 2025. The policy is in line with the diocesan and national church safeguarding guidelines. We worked hard at using the Safeguarding Portal to ensure that we adhere to best safeguarding practice.

Volunteers

The members of the PCC would like to thank all the volunteers who work so tirelessly to make our church a lively and vibrant community.

Review of the Year

We are blessed with three different congregations that meet in two buildings. We work together on all our operations, activities, projects and outreach so our review is that of the whole parish.

We began 2025 with a full team however within 2025 our Associate Rector retired, and our community development worker resigned.

Our daily online morning prayer has continued into its fourth year and has continued to flourish. It has become a central part of the prayer life of the parish. This year, we have had new people join the rota of those who lead, as well as others joining to pray. In addition to this, a committed group also continue to meet online with a focus on healing, praying for the church family and beyond. A group also meet regularly to pray for the Clergy, the Beacon project and the needs of the parish. Our prayer chain has also been active during the year. Prayer ministry is offered during every 10.45am

communion service at St Thomas. All of the above have meant that prayer has been central in the life of the parish.

Our three services across the parish continue to go well and all have seen some growth. In addition to a regular flow of child baptisms, we have seen 6 adults be baptised and 5 people confirmed. This was a highlight of the year.

In December our curate, Revd Ricky Montgomery, was licensed as our associate Minister. He continues to develop his ministry in local care homes and is continuing to form a visiting team, as well as beginning to explore what ministry in a new way looks like here in Ellesmere port.

As a parish we are blessed with a good number of children. It has been wonderful this year to see some of them taking a more active role in services such as reading, assisting in communion, tech and music. Our ABC and Ignite children did a wonderful job of leading our Nativity services, it was another great highlight in our church year.

Our ABC service specifically designed for Children and families from the community around St Lawrence has continued to flourish and to see new faces. Some of these families want to have their children baptised, and it provides a great opportunity to teach all ages about faith and to enjoy some excellent food provided by our wonderful volunteers.

Ignite, which is our Sunday group based at St Thomas for children, continued with a small group of committed volunteers teaching our children week by week, with the privilege of planting seeds of faith into young and exploring minds, however this is an area for growth and consideration as we move forward.

Our What’s Next group for year Six and upwards continues to meet and has kept some of our young people engaged. This group is run by a small group of volunteers.

The parochial church council continues to work in sub-groups to give focus in certain aspects of church life – finance, fabric, Eco Church and Community Outreach.

The clergy team hosted the annual Remembrance Service in the Civic Square where a large congregation joined together made up of church members but largely the local community, members of the armed forces, uniformed organisations and schools in giving thanks and remembering those who died serving their country.

We joined with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ from churches in Ellesmere Port and brought some joy to the shoppers in the local shopping centre singing our Easter Praises and then again bringing Christmas cheer with our carol singing.

The relationship with our Scouting groups has continued to develop. Our associate minister continues to serve as their chaplain. They attended our Harvest service once again and visited our Easter Experience and our Christmas events. The scouts also hosted a very successful summer fair in the grounds of the church where everyone was welcome to join in with the games and tuck into the delights from the barbecue.

The PALS group continued to grow from strength to strength, meeting in the church hall on the fourth Friday of the month to enjoy a home cooked meal together, whilst enjoying fun and fellowship. PALS has been a lynchpin in bringing the congregations from St Thomas and St Lawrence

together for support and friendship. This group also welcomes many lonely and isolated folk in from the community.

Our knitters were kept very busy this year, knitting both Our Easter Chicks and then Christmas Angels which were spread around the community sharing God’s love and hopefully bringing a smile to brighten people’s day.

The news of the parish continued to be shared via a monthly newsletter emailed out to the church family with hard copies available for those without access to the internet. This was in keeping with our efforts to be more Eco conscious and saving paper.

Cell groups continued to meet again in person in homes. This is an area of church life that is so valued by its members and is an area of ministry and support to be developed.

