THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND Diocese of Chester The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Stretton St Matthew's Trustee Annual Report and Financial Statements for Year ending 31st December 2024 Registered Charity Number: 1132920
Acknowledgement This report pays tribute to all those in the congregation,. the PCC and the Clergy team for all their work and ministry in supporting our church, often not seen, but for the benefit of the whole parish.
St. Matthew's Church St. Matthew's Church is situated in the village of Stretton in Warrington with the parish boundaries encompassing Appleton and Stretton, and bordering Appleton Thorn and St Cross Church which is within the Benefice. The Parish of St Matthew's Stretton is in the Deanery of Great Budworth and is part of the Diocese of Chester. The Church is a Grade11 listed building with a rich heritage dating back to 1827. The Church is built of red sandstone with Westmorland slate roofs and has a bell tower accommodating a ring of eight bells. It also has a tower clock with two unique clock faS (there are only about half a dozen church clocks in the country which have letters instead of numbers). The Parish was originally in a rural village location, but now, north of the M56, is becoming part of the south Warrington conurbation, whilst remaining more rural south of the motorway. The recent housing developments have increased the population. New housing is proposed south of the church, which will place the Church at the heart of a housing community, rather than its previously rural position. The Church considers itself very fortunate to have such a beautiful building, although maintenance of the fabric continues to be a challenge. St Matthew's Church of England Primary School is an integral part of the Church family. It is located next to the Church which facilitates the use of the Church by the School. This allows children of all ages to familiarise themselves with the building, not just for faith-related activities, but for its history, architecture, and heritage. The Church Hall is located next to the School. It is used on a regular basis by several local groups such as Brownies and Stretton Parish Council as well as Church groups and hired out for celebrations. During the weekdays, it is used by Pre-school, which is very popular. There is an ongoing effort by the Church Hall Management Committee to market the benefits of hire within the local community.
The Vicar's Report 2024- the Reverend Alan Jewell That was the yearthat was... At the time of writing (March 2025), we have just obsenjed a Day of Reflection marking the fifth anniversary of the first lockdown of the COVID19 pandemic. It is clear that the shadow of those events still hangs over us, and 2024 was a year in which we worked hard to consolidate our recovery. What do we see when we look back at 2024? We give thanks for the life and witness of our church communities in a year that had its share of challenges and blessings as we continued to rebuild. Worship The COVID pandemic had a massive impact on our worshipping communities. As I said last year.. "We lost regular worshippers as people aged, continued to isolate, or simply got out of the habit of attending church. Having said that, both churches also show encouraging signs with new people attending services, and, at St Matthew's, a core group of young families who come to Praise & Play and to Sunday morning worship. On Sundays at St Matthew's, when it is a communion service, we have a small team of volunteers who lead activities for children. Our thanks to them. Sadly, St Cross doesn't have any children who come to church regularly. Families with children are assured of a warm welcome in both churches! Our regular pattern of services is unaltered. As we began to recover from the lockdowns, we established a weekly communion service at St Cross at 9.30AM. At St Matthew's, the main service is at 10.45AM- it is Holy Communion on the first and third Sundays, and all-age friendly Morning Worship on the second and fourth. On those Sundays when it is Morning Worship at St Matthew's, we have a Communion seniice at 8AM, with a small band of dedicated worshippers. On the first Sunday of the month, we have a 6.30PM evening service which is informal and uses more contemporary worship songs. Although it is at St Matthew's, worshippers come from both churches. Where there is a fifth Sunday, we usually have a United Service which more-or-less alternates between the two churches. When it is at St Cross, the United Service is at 9.30AM, and when it is at St Matthew's, it is at 10.45AM (i,e. the usual start time for morning services in the host church). Morning services from St Matthew's are routinely livestreamed and recorded. Sometimes the results are a bit patchy, with glitches caused by our very basic setup, but we are doing our best. If you or someone you know would like to help with tech, please let us knowl Each year, both churches enjoy a visit from one of the bishops. In 2024, Bishop Sam, the bishop of Stockport, came to St Cross, and Bishop Julie, the bishop of Birkenhead, came to St Matthew's. Our thanks go to those who regularly lead and support our weekly worship: among them, Reader, Linda Buckley., retired priest Geoff Buchan,. and those who clean and decorate the churches, arrange flowers, ring bells, navigate through PowerPoint presentations, welcome visitors, and serve coffee after services. Life Events In 2024, our two churches were responsible for 19 baptisms (down from 31 in 2023, and 37 in 2022), 7 weddings (up from 6 in 2023, but down from 11 in 2022), and 22 funerals (up from 18 in 2023, and down from 23 in 2022)
