2023-12-31-accounts

Parish of St. Anne, Lydgate, Oldham Part of the Saddleworth Team

Deanery of Oldham East

Diocese of Manchester

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

For the year ending 31[st] December 2023

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Contents

Contents

Agenda .................................................................................................................................................... 4 St Anne’s Lydgate, 2023 Annual Vestry and APCM Minutes .................................................................. 5 Administrative Information .................................................................................................................... 8 Standing Committee ........................................................................................................................... 8 Church Buildings Committee .............................................................................................................. 8 Worship Committee ............................................................................................................................ 8 Fund Raising Committee ..................................................................................................................... 8 Task Groups ......................................................................................................................................... 8 The Parochial Church Council - Objectives and Activities ................................................................... 8 Church Services ................................................................................................................................... 9 Reports .................................................................................................................................................. 10 Electoral Roll Officer’s Report ............................................................................................................... 10 Team Rector’s Report ........................................................................................................................... 10 Safeguarding Officer (Responsible for Children and Adults) ................................................................ 11 Churchwardens’ Report including the Fabric of the Church, The Churchyard and the Goods and Ornaments ............................................................................................................................................ 12 Parochial Church Council in 2023/24 .................................................................................................... 13 Church Building Committee .................................................................................................................. 15 Worship Committee .............................................................................................................................. 16 Report from the Sexton ........................................................................................................................ 18 St Anne’s EcoGroup............................................................................................................................... 19 Deanery Synod Report .......................................................................................................................... 20 Fund Raising and Social Committee ...................................................................................................... 20 Lydgate Community Association Report ............................................................................................... 21 Coffee Team .......................................................................................................................................... 22 Card Distribution Report ....................................................................................................................... 22 Flower Team ......................................................................................................................................... 23 Junior Church ........................................................................................................................................ 23

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Girl Guides ............................................................................................................................................. 24
Safeguarding Policy – Promoting a Safer Church .................................................................................. 25
POLICY STATEMENT ON CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE & THE CHURCH .................................................. 26
POLICY STATEMENT ON SAFEGUARDING OF ADULTS .......................................................................... 27
Accounts (See separate report)

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Agenda

St Anne’s Church, Lydgate, Oldham

Sunday 21[st] April in Church immediately after the 11.00am service

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Annual (Vestry) Meeting of the Parishioners Agenda

Election of the Church Wardens for the year 2024/25

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Annual Parochial Church Meeting Agenda

1. Opening Prayers

2. Apologies for Absence

3. Approval of minutes of the APCM held 26[th] March 2023

4. Presentation of the General Report

5. Treasurer’s Financial Report

6. Electoral Roll Report

7. Child Protection Report

8. Elections of;

PCC members Charities to Support Examiner of accounts

Date of next PCC meeting: 16[th] May 2024

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St Anne’s Lydgate, 2023 Annual Vestry and APCM Minutes

Sunday 26th March 2023

Present: Revd Canon Sharon Jones (in the Chair), Al Gillian (Treasurer), John Pearson (acting Minute Secretary), Susan Fleming, Gwen Morton, Kath Hodges, Rachel Damianou, Eleanna Damianou Margaret Schofield, Danos Damianou, Dave Marshall, Lianne Marshall, Liz and Ian Brocklehurst, Dorothy Clarke, Molly Ellis

Apologies: Revd Pat Gillian, Anne Smith, Neil Davies, Sue Willett, Natalie Doran, Jennifer Greenwood, Kath Kershaw, Frank Boocock

Sharon thanked all those who had done all the preparation and copying of documents in preparation for the meeting. John Pearson agreed to take the minutes.

Annual Vestry Meeting

Election of Wardens

Sharon asked if there were any nominations for Church Warden. There were none.

Sharon asked if there were any nominations for Deputy Church Warden.

John Pearson, Anne Smith and Jennifer Greenwood had agreed to stand and were duly elected.

There being no further business the Annual Vestry Meeting closed.

APCM

The APCM was formally opened.

Approval of the minutes of the APCM held 8[th] May 2022

No amendments to the minutes had been requested. Therefore the minutes were approved as being an accurate reflection of the meeting.

Presentation of the General Report

The General Report had been distributed prior to this meeting.

Sharon thanked Sue and Dave Marshall for arranging for all the necessary paperwork for the meeting to be copied. There were no questions regarding the report.

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Jennifer had asked that all those who had taken part in the Churchyard working parties be thanked.

Treasurer’s Financial Report

Sharon thanked Al Gillian for the report and accounts.

Al mentioned comparisons with the previous year were difficult as a result of closure during the Pandemic. Income rose to £70737 compared with almost £69000 the previous year. Expenditure also rose to £74060, suggesting a deficit for the year, but this was due to timing differences. 3 bequests totalling £86000 had been received, including £83750 from the Estate of Muriel Wills and £2,000 from the Estate of Philip Martin. The money was specified to be for the upkeep and maintenance of the Church.

Income - Although Voluntary Income rose by 7% to £53,023, standing orders were down by 12%. There have been 60 Baptisms bringing in a welcome £3500 in donations. Other events such as the Christmas Fair and Fashion Show had raised £2000. More had come from Weddings and investments and a grant from the Diocese of £1250.

Expenditure – Only £40000 was available for the Parish Share of £67000, set for this year. Bibles have been provided for year 6 and reception classes. Two items caused expenditure to be higher than income: Roof repairs undertaken in 2021 were paid for in 2022 at £3000 and the 2021 Councillor grant for path and gate repairs of £1050 was also spent in 2022. The Parish Hall is self-supporting but, as building owners, the PCC had paid £3645 to replace the boiler and £780 to seal the external stonework. Al pointed out that we need to progress the raising of funds to meet the other structural repairs identified in the April 2022 structural survey.

There being no questions the financial report was accepted unanimously.

Sharon thanked Pat, Al and other non-stipendiary clergy for their help.

Electoral Roll Report

Rachel Damianou, our Electoral Roll Officer, referred to her report which had been included in the General Report. Sharon thanked Rachel for her work in maintaining the Roll and for continuing in this role.

Child Protection and Safeguarding Report

Susan Fleming, our Safeguarding Officer, read out the Safe Church Policy and her formal report. Susan also made reference to her report which had been included in the General Report. Disclosure checks are now required every 3 years.

No questions were raised. Susan announced that as nobody has come forward to replace her she very kindly agreed to carry on until a replacement can be appointed.

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Sharon thanked Susan for her work and emphasised the importance of her role and, although we may have a candidate ready to takeover later in 2023, this is not confirmed and we need to ensure that the role is filled as soon as possible, so Al asked that people should consider volunteering.

Sharon also thanked Lianne Marshall who was standing down from running the Junior Church after many years. Lianne reported that Rachel Edge is taking over from her as leader.

Elections of the following roles

Parochial Church Council

Neil Davies, Joanna Coxon and Natalie Doran were retiring. The following people stood for election for the Parochial Church Council: Joan Mozdzierz, Al Gillian & Joanne Coxon and all three were elected unanimously.

The new PCC will consist of Dave Marshall, John Pearson, Sue Willett, Al Gillian, Revd Canon Sharon Jones, Revd Pat Gillian, Joan Mozdzierz, Danos Damianou, Sam Lowe, David Lloyd and Jo Coxon, together with Liz Brocklehurst who was unanimously elected to represent the Church on the Deanery of Oldham and Ashton Synod and is therefore ex-officio member.