We hosted several fundraising events in 2025 to aid the ever-increasing costs of running a parish. These also proved to be excellent social events where congregation members were able to easily invite people and attract members of the local community. Highlights were ‘gunge the vicar’ and our famous Christmas fair.

Our work with local schools continued and was strengthened even more in 2025. Seven local primary schools were invited to join us for our Experience Easter Week to come and hear more about what the story of Easter means for them. They were a credit to their schools and an inspiration to the children that attended. It continues to be a parish highlight. This initiative was a great success and enjoyed by pupils and teachers alike. We have also been more involved with the Ellesmere Port Church of England College hosting their year 7 welcome service, offering a reflection for Remembrance Day and leading and speaking at their Christmas Service, which has resulted in us being invited to speak to various classes during the year. We are also working in partnership with the school in running our Food Initiative Group. Each time the school send a group of year 12/13 pupils to assist. They are a testament to the school and a lovely way of serving the community together. They also helped lead Easter Experience

It has been a pleasure to welcome into church, class visits looking at baptism, special places, buildings and music amongst other topics. It has also been a great privilege to be invited into schools to talk about subjects such as weddings, Baptism, confirmation. We also supported our local CofE school with their Values day where the children focused on the term value for an entire day. The clergy and ordinands gave a distinctly Christian approach which was a real privilege. We have also hosted Messy Church sessions each half term at Christ Church which has had the added bonus of family members and friends joining us and hearing more about Jesus! As well as leading collective Worship, the clergy lead a half termly communion service in the school where church members, and parents are also invited. This ministry is complimented by our assembly team who take bible stories into many of our local primary schools. We also welcomed schools into church for their Christmas and Easter Services which was a great blessing at the end of the year for all involved.

The number of weddings has remained low; we conducted several child Baptisms and a good number of adult Baptisms. We continue to offer a busy funeral ministry. We continue to offer support to our bereaved families writing to them not long after their bereavement and inviting them to our Tea at Two, afternoon tea and to a Blue Christmas service which was particularly appropriate for those who were spending their first Christmas without their loved one. Each bereaved family also received a ‘goody bag’ at Christmas just to remind them we were still thinking of them.

We had a varied and full Christmas programme reaching out to the community, serving the community and ministering to those in our church family. We supported ‘give a gift to a stranger’ with our local hostel for young homeless adults. Churches together along with local schools supported the Christmas Shoebox appeal sending gifts overseas to children who would otherwise be without on Christmas Day. We hosted our Christmas fair which is always very well supported by the community, and it was so good to welcome old and new faces into the building to enjoy fun and fellowship whilst raising much needed funds for church. As well as our many Christmas services, which often attract those that don’t usually attend church.

We continued to build a good relationship with our local Pub opposite St Lawrence and hosted a ‘Carols and Cake’ event. Although supported by church members it was mostly attended by people in the local community and surprised customers who had gone along for a quiet pint or meal. Sadly, the landlords moved on shortly after this so we await the arrival of who comes next and what our working relationship can be.

One of our churches is an ancient building which continues to be a place of beauty and inspiration but also frustration. We continue to bring the churchyard back into order and to comply with Chester Diocesan Churchyard Rules 2007. We continue to be thankful for the many volunteers who work together to help keep the churchyard looking neat, tidy and a peaceful place to be. We are continually grateful to the pay it forward project, which, despite a short break in 2024, has mowed the grass, which is such a huge blessing.

We have so much to be thankful for with regards to the many blessings we take for granted each day, particularly giving thanks that we have managed to just keep our heads above water with regards to church finances which is something we do not take for granted.

We have sadly lost a few committed church members this year and some have become unwell and are unable to help in the same way. We continue to be so thankful for all that people give to the life of the church.