Of the 19 baptisms, 10 were at St Matthew's, and 9 at St Cross., of the 7 weddings, 6 were at St Matthew's, with just 1 at St Cross., and of the 22 funerals, 19 were held on behalf of St Matthew's, and 3 on behalf of St Cross. (Funerals that go directly to the crematorium or cemetery are regarded as being the responsibility of one of the two churches, even if there is no seniice held in church.) The statistics, of course, don't tell the full story. Among those for whom funerals were conducted there were, as always, some familiar names, including some who were regular worshippers, and some who were well-known in the local community and beyond. Some funerals are memorable because they are a joyful celebration of a life lived to the full. But this year, l also officiated at the burial of a baby who arrived in this world prematurely and did not survive. Our prayers are with all who have lost loved ones. As always, l am grateful to those who support our 'Life Events, services the Vergers, (Alan Bruce at St Matthew's and David Rose at St Cross) the Churchwardens at both churches Carol Rylett who is Baptism Administrator at St Matthew's Rose Jewell, who is first call musician for weddings and funerals (and those who deputise when she is not available) those who arrange flowers the bellringers at St Matthew's. other clergy who occasionally take seniices, including the Revd Geoff Buchan. Volunteers In last year's report, I commented on the drop in numbers of people who do any voluntary work, and the impact that has had on our churches and other charities. I regularly have conversations where people say to me, "What we need is some younger folk to step up and take responsibility,.. Thankfully, both churches have committed volunteers who take on roles, Among them are 1. Churchwardens.. David Shaw and Sandra Bates at St Cross, Stephen Edwards at St Matthew's. 2. Members of both Parochial Church Councils, including our Treasurers, Catherine Edwards at St Matthew's and Tracy-Anne Clancey at St Cross. As noted in last year's report, Catherine had announced her intention to stand down as Treasurer. We are very grateful to her for her continued support for St Matthew's, and to Matthew Heywood who came forward to take on the Treasurer role. 3. Safeguarding Officers.. Paul Clancey at St Cross and Maddy Murdoch at St Matthew's. Social Events Both churches are open for coffee on a weekly basis - Tuesday mornings at St Cross and Wednesday mornings at St Matthew's - and refreshments are offered after most services. Thanks to the hospitality teams in both churches. Both churches have regular social events, which also raise funds. Examples include music nights,
sausage butties served after church, a hotpot lunch, flower-arranging classes, a history talk, and so on. Appleton Thorn Village Choir are regular contributors on these occasions, and, at St Matthew's, we also enjoyed welcoming singers and musicians from St Matthew's Primary School. The Singing Kettle is a monthly get-together at the Church Hall for a chat over a cuppa and a bit of a singalong. Once a month, St Matthew's hosts a pub quiz, thanks to the kind hospitality of the Stretton Fox, who also generously provide a prize for the winning team. Thanks also to our exlIent quiz-setter and presenter, Linda Buckley, and her ever-helpful assistant, Dennis. All of these occasions do raise money for the churches, but they are also intended to be enjoyable.. we want to put the fun into fundraising. Looking ahead As I mentioned at the start of this report, l am writing at a time when we are reflecting on the fifth anniversary of the first Covid lockdown. In my sermon at the start of Lent, I talked about Jesus going into the desert where he is tested, and about the people of God in the Hebrew bible, who spent 40 challenging years wandering in the wilderness. God's people often fail, but Jesus succeeds, and offers us the fruit of his victory to share. The Covid years were a wilderness experience, but as winter turns to spring, so Lent leads us to Easter. In Romans 7, the Apostle Paul reflects on his own struggles. He knows his brokenness and weakness. He wants to be good and to good, but his humanity is frail and fractured. He might fall into despair as he recognises his helplessness.. Wretched man that l am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? But he follows that question immediately with the answer.. Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lordl (Romans 7.25} Alan Jewell, Vicar, St Matthew's, Stretton, and St Cross, Appleton Thorn