Rachel Damianou reported that the Electoral Roll now numbers 97.

Examiner of Accounts for 2022

Mike Royle was proposed and accepted as independent examiner of the accounts for another year

Charity

The following were proposed as our chosen charities for the year – (1) Riding for the Disabled Saddleworth Branch, (2) Grotton Pavilion, (3) Lydgate Community Association, (4) Blood Bikes and (5) Relief in Turkey & Syria. (1), (4) & (5) were chosen unanimously.

Any other Business

The following were elected as Sidespeople:-

Mollie Ellis, Lesley Heyes, Gwen Morton Frank Boocock, Rachel and Danos Damianou, Jennifer Greenwood, Lianne Marshall, Stephanie Cosgrove, Joan Mozdzierz.

Next meeting of the PCC is 16[th] May 2023

There being no further business the meeting closed.

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Administrative Information

Standing Committee

This is the only committee required by law. It has powers to transact the business of the P.C.C. between its meetings subject to any directions given to it by the Council. Its members are:

Team Rector; Churchwardens; PCC Vice-Chair; PCC Secretary; Treasurer; Chair of the Building Committee; and Worship Committee Representative.

Church Buildings Committee

• To maintain the fabric and grounds of the church buildings within the finance available.

• To consider and recommend improvements to the economic use of the buildings and grounds.

• To consider and recommend how the buildings and grounds might be altered to the benefit of the various uses of them.

• To organise any repairs, improvements or alterations when agreed by the PCC.

• To arrange the use of the Parish Hall to the mutual benefit and enjoyment of all the users.

Worship Committee

• To explore the nature of our worship, the service we hold and the liturgy and music they contain.

• To consult the congregation on matters of worship and discuss findings with the Team Rector.

• To discuss changes were appropriate.

Fund Raising Committee

• To organise social activities within the life of the Church.

• To organise fundraising activities for the benefit of the Church and Parish Hall.

• These are set up for specific purposes and then disbanded.

The Parochial Church Council - Objectives and Activities

The primary object of St Anne's Parochial Church Council is the promotion of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the doctrines and practices of the Church of England. It also has responsibility for co-operation with the Team Rector in promoting throughout the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the church pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.

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The Members of the PCC since the last APCM are:

Rev’d Sachin Awale (Ex-officio Member)

Mrs Elizabeth Brocklehurst (Ex-officio Member) Mrs Joanne Coxon Mr Danos Damianou Mr Al Gillian (Member & Treasurer)

Rev’d Patricia Gillian (Ex-officio Member) Rev’d Canon Sharon Jones (Ex-officio Member - Chair)

Mr David Lloyd Mrs Sam Lowe Mr David Marshall Mrs Joan Mozdzierz Mr John Pearson Mrs Susan Willett (PCC Secretary)

Church Services

The following services were held in St Anne's Church during the year from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023:

		2023	2022 Comparison
SundayServices:	Eucharist	38	42
	Service of the Word	12	10
	Other Sunday Services	1	4
Weekday Eucharist		3
WeekdayFamilyService		51	50
Other WeekdayServices		10	11
Baptism Services		23*	60
Marriage Services	Includinga renewal of vows	5	19
Burial & Funeral Services		6	9
Internment of Ashes		10	12
Total of all Services		158*	217

• includes one Baptism Service held within the Sunday Eucharist

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Reports

Electoral Roll Officer’s Report

Every six years it is a legal requirement to completely revise our Electoral Roll. Everyone then needs to fill in an application to the Roll form and we did this five years ago. This usually results in a trimmed down roll initially. Numbers have therefore built up again over the last five years.

At our year end last December there were exactly 100 members on the Electoral Roll. 67 are resident and 33 are non-resident in the Parish. The Roll will be updated again just prior to our APCM so numbers may be slightly different by then. Our new roll will be displayed at the back of church.

Anyone who is 16 or over and baptized and regularly attends worship here or who lives in the Parish is eligible.

It would be good to see new members joining the roll as they get involved with our church family.

If anyone wishes to take certain roles in the church, they should ideally be a member of the Roll, so it is important that as many people as possible are encouraged to join the Electoral Roll. After the AGM and throughout the year anyone not on the Roll is welcome to join at any point.

Team Rector’s Report

We are pilgrims with Christ from the time of our baptism. It is a journey of invitation to walk ever closer with God, perceiving his wonder and recognising the Epiphany moments when God reveals something new to us. God is always making all things new. He breathes inspiration and encouragement as we seek renewal and move forward on our journeys, open to both change and understanding things differently.

2023 saw the much anticipated and welcome arrival of Revd Sachin as Team Vicar. He and his family are a true blessing. We also faced the retirement of Susan Brierley our muchloved Team Administrator, and the appointment of Jane Radcliffe. We are very grateful for all that Susan contributed to the life of the Saddleworth Team over many years and wish her improved health and happiness in retirement.

So much of the smooth functioning of the team is through the building of good positive relationships, the selflessness of those offering time and skills, and having the humility to seek support from other churches. It is tempting to be worn down by financial issues and challenging buildings to maintain. It is too easy to be consumed by these preoccupations and lose sight of the bigger picture of the Gospel.

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I would like to thank all those who have maintained kindness, understanding and cooperation; all who have gone over and beyond in terms of serving their community and their congregations; all who have contributed their time, skills and finances.

We have much to celebrate in terms of our ministry particularly among children and families. They are God’s precious gift to us. Our midweek services have become an even greater focus for mission and have flourished. There has been an increased interest across the Benefice in studying the Bible together and simply sharing our faith with one another. Increasing numbers are offering themselves for Accredited Lay Ministry at Denshaw, Friezland and Lydgate. This is something to be much celebrated.

Let us walk as pilgrims together on the way of Christ as we share God’s work in growing the Kingdom through belonging, believing and becoming the disciples we are called to be.

Canon Sharon Jones

Team Rector

Safeguarding Officer (Responsible for Children and Adults)

Introduction

This will be my last report as Parish Safeguarding Officer as the PCC have now appointed Katie Lockie to the role and I am standing down.

I have continued to update myself with all the duties expected of this position and have completed all the relevant on line training provided by the Diocese. All safeguarding incidents continue to be recorded and reported to the Diocese. Relevant information being kept in a locked safe.

Child Registration details

The recommendations regarding the registration of all children attending Junior Church, Crèche and Youth Group are followed and each parent/guardian is required to complete a registration form for their child. All information is updated regularly to ensure the safety of the children in our care.

Volunteer Details

Currently we only have 7 volunteers for Junior Church. This means Junior Church can now be held weekly. Youth group and crèche are currently not running.

A completed application form, two references and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate are held for each volunteer. All DBS certificates are renewed every 3 years and our current volunteers have completed on line Basic and Foundation Safeguarding Training. Information on our volunteers is kept in a locked safe.

Safeguarding Statements

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Our Safeguarding Policy Promoting a Safer Church is in line with guidance from the Diocese and is available for viewing on the notice board at the back of church along with the Referral Flow Chart stating what to do if there is a case of suspected child abuse.

The parish Safeguarding Handbook is also on the notice board and all volunteers have a copy of the “pocket guide”.There is also a safeguarding statement on our website.