All of the above would not be possible without the energy and commitment of many from the church family doing as Jesus did in caring, loving and serving others, using their gifts, skills and talents and perhaps more importantly giving their time. Time is precious and so we must use our time wisely and do what He commanded us to do and that is to make disciples and it is our hope that all that is done in His name will one day come to bear fruit, fruit that will last. We are blessed that we are growing disciples who have a passion to share the Gospel message in so many creative and thoughtful ways. We are encouraged to see others joining the church community who are learning more about the God who loves them.

Revd Rachel Newell

Outreach and Community

This year our community development worker resigned, this felt like a natural opportunity to stop and reflect as well as to think about what that means going forward.

Sadly, some of our activities had to go on pause and we are continually reviewing what is possible without the funding that our community development worker was able to bring in.

Despite this we continue to be focussed on our community providing a range of activities and programmes that people can engage with.

Our work with schools supporting families with our food hamper project continues to flourish, We have huge concerns over the growing numbers of families seeking this support. We have meet with both the schools and our MP to discuss this further. Our community partners supporting us with donations, van hire and support on packing days are such a blessing towards this initiative. However, this is a project which is directly linked to the funding we receive. We pray for the right way forward.

Toms Tots, our toddler group has a wonderful group of volunteers who have taken on additional roles throughout the year, whether that be leading worship, organising crafts, or preparing snacks, the team ensure this fellowship is well organised week in, week out. Again, some of our tots families have ventured towards our other church services too, and we are seeing that growth in spiritual commitment towards our parish.

Tea at Two is bursting at the seams! Open to anyone who would like company, a good cup of tea and some unbelievably delicious cake courtesy of the fantastic bakers we are so blessed to have within our parish, this has attracted fresh faces to attend from the community along with the many regulars attending from both churches. We have added additional tables to fit everyone in.

The above work has been funded by a number of grants and donations, for which we are truly thankful.

The Beacon Project – the re-ordering of St Thomas Church did move at pace during the early parts of 2025. There had been much work already undertaken with the architects, and planning permission has now been granted. This project is temporarily paused why we discern our vision, then we can assure that the Beacon project and the building it provides will help us to fulfil our vision.

We have much to be thankful for, and value our community relationships. We are thankful to all the volunteers from church and beyond that make this happen, in order that we can play are part in the developing of Gods Kingdom.

Finances

– Finance Report Year End 31 December 2025

Finance Report – Year End 2025

The accounts show an overall operating deficit of £22,093 This was due to income for the year of £211,525 and an expenditure for the year of £233,618.

This deficits were: “unrestricted” funds of £15,711 “designated” funds of £5,162 and restricted £1,220.

During the year the PCC has distributed £3,330 to support charities at home and overseas. This is in addition to the work our Community Outreach Group do in support of local families.

General Fund -£396.81 compared to £13,976.59 at year end 2024

This fund handles our regular giving and operating costs. Income from all sources in 2025 was £165,695 a decrease from 2024 of £6,255 and expenditure of £178,968 an increase of £9,505 compared to 2024.

61% of our income in this fund came from the giving of church members, including £20,621 recovered from gift aid during the year. Our total giving inclusive of gift aid was broadly the same as 2024. We generated £5,845 from fund raising during 2025 compared to £6,355 in 2024. Our income from Childsplay nursery rent, St Thomas Car Park and St Thomas Room and Hall Hire was £38,170 up from £35,451 in 2024. In 2024 interested was allocated to the General Fund of £8,916 and this was reduced to £1,879 in 2025 as the majority of the interest earned was allocated to the Re-Ordering fund (Beacon Project).

Total expenditure in the general fund was £178,968. The parish share of £110,864 (62% of expenditure) was paid in full.

Building For Churches: £17,060 compared to £20,500 at year end December 2024.

The Building for Churches is our reserve for the car park or major repairs. During 2025 we funded a repair to the church roof and also lines in the carpark costing a total of £3,440

Donation fund: £4,905.89 compared to zero at year end December 2024.

This fund is for expenditure agreed by the PCC in line with those who made the donations.