Aim and Purpose. Aim The primary objective of all Parochial Church Councils (PCCS) is the promotion of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the doctrines and practices of the Church of England. The PCC has the responsibility to co-operate with the incumbent - the Reverend Alan Jewell - "in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical., (The PCC (Powers) Measure 1956). At St. Matthew's the mission statement is "Sharing the love of Jesus with all through friendship, prayer and service., The Church exists to serve its Parish - the whole local Community- not just its congregation. Structure, governance, and management. The Parochial Church Council is a corporate body established by the Church of England and is a Registered Charity (Charity No. 1132920). The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council (Powers) Measure 1956, the Church Representation Rules 2023, and the Charities Act 2011. Members of the PCC are either ex officio or elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting by those on the electoral roll, in accordance with the Church Representation Rules and the Charity Commission Guidance. They are the charity trustees who are "persons having the general control and management of the administration of the charity" (Charities Act 2011). The PCC is chaired by the Vicar and meets monthly, with the exceptions of August and December. Meetings alternate between a full business meeting and a discussion meeting of one or two items only. This allows for the business meeting to deal primarily with the operational and financial management of the Church, with reports from sub-committees, and any urgent business. The discussion meeting allows for in-depth debate on key items and is important both for the education of members and to allocate more time for topics which may have greater medium to long term significance than could be given in a bigger agenda. At the Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on Sunday 19th May 2024 there were no new nominations to PCC: Laura Matheson expressed an interest in joining the PCC, having not been nominated before the meeting, was co-opted by the PCC. During the year Matt Heywood was also co-opted as a member of the PCC. Stephen Edwards was elected as churchwarden for a further year. There were no other nominations for churchwarden. An active database was maintained ensuring that DBS checks are undertaken and maintained, and that all PCC members complete the appropriate level of safeguarding training. During the year Maddy Murdoch was appointed as Parish Safeguarding Officer, and has now implemented the diocesan Safeguarding Dashboard to ensure that appropriate checks, actions and training are in place. The PCC has complied with the duty under Section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016, fully recognising its duty to have due regard to the House of Bishops, guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
During the year, the following served as members of the PCC.. Ex Officio Revd. Alan Jewell Church Warden Stephen Edwards Lay Representatives on The Deanery Synod Linda Buckley Stephen Edwards Carol Rylett Treasurer Bob Turner from March 2024 (resigned May 2025) Stephen Edwards from June 2024 ' Secretary Stephen Edwards from June 2024 Elected Members Elected until 2025 Jean Doherty Elected until 2026 Carol Rylett Co-opted until 2025 Laura Matheson Co-opted until 2025 Matt Heywood * Under the Church Representation Rules Part 9 M20 if no one is appointed as Treasurer, the role has to be discharged by a Churchwarden. We are grateful to Catherine Edwards who has continued to do the church's book-keeping. The Standing Committee of the PCC meets monthly to consider any matters between PCC meetings, and to set the agenda and to ensure that relevant papers and information are ready to inform decision-making. It also has the responsibility to transact the business of the PCC between meetings. The PCC is assisted by a Finance Sub-Group and the Church Hall Management Committee. The Sub-committee membership is voluntary with PCC members agreeing to assist with the work required in their specific area in order that the PCC is given detailed information on which to base decisions. Non-PCC members are also invited to participate, where their individual area of expertise greatly assists the work being undertaken. The Sub-Groups do not have executive responsibility. The Church Hall Management Committee is responsible for the operational management of the Church Hall, and the management of bookings. At the beginning of the year the PCC appointed Richard Williams as its architect.