PCC members

It is a requirement that all PCC members should have a DBS check completed because they are trustees of a charity overseeing work with children and adults at risk and therefore have safeguarding responsibilities. This has been completed for all current members.

Susan Fleming Parish Safeguarding Officer March 2024

Churchwardens’ Report including the Fabric of the Church, The Churchyard and the Goods and Ornaments

Paul and I thank everyone at St Anne's for the warm welcome we received on our appointment as Churchwardens. We thank everyone who on a weekly basis contribute to the smooth running of our regular services. To our Assistant Wardens Anne, Jennifer and John, to all the sidesmen and women, lay assistants, readers, intercessors, organists, hospitality and flower team. To Al, Liz and Rachel for their delivery of the Service of the Word. To Sam and Frank for our weekly pewsheet. Each and everyone of you play a part and for all you do we are so very grateful. We must of course thank Rev Pat for her commitment to St Anne's and the wider Team. Pat's ministry is a blessing for us all. We also want to thank the PCC for the work that has been undertaken on our Parish MAP. We especially thank Liz Brocklehurst and Rachel Damianou for leading us and producing the documentation.

Whilst Paul and I have experience of being Churchwardens in other parishes we have had a learning curve of who does what and especially who everyone is. Names and faces have definitely been something of a challenge but we are slowly getting there.

As well as the Sunday and Wednesday services, we hosted the Team Confirmation service, where it was extra special to see Joel, not just confirmed but also baptised. The service was well attended and refreshments were served by our hospitality team with generous donations of homemade cake. On December 17th, we held the “Bring a Friend to Church” service. This was well attended and we all enjoyed a lunch in the Parish Hall. During this service we also had a baptism, a special occasion for Paul and his family. The way Christmas fell this year gave us an opportunity to look at the service provision. The Carol Service and Nativity were held on Christmas Eve morning and it was a joyful occasion with standing room only. We also hosted the Team Ash Wednesday service with congregation members from all parishes. Liz Brocklehurst organised a Team Choir who sang an anthem during communion. Junior Church is growing both in numbers of children and also staff. It is lovely

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to see them in church. We thank Rachel Edge and her team for enabling Junior Church to meet every week. St Anne's school visit on a regular basis and the connection with school continues to thrive.

As Churchwardens we are responsible for the care and maintenance of the Church building and Parish Hall. Looking at the fabric of the Church and the Parish Hall has been the area Paul has tried to concentrate on, but for more detailed information please refer to the Building Committee Report. Never having dealt with a property as old as St Anne’s has been a challenge and whilst some small changes and repairs have been accomplished there are still plenty of challenges ahead.

As we begin another Parochial Year both Paul and I will continue to serve you all in this place and also thank God for his blessings on the Parish of Lydgate St Anne.

Finally, we are keen to encourage everyone to take part in the life of St Anne's in whatever way they can. Ministry does not mean you have to wear a collar. God gives everyone special gifts. Please pray and thoughtfully consider giving back those gifts in the service of God here in the Parish of St Anne and in the Saddleworth Team.

Barbara Hodgson and Paul Roberts

Churchwardens.

Parochial Church Council in 2023/24

May 2023 to March 2024

Following the Annual Parochial Church Meeting in April 2023 the PCC consisted of 11 members. Rev S Jones/Rev S Awale (Chair), Mr D Marshall, Mr J Pearson, Mrs S Willett, Rev. P Gillian, Mrs J Mozdzierz, Mr D Damianou, Mrs S Lowe, Mr D Lloyd, Mrs J Coxon, Mrs E Brocklehurst (Ex officio Deanery Rep). Following an extra ordinary Vestry Meeting in June two Churchwardens were elected and the PCC for 2023/2024 was 13 members. The Churchwardens are ex officio.

Not including the Clergy in the Chair member attendance for the six meetings was:

2 members - 6 meetings

3 members - 3 meetings 3 members - 2 meetings

1 member - 1 meeting

1 member - 0 meetings

In June the two new members joined the PCC and both attended the remaining 5 meetings.

First PCC Meeting held 16 May 2023

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At this meeting Officers were appointed to the following positions:

Lay Chair - Mr David Marshall Hon PCC Treasurer - Mr A Gillian Hon PCC Secretary - Mrs S Willett CTiS Rep - Mrs L Greenwood

Safeguarding Officer - Mrs S Fleming (Mrs Fleming agreed to accept the appointment until a new officer could be found)

Electoral Roll Officer - Mrs R Damianou Team Council Rep - Mrs E Brocklehurst Patronage Board - Mrs R Damianou

Discussions - Mission Action Plan (MAP) process, Car Sharing, Eco (Silver Award), Stewardship and the lack of Churchwarden appointments.

Decisions - Hon Treasurer asked for PCC to be able to pay, with out a second signature the following Organist, Earthworm, Church Cleaners and Whit Friday expenses. Approved. The raising of the Organist fee. Approved. Organ Service. Approved. Bank Mandates Hon Treasure to sign until the appointment of Churchwardens. Approved.

Second PCC Meeting held 18 July 2023

Discussions - Team Rector expressed concern about the attendance at PCC Meetings and asked that members make a concerted effort to put the dates in their diaries prioritising attendance. She also expressed concern about the lateness of papers. Minutes need to be promptly issued. MAP and three services agreed for PCC to lead the congregations in

PowerPoint be created to show how income is used. MAP three services PCC to lead congregation in discussions. Junior Church to meet every week as staffing numbers have increased. Parish Share and Giving.

Decisions - PCC meetings to be bi-monthly and actions dealt with promptly. Approved. Standing Committee to meet two weeks before the PCC meeting to prepare the agenda and to allow prompt and timely issue of Agenda. Approved. (Standing Committee comprises Team Rector (or nominated replacement), Churchwardens, Treasurer, Secretary and one lay member of the PCC). Decision requested for Al Gillian's Re-commissioning as ALM in September. Approved

Third PCC Meeting held 19 September 2023

Discussions - Roofing work to Parish Hall and other issues causing dampness. Safeguarding replacement for Sue Fleming found. MAP further work being carried out. Fire Risk Assessment. Changes to Items to be included on the PCC Agendas. Silver ECO Award plaque has been received.

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Fourth PCC Meeting held on 16 November 2023

Discussions - MAP feedback to congregation.. Bring A Friend arrangements. May Queen. Plaque on wall in church. ECO Regular working parties. Deanery matters relating to Church and School connections.

Decisions - Costs for works to Church roof. Approved. PCC asked to support Rachel Damianou for ALM training. Approved. New Lay Assistants. Approved.

Fifth PCC Meeting held on January 18 2024

Discussions - MAP update. Pastoral Visiting Team focus. Diocese confirmed ALM training. Stewardship. ECO Climate Change effects on Church Building. Whit Friday new representative needed. Opening Church midweek to be tasked to 2024/5 PCC. Rector resignation. Discussion and agreement meeting. APCM Date

Decisions - Draft accounts and budget submitted. Approved

Sixth PCC Meeting held on March 14 2024

Discussions - MAP Audit. Team service provision after June. Planning Application on Stockport Road. Revised budget. New Whit Friday Representative found.