During 2025 we received £15,554.22 into the fund, made up of two legacy donations, plus fundraising for the children’s areas in our churches. We spent, £10,554.22 in total, on roof repairs to the church and hall, plus new blinds, lighting and the children’s areas. Leaving us with a balance of £4,905.89

St Lawrence: - £7,040.82 compared to £295 at year end December 2024.

This fund is specifically for the use of St Lawrence. During 2025 we received donations totalling £7,285 and spent £539.18 on the purchase and installation of a new noticeboard.

We are holding £250 towards oil, plus £6,750 specifically for the tower repairs.

St Thomas reordering – (Beacon Project ): £223,957.13 compared to £229,567 at year end December 2024.

This fund has been designated by the PCC for the Reordering of St Thomas.

During 2025 the fund received £11,104.75 with £10,245.09 being interest payments, and £859.66 in fund raising.

With expenditure being, £16,715.09. Wages and pensions for our Community Development Worker accounted for £11,897.39 and £4,817.70 on professional fees.

Community Outreach Group [COG] £7,470.07 compared to £15,436 at year end December 2024.

This fund was established to hold funds raised for our work in the community. During 2025 we delivered hundreds of bags of food to six local schools before each of the six school holidays, for families they have identified as being in need. We have also hosted various events during the holidays including a visit to the Welsh Mountain Zoo and a Christmas Party.

During 2025 we received income totalling £11,296.26 into the fund and spent £19,262.66.

The income was made up of various grants plus donations from the Freemasons, George’s Newsagents and our old Men’s Group. Other funding came from congregation donations, Tom’s Tots and cinema night.

Contingency Fund: £17,002 unchanged from 2024.

This fund is held for emergencies

Endowment 500850001R - £21,894 compared to £22,329 at year end December 2024.

This fund has no restrictions and is held to support our reserves.

Unfortunately, investment returns in 2025 were not as good as previous years and the fund decreased in value by £435 as of 31 December 2025.

TOTAL RESERVES £38,986

Our reserve policy is to hold 3 months general expenditure inclusive of our Parish Share which would currently amount to £37,786. Our reserve funds less the deficit on our General Fund meet this policy.

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Balance Sheet

Cash at bank and in hand is £19,381 however, £264,839 is invested with CCLA in the CBF church of

England Deposit account. This earns interest at 3.63% and provides instant access.

Of the total net assets an amount of £17,002 is held in the contingency Fund. Our Endowment

fund was valued at £21,894 and has no restrictions. This forms part of our contingency fund and provides us with a total reserve of £38,896.

Our current reserve is 3 months general expenditure (£41,743) needed to cover emergency

situations. We are slightly below this target, but moving into 2026 our Parish share will be reduced meaning our reserve can afford to be lower in 202

The treasurer would like to thank the people who assist in performing the finance functions of the church. These include but are not limited to the assistant Treasurer (Mrs Diana Burton), the team who reconcile and bank the weekly collections (Mrs Sylvia Bestwick and Mrs Jan Tomlinson), the Gift Aid Officer (Mrs Judith Derby), and the car park coordinators (Susan Mayers and Charmaine Maw).

Gaynor Lyth

Ellesmere Port Parish Treasurer

Ellesmere Port Parochial Church CouncRI Financial Statements for the ear ended st 31 December 2025 Accountants Re ort st I report on the accounts of the P.C.C. for the year ended 31 December 2025, which are set out on the attached pages. The P.C.C. Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts, and consider that the audit requirement of section 43(2) of the Charities Act 1993 (the Act) does not apply. It is my responsibility to state, on the basis of procedures specified in the General directions given by the Charity Commissioners under section 43(7)(b) of the Act, wether particular matters have come to my attention. My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the P.C.C. and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosuTe5 in the accounts, and seeking explanations from Trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements: to keep accounting records in accordance with section 41 of the Act, to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the Act. have not been met, or to which in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enabl¢ a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. William John ord A.C.M.A.I C.G.M.A. Member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants 7 Plymyard Close Bromborough Wirral CH62 6DS l O April 2026