St Matthew's is represented on the Deanery Synod by the Vicar and three lay members. Our Reader is the Lay Chairman. The Deanery Synod is an intermediary between the PCC and Diocesan Synod and usually meets three times per year. The Deanery Synod is made up of Clergy and Laity members from across the Great Budworth deanery. It met three times during the year to hear reports from the Diocesan Synod, to discuss the Diocesan Strategy, the church's work at Creamfields and other matters. A key responsibility of the PCC is to identify how our activities are focused on achieving public benefit and positively impacting on the lives of people in our congregation and community. The Strategy work has focused significantly on how the Church can outreach and build increasingly stronger links with the local community. The incumbent, Alan Jewell, and the PCC are very aware of the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the specific guidance on "Charities for the advancement of religion" (2011) and are keen to demonstrate how this is being achieved in practice. io
Objectives and Activities Strategic development to enable recovery and growth. The church has returned to a more normal situation post COVID, and we continue to explore new areas of development.. Continuing to develop links and promote positive action beyond the Church building into the Community. This involves communication and events. Develop and progress our work on eco-church. Eco Church is a scheme run by A Rocha, UK equipping churches to care for God's creation through their worship, buildings, land, community engagement, and individual lifestyles. There is a survey tool which assesses a church's current position and has advice on how to become more Eco-friendly. Promote the Diocesan strategy. The diocese has four working parties looking at the four streams of the strategy which are: Growing our Missional Health - helping each worshipping community (of which parishes are a main constituent) grow in their personal discipleship to Jesus Christ, and their mission together in their local community Increasing our Missional Reach - helping each worshipping community to reach those key demographics in their local context who are not currently part of their worshipping community- in particular this is about helping us becoming younger and more diverse Planting new Missional Communities - helping each worshipping community to be inspired to plant one new worshipping community by 2030, and looking at specific strategic planting I collaborative mission opportunities Developing Missional Leadership- encouraging and supporting our existing leaders (ordained, licensed, employed, volunteers), and creating the pathways to ensure that we can grow, train and release more people into missional leadership. li
Meeting our Objectives- Performance and Review Strategic development to enable recovery and growth Building on the work of the previous year four areas were identified for further work.. Service provision
Children & young people Nurturing Discipleship Events SeNice provision We maintained the adopted senjice pattern.. First and third Sunday 10.'45am Holy Communion Second and Fourth Sunday 8am Holy Communion, 10.45 Morning Worship Fifth Sunday.. A United Service with St. Cross. p A monthly Contemporary Evening Service. Children & young people With a number of families with young children having recently joined the church, we have re- started Children's Activities during the 10.45am Holy Communion services. Several people have volunteered to assist with this. It currently consists of activity sheets which are done around one of the tables at the back of the church. If there is sufficient demand for Children's Activities on a Sunday morning, and there are sufficient numbers, then the church hall is available. We have re-started doing Extravaganzas, aimed at families, on a quarterly basis. This involves refreshments, crafts and a short service. Nurturing Discipleship During Lent and Advent, we hold a weekly service of Compline (or 'Night Prayer,) which includes a reflection led by Alan or Linda. These usually follow a theme that encourages church members to consider how their own faith and discipleship might develop. Coffee after services on Sundays and Thursdays often provides opportunities for church members to discuss matter that have arisen from worship and preaching. Church Fellowship The Church Fellowship has amalgamated with Connections and now has 28 members across the benefice. This year's speakers have included Clatterbridge Cancer Charity and Rev. Shawn Verhey, Chaplain at Thorn Cross. Other activities have included Afternoon Tea at Fryer's Garden Centre, a Whist Drive, Christmas Decoration making and a Christmas meal at The Cat and Lion. At Christmas the Fellowship supported the Room at the Inn and the Y Project. The Singing Kettle. The Singing Kettle has regular gatherings on the fourth Thursday of every month in the Church Hall with refreshments and an informal sing-along. 12