Decisions - Same Sex Blessings agrees to allow in church service. Approved. (Decision for clergy is personal and they can refuse). Approval sought from PCC for the new Parish Share. Approved

Barbara Hodgson Churchwarden

Church Building Committee

This year has been devoted to small changes within church, with particular emphasis on the rooves, the guttering, the organ loft, and the church grounds.

A roofing contractor has been employed to (a) stop water entering the kitchen extension (b) to repair a tiled area on the main roof adjacent to the tower (c) to restore the mortar supporting the guttering above the church main entrance door, and (d) to repair the tiled roof over the Lychgate.

In addition a sizeable area of loose plaster has been removed from walls within the organ loft to stop it falling on anyone, or falling onto the altar frontal storage cabinet. Additionally the lychgate gates have been repainted.

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Lastly, work has been accomplished by several working parties to enhance/refurbish the church grounds, and a new weatherproof external storage cabinet has been purchased to store garden tools etc. The work accomplished includes general tidying up of the gardens, hedge clipping, pruning of overgrown trees, treatment of the wooden benches, cleaning of the iron railings near the boiler house, painting the kerb edgings on the North side of church, and treatment of all external doors with Danish Oil. Many thanks to everyone who has contributed to the improvements which have been accomplished.

Looking forward we have also identified areas of brick and stonework on the exposed areas at the top of the clock tower which are in need of repointing, and several small wooden window frames within the toilet and kitchen area are in need of replacement. We hope to address these issues in the coming year.

Parish Hall.

The parish hall flat roof area in particular is starting to show its age, and a small intermittent leak has been detected in the gent’s toilet area. NB the flat roof area is split into several separate areas bordered by dwarf walls. Some of these areas are not draining currently and may need remedial work in the future. Additionally the downpipes and drains are getting clogged up with debris, the parapets copings are in need of repointing, and several slates have slipped and are in need of replacing. Additionally several sizeable areas of external brickwork are in need of repointing, and the wooden guttering at the rear of the hall is in need of replacing, along with the associated soffits and facia board.

We have managed to clear most of the debris from the church roof, and have been actively engaged in obtaining quotes/estimates from three roofing contractors to accomplish appropriate and affordable remedial work on the roof and parapet areas. This matter is still under investigation, but it is hoped that progress will be made in the near future, especially as the weather continues to improve.

Paul Roberts (Building committee member)

Worship Committee

The worship committee is a sub-committee of the PCC and focuses on the worship and services at St Anne’s. Membership is not restricted to the PCC, and it would be fruitful if members of the congregation joined to give a wider perspective on our worship. We encourage the children to be involved in the services by taking part with readings, intercessions. We are always looking for more people to volunteer to lead the prayers and to read the weekly readings for us so please give it some thought and volunteer.

Service of the Word is held on the first Sunday of the month and we now have three lay leaders Al, Rachel, and Liz who between them lead these services on a rota basis. We are always on the lookout for other people who after some training would be able to join this team leading services.

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This year I have been able to take Home Communion to two ladies at Old Mill House and it was nice to hear while visiting that they have family connection with St Anne’s school (grandchildren/great grandchildren attending).

In July we welcomed Revd Sachin and family to the Team and Sachin has been gradually getting to grips with the way we work and getting to know everyone.

A new Diocesan Initiative was the Belonging, Believing, Becoming, strapline that each church had to work to and at St Anne’s we held three services where we discussed with the congregation their thought about what they believed, how they felt they belonged and what they wanted St Anne’s to become. This information was collected and used to form our Mission Action Plan (MAP) the way we saw our parish moving forward in the coming weeks, months, and years.

On Sunday 24th September 2023 we were able to hold our Team Confirmation service with Bishop Mark hosting at St Anne’s Lydgate. It is always a pleasure to see people coming forward for confirmation.

In December we went out Carol Singing and sang outside Old Mill House with residents listening from their balconies or joining in with us outside. We were planning to sing inside Old Mill House, but they were having refurbishment done to their community lounge so hopefully next year we shall be able to sing to more people in the warm. Again, it would be lovely if more people could join us, it’s an enjoyable experience and nice to see so many smiling faces.

Bring a Friend to Church Sunday in December was another good outreach into the community we welcomed them into the service and lunch afterwards and it was a huge success. The meat and potato pie/cheese and onion pies were delicious, and it was good to see a full church. We are hoping to repeat this in the future with soup and crusty bread after a Sunday service. Watch this space.

This year we held a Combined Carol and Crib Service, and it was a great success with lots of families joining our regular Sunday congregation in total 268people attended. The children acted out the Nativity story while the adults read the readings and we all sang the hymns/carols.

Our Team Service for New Year Eve was held at Holy Trinity Dobcross led by Revd Sharon, who during the service told us she was going to retire from church ministry in June 2024

Our weekday service goes from strength to strength with an average attendance of 128 people. We held our “Admittance to Communion Confirmation Class” again, and we admitted 2 children in 2023 which was great.

Our participation in School Collective Worship and Experience Church plus now Faith Explorers is going from strength to strength. We also now have a Eucharist service at school once a term which the children enjoy and participate in.

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We also welcomed two new Child Bishop’s at School and Bishop Mark came along to install them. The Child Bishops help lead collective worship in school and help with school church services by leading prayers and reading.

We have also managed to hold End of Term Services along with a very successful Christingle Service and Harvest Service with the food from the Harvest service, brought by the children, being delivered to Oldham Foodbank, Bible presenting services to Year 6 and Reception.

So, you can see we are moving forward at St Anne’s in many ways but are always open to new ideas and helpers so please get in touch if you have ideas to share.

Report from the Sexton

Our work in the churchyard has a number of strands: it needs to be a place of peace where people can spend time remembering their loved ones; it needs to be well-kept to ensure the safety of visitors; it needs to provide a place where we can provide a biodiverse facility which recognises the need to reverse the damaging impact of the Climate Crisis.

A Place of Peace – This is a community asset and making it accessible is important, so our working parties are focussed on looking after the areas that will add beauty and calm the soul! The banks have been planted up with suitable plants that add that beauty and the semi-circular garden in the new part of the churchyard is really beginning to take shape.

Safety – If we had the resources to cut the grass weekly during the growing season, we probably wouldn’t want to do so, as that only provides for humans! However, with the other strands in mind, a monthly cut is mostly sufficient to keep it manageable and we will continue to allow the margins to grow unrestrained for the benefit of other inhabitants, where this does not impinge on safety.

A Biodiverse Facility – Our ECO Report will cover this area more fully, but it is important that we use this resource to provide habitat for all God’s creatures, so don’t be surprised that some areas have been left to grow wild; log piles have been placed in strategic spots; we have bird houses, bird feeders, ‘houses’ for hedgehogs and other creatures! We need, also, to keep invasive plants such as holly, ivy and brambles in check.

Finally, we should not forget that this is an important working churchyard and here are the numbers for its use in 2023:

3 Burials

10 Interments of Ashes

9 Memorials, plaques or additional inscriptions were added

Al Gillian

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St Anne’s EcoGroup

If ever there was evidence of a need to help God’s creation fight back from the desperate situation it’s in, the unprecedented string of storms that have hit our parish in the last few months of 2023, should be a wake-up call for us all.

As the two members of our ECO Group, David Lloyd and I have continued to guide the parish in ways it can help us to achieve the Church of England’s target of reaching Net Zero for carbon emissions by the year 2030. We are trying to use the A Rocha ECO Church initiative and for which we have achieved an overall Silver rating so far. What we want to achieve, however, is Gold so will still have some work to do. Caring for God’s Creation is one of the 5 Marks of Mission, so as Christians what are we doing? Let’s look at our progress in terms of the A Rocha’s 5 categories:

Worship & Teaching – We are already rated ‘Gold’ according to our assessment in February with a score of 96 out of a possible 110. Areas we could improve still further are as much about frequency; in terms of ‘Caring for God’s Earth’ we could choose to focus the frequency of more services, hymns and Junior Church lessons on creation. We have already improved and extended our communications on the subject to keep everyone aware.

Buildings – We are currently at ‘Silver’ with a score in February of 239 out of 390 but, because of the need to heat church with a gas boiler, we get a low score, but could potentially improve insulation in both the church and hall. We have taken steps in both buildings to reduce gas usage through lowering temperatures and minimising the times when heat is boosted. We could seek to negotiate new utility contracts switching to greener tariffs, but this would come at a financial cost that we might not be able to sustain, as there would be penalties to pay as well. We have converted all remaining lights to LED. We could progress the building of cycle racks to encourage cycling to church instead of driving. We could organise a feasibility study of solar or wind energy, both of which should be possible given the location, but this would require use of reserves and probably need to be bolstered with grant funding. We could choose to offset the carbon footprint of our church premises for those things we can't reduce. Would we be willing to pay for a scheme that would achieve this?

Land – We are ‘Silver’ (score in February 85 out of 155) and during 2023 we have continued to work on improving biodiversity. There are certain areas of the churchyard that are encouraged to stay wild, although invasive plants, such as ivy, brambles and holly, have to be reigned in. New habitats have been added and bird feeders and boxes bolstered; a hedgehog house has been built and there are plans for a couple more along with extra wood piles thanks to the help provided in March 2024 by Year 4 from school. We are planning some more engagement with St Anne’s School, both at churchyard and at the school grounds and we will need parishioners to step up and do their part. Other plans include building a pond and the extended cultivation of the semi-circular garden, in the new part of the churchyard, with bee, butterfly and insect friendly plants. The planting of fruit bushes would gain us extra points; as would wildlife surveys and participation in other conservation schemes such as ‘Living Churchyards’.

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Community & Global – We need to make some greater progress on this section which, although ‘Silver’ only scored 105 out of 200 in February and is therefore our weakest section. We have achieved some good things in 2023, such as Twinning both church toilets (through Tear Fund) (see posters on the inside of the toilet doors) and starting a ‘carsharing’ scheme. The scheme could be better supported and is a challenge for 2024 along with a more robust support for environmental organisations and engagement with local leaders on environmental issues. We could also organise a ‘green fair’ to showcase local producers and local environmental issues.

Lifestyle – Although scoring 90 out of 160 and ‘Silver’ this section is the one which we could improve the most – if everyone in our community works together and seeks to tread more lightly on God’ Earth. Major work on lifestyle in 2023 has focussed on what we can take from the first 2 Diocesan ECO Stepping Stones events and we have also run a weekly ECO ‘Top Tip’ on the weekly sheet over the last few months continuing into 2024. Having encouraged families to measure their Carbon Footprint at least once annually, we need to encourage that this leads to lifestyle changes that reduce those carbon emissions; to consider ethical investments; to implement some of the ‘Top Tips’ and, as a church community, to undertake a lifestyle audit from which we can set targets for improvement.

There is always much to do, much we can do and much progress we can seek to make in 2024. David has stepped back for the time being, so Al is looking for one or two enthusiastic people to help on the Group moving forward.

Many thanks

Al Gillian

Deanery Synod Report

Oldham and Ashton Deanery Synod met in February, July, and October of 2023.

Topics discussed included - Social Action through “Growing Good”, Deanery Mission Action Planning, Working with Manchester Diocesan Board of Education to build strong relationships between our Churches and Schools, and Safeguarding, along with regular updates on clergy vacancies and Eco Church.

Fund Raising and Social Committee

In December 2023 we held our annual Christmas Fayre in the Parish Hall, and this was a great success. We had plenty of helpers beforehand and on the day, which made things much easier. The net amount that we raised was £1,367.09 (after costs).

We had the usual stalls including a selection of tombola stalls, home-bake, face painting, jingle jars, raffle and our café plus other stalls.

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Santa was able to join us and the children, parents, grandparents and other adults accompanying them had a good time.

The feedback that I had from people was that it was really well organised and that everybody looked like they were enjoying themselves, which is great.

Our next fundraising event planned for Saturday 1st June 2024 which is a Fundraising fashion show presented by Colours Fundraising Fashion Shows. I need help in advance selling tickets £5.00 and also raffle tickets £1.00 per strip of 5 tickets.

We do have other ideas of things that we can hold including an afternoon tea, games afternoon/evening for all the family to enjoy.

We also need more people to join us on our Fundraising & Social Committee helping us in advance with planning of events and also at the events, and coming up with additional ideas to raise money for our Church. The more people who are prepared to help the more events we can hold.

Sue Willett

Lydgate Community Association Report

2023 has ended with hall usage going through something of a transition. The Ballet School has moved away to new premises and the Scout Group has ceased meeting through dwindling numbers. Ideally the trustees would like to see the Scout Group re-emerge, but this will require new leaders and parent-volunteers to come forward. Maybe the answer to that is to build up a new group by starting with a “Squirrel Drey” for 4-6-year olds and follow it with a Beaver Colony, then Cubs then Scouts!

The loss of the 2 groups has been a “double-edged sword”, it has made the hall more accessible for Saturday parties, but the loss of rental income has had to be addressed. The trustees have quickly looked to reduce overheads and particularly the utility costs, as the favourable contracts came to an end in October and, inevitably the costs increased. A letter has been sent to all user groups asking for help to keep the costs down, heating times and temperatures have been adjusted to more closely match need.

In terms of repairs and refurbishment, the focus has largely centred on maintenance and no big projects inside. Outside, however, we had the opportunity to replace the rest of the damaged tarmac to the front and north side of the building thanks to a very generous donation from the Late Margaret Merckel. An additional bench has also been added in her memory. Tentative plans to use the grounds to create a community garden have been shelved, as there are insufficient funds available (grant applications were unsuccessful), but there is also a concern that there would not be enough volunteers to make it a success. The rear area of the grounds will receive some attention in 2024, although the trustees are still discussing what use can be made of that area that will add value to the offering as community hub.

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Towards the end of the year, it became apparent that some remedial work is going to be needed to the flat roofed areas as there is evidence of water ingress. The PCC is seeking quotes to address all of the structural issues raised by the survey conducted in early 2022, but will need a successful grant application(s) to raise the necessary funds. In the meantime, there is a need for urgent attention to stop the water ingress, as soon as it can be achieved in 2024.

It is impossible to list everyone that has helped with all the ongoing work, but the Trustees are anxious to offer their grateful thanks to everyone that has for their hard and loving efforts. It is appropriate to single out Jennifer for her untiring work and leadership. We have also welcomed new trustees: Councillor Max Woodvine, Dave Marshall and Sara Mitchell and the trustees are also grateful to all the individuals that provide their support for the project by continuing to contribute through our membership scheme.