Events A number of events were put on during the year for the local community, with the intention of reaching beyond the regular congregation: Stretton: The Bridgerton Years In November Clare Olver gave a talk on Stretton 200 years ago, as we are looking forward to 2026 being the bicentenary of the original church being built.. Clare had discovered a Stretton equivalent of Bridgerton's Lady Whistledown. Quizzes Linda Buckley has run a monthly quiz, which is hosted by the Stretton Fox. Musical evenings Two musical evenings were held in July and December featuring local musicians, ST. Matthew's Primary School, the Appleton Thorn choir and the Singing Kettle band leading everyone in song. Heritage Open Days On 14th September the Church was open as part of the national Heritage Open Days. The tower was also open up to the Ringing Chamber, and several people ascended to learn about bell ringing. Christmas Tree Festival The annual Christmas Tree Festival was held over the last weekend in November and the first in December with local businesses sponsoring and decorating the trees. Continuing to develop links and promote positive action beyond the Church building into the community. Communication is mainly electronic, using the church's website and Facebook page. Facebook Our Facebook page has 555 followers (640/0 of whom live in Warrington), but with sharing to other local pages our posts can reach more than double that number, with approximately a third engaging with the post (commenting, liking or sharing). Our audience profile.. 13
Audience 555 Facebook followers Age and gender •Men 20.10% Women 79.90% 20% Is% 0% -JJJ.iJ 1824 2S)d )544 4554 5564 54 You Tube We continue to stream our main Sunday service live on You Tube, which benefits members who are not able to get to the church. Our YouTube channel has 24 subscribers and had over 1,000 views in 2024.. Website Our website ( www.stmatthewschurchstretton.or , uk ) attracts over 1 ,000 visitors per month. We are encouraged to see new people joining the church, and have started activities for young children at the back of church during Holy Communion services. This objective is ongoing improvements were made to the external noticeboards with the inclusion of the church's website. The website and our Facebook page require a continual flow of postings to keep them relevant.. Develop and progress our work on eco-church. We have undertaken the Eco-church survey to benchmark ourselves against the criteria which produced the following outcome.. Category Worship and Teaching Buildings Land Award Gold award Bronze award No award Community and Global Engagement Lifestyle No award No award A Rocha have developed a new survey tool covering five key areas of church life.. 14
Worship and teaching Buildings and energy Land and nature Community and global engagement Lifestyle There are simple things that can be done as part of our Eco Strategy and we are seeking someone with an interest in this area who will help us develop our Eco strategy Promote the Diocesan strategy. The PCC shares the aims of the Diocesan strategy as set out above under the Deanery Synod section. Fabric The PCC receives regular reports on the status of the fabric of the buildings, which requires a continued programme of repairs and maintenance. The lights within the church do not all work. During the year work was undertaken when four lights on the north side of the nave stopped working due to a fault with one. The PCC would like to change the bulbs for LED lights when funding can be found, as this would reduce the on-going electricity consumption. The gutters were all cleared in November by a company using a large vacuum cleaner and long pipes with a camera attachment. During the year a number of small trees were felled and maintenance carried out on others. The timber was taken away by parishioners. A revised quote was obtained for the repair of the tower clock, following the offer of funding in memory of two church members. An application was made to the diocese for a faculty, which was granted in January 2025. The work commenced in March 2025. In October the Quinquennial Inspection was undertaken by the church's architect. The report identifies a number of minor repairs required, but also highlights that the church building is 150 years old and that repairs are required to the walls and eventually expensive reroofing. We continue to benefit from the work done by the Community Payback Scheme in maintaining the churchyard.. Looking FonNard to 2025 Whilst the challenges the Church faces are not underestimated, the church is growing in numbers across all ages. The PCC keeps the changes which have been made under review, and will make adaptions as necessary. The PCC, Vicar and ministry team remain deeply committed to the development of St Matthew's, and are optimistic that 2025 will be a year of continued growth. 15