The hall is here for the whole community, so if you wish to be involved or make use of the facilities, please contact one of the Trustees.

Al Gillian (Chair), Jennifer Greenwood, Frank Boocock, Rachel Damianou, Henry Burbidge, Simon Edge, Julie Whitehead, Councillor Max Woodvine, Dave Marshall and Sara Mitchell

Coffee Team

Coffee and tea are usually served after every 11 am Sunday service thanks to our dedicated team of volunteers. Our contribution to our three charities to the end of our financial year at 31st December 2023 was £616.78 which will be donated equally between the charities. This figure was up by £178 on last year.

Coffee is usually served in the Parish Hall on our new and brightly coloured comfy chairs and more and more folk do seem to be enjoying a sit down and natter after the service. The hall is now also regularly used for parties which is a great source of income towards continuing to renovate the hall. It does however mean that coffee needs to be served at the back of church if the hall is in use. Some people find this more convenient for a quick coffee after the service, some find it too crowded. It remains a moot point as to where is best but hopefully the combination goes some way to accommodate everyone.

Thank you to everyone who has, brewed up, cleaned up, donated biscuits, collected and counted our donations, shared a cuppa and donated!

Card Distribution Report

An estimated 2750 cards were distributed at both Easter and Christmas by the team of 41 volunteers. Once again distributions included St Anne’s school in Lydgate, and the Care Homes / elderly accommodations at The Old Mill House, Hood Square and Lido House, all in Grotton.

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Pleasing to report that we retained all our volunteers and so we just have the one vacancy round still available although this is not a pressing matter at the moment.

Special thanks to Freya (aged 5) and Mark (aged 9) for their superb card designs at Easter and Christmas and of course to all the children who assisted.

It should be noted that the Christmas cards were received in record time and a BIG thankyou to the Production Team for their efforts. Thanks also to Chris at Colormania for the service he provides in printing the cards.

A reminder that we do have a list for deliveries to people living outside the Parish and any new contacts will always be welcomed.

Richard Buckley

Flower Team

We continue to be a small team of just 2 regular members but we would be happy to grow our team, so please get in touch if you would like to learn more about what we do and feel that you can help. Your involvement can be as big or as small as you can manage. Easter, Harvest or Christmas times can be a good point to start as that is when we decorate church together as a team and there would be an opportunity to watch us and also get involved yourself.

There are a few weeks during the year when we don't have a sponsor, so if you would like to remember an event, date or person in your life by sponsoring a flower arrangement at the altar, please contact Tracey Manifold. Flowers usually cost £25 and the arrangement is initially arranged to be displayed by the altar and as flowers generally last at least 2 weeks, they are then moved to be displayed by the curate's chair or to the memorial table in the porch.

Dates still available in 2024/25

June - middle weeks

August - all weeks

February - all weeks if not lent

Junior Church

My name is Rachel Edge and I took over Junior church in February last year. In that time I have managed to increase the number of volunteers to 6 which now enables us to do Junior Church every week. This in turn has increased the numbers attending significantly.

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Last Easter on Easter Sunday we did an Easter Egg hunt which was very popular with the children and will now become an annual event for us going forward.

We also combined the Christmas service with the carol service which proved to be a very popular event and might be worth looking into again.

We also have a long term plan for the children to help create a new banner for us to carry in the whit walks. I will also open this as a competition at school and if the children would like to submit a picture that would be used. I thought it might be an idea to launch this after this year’s Whit Friday so the ideas are all fresh in the children's minds and then we have enough time to get it sewn and sorted for the following year. We have a volunteers meeting at the end of the month to discuss this further.

Girl Guides

I run the 20th Oldham Guide unit, who meet in the Parish Hall from 7-8.30pm every Thursday. We currently have 11 girls and have 3 waiting to move up when they are 10. The Guides enjoy crafting, playing sporty games in the big hall and, of course, doing badges. Last week we joined the Rangers for a yoga session (Meditation badge) and for the last few weeks the girls have learned to sew and are working on their Fixing and Upcycling badges. We're planning a camping trip in summer, so after Easter we'll be preparing for that and hopefully doing some outdoor games once the weather is better and the days are lighter.

Lisa Carter

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Safeguarding Policy – Promoting a Safer Church

The following policy is to be agreed at the next Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting.

In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy our church is committed to:

• Promoting a safer environment and culture.

• Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the church.

• Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.

• Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons.

• Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons.

• Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others.

The Parish will:

• Create a safe and caring place for all.

• Have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) to work with the incumbent and the PCC to implement policy and procedures.

• Safely recruit, train and support all those with any responsibility for children, young people and adults to have the confidence and skills to recognise and respond to abuse.

• Ensure that there is appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving children and adults undertaken in the name of the parish.

• Display in church premises and on the Parish website the details of who to contact if there are safeguarding concerns or support needs.

• Listen to and take seriously all those who disclose abuse.

• Take steps to protect children and adults when a safeguarding concern of any kind arises, following House of Bishops guidance, including notifying the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) and statutory agencies immediately.

• Offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, when or where it occurred.

• Care for and monitor any member of the church community who may pose a risk to children and adults whilst maintaining appropriate confidentiality and the safety of all parties.

• Ensure that health and safety policy, procedures and risk assessments are in place and that these are reviewed annually.

• Review the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Practices at least annually.

Each person who works within this church community will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this church.

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POLICY STATEMENT ON CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE & THE CHURCH

This statement must be read out to at least one PCC meeting each year, where progress in implementing it will be monitored. This will be read at the next PCC meeting.

As members of this Church, we commit ourselves to the nurturing, protection and safekeeping of all, especially children and young people.

• ❖ It is the responsibility of each one of us to prevent physical, sexual and emotional abuse of children and young people and to report any abuse discovered or suspected.

• ❖ Our Church is committed to following the Safeguarding Children and Adults at Risk Manchester Diocese Handbook of Policy and Procedures.

• ❖ Each worker with children and young people must have a clear Disclosure & Barring Service Certificate; undertake diocesan Safeguarding training; know the guidelines & undertake to follow them. Each shall be given a copy of the Parish’s agreed procedures & good practice guidelines. They shall also have an interview with the Church Wardens before commencing their role.

• ❖ Our Church is committed to supporting and training those who work with children and young people and to providing supervision.

• ❖ As part of our commitment to children and young people the PCC has appointed ……………………….to be the Parish Safeguarding Officer.

• ❖ The parish’s agreed procedures and good practice guidelines can be viewed by asking the Church Warden or the Parish Safeguarding Officer.

Children and young people are an important part of our Church today. They have much to give as well as to receive. We will listen to them as we nurture them in worship, learning and in community life. We will respect the wishes and feelings of children and young people.

Review date: March 2025

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POLICY STATEMENT ON SAFEGUARDING OF ADULTS

This statement must be read out to at least one PCC meeting each year, where progress in implementing it will be monitored. This will be read at the next PCC meeting.

1. We recognise that everyone has different levels of vulnerability and that each of us may be regarded as vulnerable at some time in our lives.

2. As members of this parish we commit ourselves to respectful pastoral care for all adults to whom we minister.

3. We commit ourselves to the safeguarding of people who may be vulnerable, ensuring their well-being in the life of this church.

4. We commit ourselves to promoting safe practice by those in positions of trust. 5. The parish commits itself to promoting the inclusion and empowerment of people who may be vulnerable.

5. It is the responsibility of each of us to prevent the physical, emotional, sexual, financial and spiritual abuse of vulnerable people and to report any such abuse that we discover or suspect.

6. We undertake to exercise proper care in the appointment and selection of those who will work with people who may be vulnerable.

7. The parish is committed to supporting, resourcing, training and regularly reviewing those who undertake work amongst people who may be vulnerable.

8. The parish adopts the guidelines of the Church of England and the Diocese. 10. Each person who works with vulnerable people will agree to abide by these recommendations and the guidelines established by this church.

Review date: March 2025

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Parish of St Anne, Lydgate Charity Registration Number: 1132948 Financial Ststements for the Year ended 31 December 2023

Parish of St Anne, Lydgate INDEX Page A3 Financial Report Page A5 Independent Examinerfs Report Page A6 Statement of Financial Activities Page A7 Statement of Financial Activtties 2022 Page A8 Balan￿ Sheet Page A9 Notes to the FinaneAal Statements Page A10 Incoming Resources Page A11 Incoming Resources (Continued) Page A11 Resources Expended Page A12 Resources Expended (Conts'nued) Page A13 Net Position. Transfers, Revaluations & Total Balances Analysis of Funds Page A14 Analysis of Fixed Assets Current Assets & Liabilitbes Page A15 to Page A18 Funds Statements

Parish of St Anne, Lydgate Financial Report OUT biggest challenges during 2023 have been ensuring suificient income to meet the ever- increasing demands of Parish Share against the backdrop of climate-led stonn damage to our two buildings: increasing energy prices and the need to our resources on doing our bit to help address the climat¢ crisis, work towards our Gold A Rocha Gold Aii•rd and ty to achieve net zero by 2030. Success is only possible within the context of community and our aim has and must always be to provide a place where peopl¢ can discover Jesus and develop their Christian faith. Lets see how our finances perfomed: Income IPages AIOIAII]

The year has seen a further reduction in Voluntsry income. When Bequests are excluded the drop is c. £3250. Planned GiTring is up ver). slightl>'. but loose plate collecttons are down bv more and at £4.249 w'e need to encourdge regular committed giving, especiall}, from our newer members. Inevitablv, afteT 60 Baptisms in 2022, there fewer last year, but they still generated a very healthylevel of collections [£1.942 compared to £3:6641. A very wis¢ P¢Tson once told me that if vou ￿'ant people to give more to the ¢hurcTrL they have to be made to feel welcome and loved and they will then be encouraged to support fmancially. Are we all committed to offering a loving ivelcom¢ to everyone that comes through our doors? The 200 Club a slightly larger contribution to funds at £1,448 and events raised a net £1,815 [2022.. £1,979] so a further fall. This included a net amount of £1.367 from the Christmas Fayre. Fee income fell quit¢ significantlv [dowi £4.538 to £6,371] with far fewer weddings [only 4 and l Blessing] a situation likely to be repeated in 2024. Invesknent income rose slightly to £680 and the fall in value in 2022 has reversed with revaluation gains of £1 1,547 despite the sharp increase in investment balances resulting from the the bequests. W¢ found it necessary to ￿rythdra￿, £1 I,IX)O towards the end of the y¢ar to meet cash flow requirements. We receiv¢d a grant of £330 from Manchester Diocese. as did ev¢Tr' other church in the Diocese, to alleviate our energy costs. As expected, they have risen significantly with 2023 contract renewals. We have rweived £5,000 in bequests during 2023. both from th¢ tate Nancy Gale. a long- standing member of our church until she became too frail: we received £3.00 for the upkeep of the Fabric and £2,000 for maintenance of the Garden of Remembrance and churchvard.

Expenditure [Pages A121A131

Despite only being able to pay £40,000 of Parish Share in 2022. th¢ &ssessment for 2023 was£67,521.96 only limited by the IOP/omaximum increase rule. We no longer have the reserves to dip into, so w¢ s¢t a larget of £40,000 again and just managed to achieve it by utilising some of the Generdl Fund balance we had kept in reserve in 2022. That balance is now just £2.584 and Jet our &ss¢ssment for 2024 has risen to £74.2741 FolloH'ing a meeiing the Diocese this was reduced to £37.000. £38.850 for 2025 and £40.800 for 2026. Our Team costs are up slightlv at £8,150.64 [2022 £7.306] and these have been apportioned across the lines of Clergy expenses, Parsonage Houses. Pastoral Care. Salari¢s and Administrdtion. Mission & Evangelism w&s our continuing valuable investment in ow parish children by the gift of Bibles to th¢ pupils in School's Year 6 and Reception classes enabled by generous matching donations. We also saw an in¢re&se in the cost of Whit Friday, but is unavoidable as an important part of our Christian witness. The inevitsble happened at the end of October we had to move to new gas and electricity tariffs. We will see quite a steep rise. which we M".ill have to manage as best we can. I would expect the cost in 2024 to be a combined c. £6:0￿ jusi over double 2023. The ne￿, LED lights should help to alleviate the elctrÉct>' costs and the c05t of £2,535 is seen as a valuable inN'estment to help reduce our carbon footprinL WKth the increasing severity of climate change. we can expect to see more stonns leading to continuing problems with the roof. Repairs cost £5,172 in 2023 [2022: £3:048]. Of necessity this has been funded out of Bequest money. The Upkeep of Churchyard figlwe of £2,202 includes 4 Bronze Pl4ues [£533 paid for by famili¢s] and £228 on new equipment. All Parish Hall Direct Debits are now going to the LCA bank account and we have ckleared the remaining gas and electric charges There is concern about the integrity of the flat roof(s) at the rear of th¢ parish hall and. as this is Church's responsibility. we will have to find the resources to meet anj repair bill; quotes are being obtained. Movin Forward There has been very little progress, so far in obtaining grants for the medium to long-terni structural repairs, so this will need to receive some attention. &s highlighted by the flat roof problem. It would be good to see som¢ progr¢ss in 2024. As reported a year ago the veTh generous Iwuests give us an unexpected opportunity to consider ho￿, to.. ( l) make th¢ building secure structurall}' (roof and p)inting) (2) take out running costs, such as energv bv generating our ow] (3) use some or all of the funds as seed capital to raise grant funding for a larger dewelopment piogramme. These funds have to be spent on the Parish work and building. but also gi￿¢ us a valuable chance to look at reducing church's carbon footprint. This makes option (2) an area of considerable interest as we work towards our Gold ECO award. Our available funds are: Restricted Funds: £104.027 Designated Funds.. £2.336 Unrestrict¢d Funds: £2.703 Total Available Funds: £109,066 (The nominal value of the Parish Hal (£90,000) increases this to £199,066) Al Gillian. Parish Treasurer A4