Financial Review Income Voluntsry Giving Total voluntary receipts from general unrestricted funds received was £52,703, received through planned giving, service collections, voluntary receipts, and gift aid tax recovery. Comparing voluntary giving against 2023, giving through Standing Orders decreased by 5 % and collections at services declined by £1 ,000. The church is grateful for a donation towards the cost of tree work in the churchyard. Other Income The Church Hall has maintained its income despite changes in the number of regular hirers. The Church held several fundraising events throughout the year, raising £3,000. The church is grateful to all those who give financially, whether through regular contributions, ad- hoc donations at services, or other means of support. Expenditure Parish Share The largest expenditure item was the Parish Share, amounting to £44,619 in 2024. This contribution to the Diocese supports the provision and maintenance of mission and ministry, including clergy housing, stipend, pensions, new ordinand training, and shared diocesan costs. The contribution also assists churches with financial difficulties. The amount due from the Church for 2024 was £83,238. However, the PCC agreed that it was unable to pay the full Parish Share and instead contributed 500/0. As of 3181 December 2024, the unpaid amount stood at £111,893.34. While this is not a legal liability and does not show in the Financial Statements, the PCC is aware that it should be paid if sufficient funds become available. Staff costs The PCC paid for a church hall and Offi cleaner for part of the year, and a verger for wedding and funerals. Trustee payments and expenses The PCC supported the clergy by paying Council Tax, Water and environmental charges for the vicarage amounting to £3,820. Additional costs included travel, telephone and broadband. No expense payments were made to persons related to, or connected to, the trustees. Other charitable giving During the year, the church was able to undertake its Christmas Tree Festival, this raised £1 ,522 and 50 % (£771) of the amount raised was donated to St Rocco's Hospice. Repairs Routine maintenance and repairs were undertaken during the year to ensure the PCC met its responsibility for health and safety. Tree work was undertaken in the churchyard, supported by generous donation. Major Works A new boiler was installed in the Church Hall, using the restricted Hall Fund. Additionally, the car park wall was repaired following an accident, with costs covered through an insurance claim. 16
Reserves The PCC has a good reserves position, thanks to generous legacies given in the past. It is the policy of the PCC to keep two months general running costs as a general reserve, and an additional amount to cover committed contract costs and minor repairs. Major building works, including those identified under the Quinquennial Inspection, will only be undertaken once additional funding is secured. The reserve requirement under this policy is £25,000. Our current free reserves more than meet this policy and will enable the PCC to use the remaining reserves to support its cash flow during 2025, if required to continue its mission. On 31 December 2024 unrestricted reserves were £63,698. There are no longer any designated reserves, so the unrestricted reserves are available to support the general running of the church. Additionally, the PCC had £23,266 in restricted reserves, including £18,504 for the church hall. The balance is made up of smaller funds belonging to groups within the church. The investments are accumulation shares held with CCLA in The Church of England Investment Fund. These create capital growth rather than income. Financial Recovery Plan. Throughout 2024, the PCC continued implementing its Financial Recovery Plan. Repairs were kept to the minimum necessary for health and safety. High energy costs remain a challenge, slowing progress towards financial recovery, Looking Forward The continuing deficit is a concern. The PCC has looked to reduce costs wherever possible and will continue to do so in 2025. The PCC has made the decision to continue to not pay its full Parish Share to ensure sufficient reserves if required. The need to increase giving to meet regular commitments remains. The PCC is aware of its current dependence on regular donors and regular hall hirers. The church remains grateful to all those who contribute to the Church financially and in other ways. As St Matthew's approaches the 200-year anniversary, there is an opportunity to engage the community and generate additional income to support maintenance and improvements to the church. Matthew Heywood, Treasurer 17
Administration Principal Address.. St Matthew's Church Stretton Road Warrington Cheshire WA4 4NT Independent Examiner". Hayley Jardine BFP ACA, Voisey & Co Chartered Accountants 8 Winmarleigh Street Warrington Cheshire WA1 1JW Bankers.. HSBC 11 Bridge Street Warrington WA12EY CCLA Investment Management Ltd 1 Angel Lane London EC4R 3AB Architect: Richard Williams BA(Hons) BArch RIBA Williams Architecture 88 Cherry Lane Lymm Cheshire WA13 OPD 18
Charity Number 1132920 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS of the PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF STRETTON - ST MATTHEW'S FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL of the ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF STRETTON- STMArrHEWS Flnancial Statements for year ended 31st December 2024 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF STREfTON {Regist8red Number: 1132920) Independent examlnèrs report to the trustees of The Parochlal Church Councll of the Eccleslastlcal Parlsh of Stretton - St Matthew's. I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Stretton - St Matthew's for the year ended 31 sl December 2024. Responslbllltles and basis of report As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance wilh the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act'i. I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carrled out under Section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145{5)(b) of the Act. Basig of Independent Examlner's Report 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 PCC and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees Concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a "true and fair Vie and the report is limited to those matters set oul in the Statement below. Independont 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-, or the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports} Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. 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 Hayley Jardine BFP ACA Voisey & Co Chartered Accountants 8 Winmarleigh Street Warrington Cheshire WA11JW Date 8th May 2026
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL of the ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF STRETTON- ST MA TTHEWS Financial Statements for year ended 31st December 2024 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 -1 Noles Unreslficled ,' R88tricted Funds Funds Total "l-" Total 2024 1 2023 j RECEIPTS Voliintary Recelpts Planned Collection al sèrvic&s All otliei givinglvolunlary receipts Gift Aid Tax recovered 30,478 7,246 5,990 30,478 7,246 8.292 31,982 8,213 8,608 2,302 52,703 55,005 57,653 ActSvitie8 for generallng f unds Inveslinenllncome i C hiirch Activities Other Iiicome Tolal recelpts 3,108 556 19,361 665 209 3,773 765 19,361 2,957 537 19,273 3,176 , 80,238 PAYMENTS C hiirch activities Diocesan parish contribution Clergy and staff costs Church running costs Hall iunnincJ costs Charitable donations 44,619 7,449 8,193 20,316 22,902 4,383 5,922 18,095 4,383 1010 75,556 10 2,221 71,777 70,120 ' Costs of genewatlng funds Other Costs 105 332 437 350 006 "Total payments 77 245 8257 Excess of receipts over payments --(183) 12154) ': <2337> 4.302 Cash at bank and In hand at 1 Janiiary 34,392 12.763 47,155 42,853 Cash at baiik and In hand AL 31 December
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL of the ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF sfRETTON - ST MA TTHEWS Financial Statements for year ended 31$1 December 2024 STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES Notes Unrestricted ;. Restricted Total Fuiidg Funds 2024 Total 2023 Cash Fund8 Bank Current Account & Cash Deposil Funds 23,185 23,185 23,392 21633 ' 23 763 Inve51ment Assets Investment Fund shares al market value Assets retained for church use Liabilities Due lo Dioc8S8 l-"- other liabilities 175 175 296 Approved by the Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Stretton - St Mallhews on 101h Apri and signed on its behalf by.. Revd Alan Jewell
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL ol the ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF STRETTON - ST MA TTHEWS Financial Statements for year ended 31$t December 2024 Notes to the accounts The financial statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006, using the Receipts and Payments basis. The fixed asset retained for the church use is the church hall at historical cost. The PCC has considered its reserves in accordance with the policy set out in their report. The reserve requirement based on these accounts is £ 25,000 which is more than met by the PCC'S free reserves. Unrestricted ,' Re5trlcted Total Funds Fund5 2024 -T-otal | 2023 1 All other 9lvlnglvoluntary recelpts Legacies and Grants Donations Other Incom8 120 2.219 120 2,302 , 4,521 1.375 74 Incowne from Snveslments Bank inleresl Church Actlvltles Fees foi weddings and funerals Church hall hire Magazine Sales 6,858 12,503 6.078 12.503 :. 13.148 Olher Income Insurance Clalm Clergy and staff costs Clergy costs Salaries Parish Office costs 1 4,297 4.279 2,155 2.867 2,155 Church running expeiises Church Music Bellringers Church flowers Church service costs Youth Work Insurance Lighl and heat Repairs and malntenance Sundrie5 Professional lees Accountancy..-.- 493 493 177 495 782 495 500 2.009 166 166 5,927, ' 5,777 5,805 2,172, , 4,391 49 445 360 600 5,805 2,219 396 360 600 4,004 731
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL of the ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF STRETTON - ST MA TTHEWS Financial Statements for year ended 31" December 2024 Unrestricted ,' Restricted Funds Funds -rotal 2023 2024 ',10. Charitable donalions Chrislian organisations --s-ecular oroanisations 239 771 173 500 ',11. Other Costs- major WOTks Hall Development Church Floor Re-ordefin -r- Hall New Boiler -car p.ark Wall rep_air 12,851 4,841 1,314 2,777 12. Staff Cost8 The PCC pays for the services of a Verger and paid lor a Church Hall Cleaner for part of the year. There were no employèè benefits lo key management personnel in the previous or current years, 13. Tran8a¢tlon8 wlth Tru8tèe8 The incumbent was reimbursed for expenses incurred on behalf of the Church, lolalling £ 493.