Independent Examiner's Report to The Parochial Church Council of St Anne's Church, Lydgate I report on the financial statements of the Charity for th¢ year ended 31 December 202J, which are set out in the accompanying pages. Respective responsibilities of trustees And examiner As PCC members )'ou are responsible for th¢ prep8ration o.f the financi¥l stat¢ments. The PCC memb¢rs consider that an audit is not required for this )"ear (under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act)) and that an independent examination is needed. It is m? responsibility to.. examine the accounts (under S¢Ciion 145(IXa) of the 2011 Act):. to follow the procedures laid dowi in the Gefteral Directions given by" the Charity Commission (under section 145{5Xb) of the 2011 Act)- to state whether particular matters ha%'e com¢ to my attention Basls of illdependeDt eiamiDer's report My examination was carried out in accordance with th¢ General Directions given by the Chariry Commission. An examination includes a revie￿ of the accounting records kept b}. the charitv and a comparison of the a¢counis presented with those records. It also includ¢s consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees conc¢rniftg any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not prO￿)de all ihe c￿ldence that would be required in an audiL and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the vieth. given b). the accounts. Independent exgmiDer's stalemellt In connection with my ¢xamination, no Matter has come to my attention: (l) which give5 me reosonable cause to believe that in any matrrial respect ihe requirements to keep a¢¢ounting records in ￿OrdanCe with section 130 of the 2011 A¢t' to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 201 l Act; have not been met; or (2) to which, in mv opinion. attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understsnding of the accounts to be rea¢hed. Mr Michael Roy1¢ BA FCA Chartered Accountant r5 Bumedge Fold Road Grasscroft Oldham OL4 4EE 21st April 2024 A5

VJ < *4 • A6

i) A7

Parish of St Anne, Lydgate Balance Sb¢¢t as at 31 Decejnber 2023 2023 2022 Notes Fired assets SA Tangible assets 5B Investments 90.000 102.097 90.000 101550 Total fixed assets 192,097 191.550 Currenl assets 6 Debtors 7 Cash at bank and in hand 2.437 4.104 5.572 Totsl Current assets 8361 6.541 Current liabilities 8 Amounts falling due within one year 1.892 Nel currenl assets 6.969 4.4?5 Total assets 199.066 195.976 4 Funds Unrestricted Funds 9 Designated Funds 9 Restricted Funds 9 Endownent Funds 2.703 2.336 194.027 7.565 4.452 183.958 Total Funds 199.066 195.976 Approved b}, the Parixhial Church Council on 21st April 20?4 and signed on its behalf by: Revd Sachtn Awale Mr Paul Roberts Mr Alastair Gillian The notes on pages A9 to Al 8 forni part of these accounts A8

Parish of St Anne, Lydgate Not￿ to the fJDncial 5th1emtnts for ihe ye•r t￿ded 31 December 21123 I ACCOUNTING POLICIFS a) Basis of accounting The finaneial statements have been prepaTed under the historical ￿$¢ wnvention as t￿￿1]fied by the revaluation of ctrtain fixed assets and in accordance with the Churth A¢cowitiDg Regulations 2006 uyther th applicable a¢¢ountln8 Standards and the FRS102. The financial slatements include all tsansactions, assets and liabillties for whi¢h the PCC is resrthsible in law. They do include the ac¢ouE)ts of church groups that owe their rnain affiliaiion to arK)ther trdy. nor those th are InfOrn￿ gatherings of such membeTS. bl Funds Endowmenifiuxts are fund& the capttsl of whieh rnust be th￿]n￿ned. only incLMne arising from investtnent of the endowinent may be used either as restricd or unrestricted funds dwding uwn th¢ purp)5¢ for whi¢h the eDdowmenÈ was established. R¢slri¢iedfynds represent (al income from Thsts orendown¢nts which May be exrnded only on thc6e restricted objerts pwvided in the terms of the trust Or bequesL and Ibl th)na¢ions or grants re¢gived for spectfic object OT iTtvited by the PCC for a specific object. The funds ma). only be expended on ihe spe¢ifi¢ obje¢¢ for which the) We￿ gtyen. Any IMlats¢e remaining unspent at the end of each year rnust be carried forward as a balan¢¢ on fund. The PCC do￿$ usuail). invest separni¢l) for ea¢h fund. Ivhere there is no s¢parate investmenL irtteresi is apportioned to individual fi￿￿S on an avewe balance basis. Designaiedfvth are gerteral funds which have been reservtd by the PCC for spe¢ifie ptsrposes indicated in the fund iitle. UnreslricledfvTrts art general fim(b which can bt Used for PCC OTdinary pwp)ses. c) Incoming rtSOUTtts Pl8n[￿d eollectiorLS a￿l¢￿￿￿on5 ue recOg￿lth1 rteii'ed. reclaim¥J under Gift Aid is recwiz￿[ T¢cei%"¢d Grallts aTrJ legacies are for the PCC is leBall! eniitltyj io tlx attK)u￿ due. DikiduMJs and int¢r gr¢ accountai f(K kn rE¢eiYed is attrib￿¢d w each fll[￿ the bLsi5 of the a]]NNAnt iniesttyj and the of the in￿¥¥1￿¢[1t. UllreaJi5a Envesun¢ni g8tns are all￿￿￿1 fvon re571uatNJn of invest[1￿¢ bas￿ on mid-mwkd pritts at 31 D¢cember. All (Aher itLtom¢ is recwizoj Hth¢n it l5 fcLYivaL AJI ll)c￿]ng res(XErtts avt acetymted fw wss. dl Resourc¢s Expended GrBnts donaiorts are acc{W￿ forkn paid over. if award mts a binding coThsth]ctÉ obligaESOn on the PCC. Pa)Inen¢s 10 th¢ di￿eSa￿ fiJThJ ale a¢¢{W￿lt￿ for Mthen paid. Arn￿ TeLriv¢d specifically for mission are deili ls r￿lI￿j fiumts. UDreaii5ai ]MEstme￿ l(ws are fly￿ le￿alUati￿ of i￿￿estI1)ent ba%d on mid4D3Eket price5 & 31 Decmb¢r. All dhCr¢xp￿IlUr￿ 15 gamlly reco￿11¢￿ Mth¢n it is incuryed and is a¢cowii¢d foryfs5. e) Fixed A5setS Consecred and benefice property is n( included in the accounts in accordance with s.10(2Mal of ihe CharÉiies Aei 2011. Movable church furni5hsngs held by the vicar and churchwardens on special tryst ftsr the PCC a¢)d which reqiEire 8 faculty for distM)sai are in4lien8bl¢ property. li￿ed in the ¢hur¢h's inventory. which Can be inspected Equipment used wthin the Church premises Ès depreciated on a strnight-line basis over four l'ears. Individual items of ¢quipmenr with a purchase PTi¢e of £l.(M)O or less are written off when the asset is a¢quittd. It 15 the TTUStees po5i¢y undertake a fornjd r￿l￿ti0ft of land and buildings and Th) depreci8tÉon is provided in their respect as the ¢4wently estimed residual value (discounted for monetary inflation sin¢¢ capitaiisation) is noi less than the c￿ing value and the remait)ing usefijl life of this asset eurrently exceeds 50 years. so that an). d¢prt¢iaiiort charge would Fk Èmmaterial. If. in the future, th¢ canyrkg value of the building should l(M)k greater than the ¢urTeni vajue on thi5 b￿15 an impairment review will be Carried oui attd any resultani loss included in e￿ndIture for th year. fl IDvesthiellts lThve5knents vaiued ai market value on mi&markd pric¢s & 31 December. A9

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Ir4 x>* A12

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Parish of St Anne, Lydgate Notes to the finaDcial Stateme[￿ for tht year ended 31 Dettmber 2023 S ANALYSIS OF FIXED A&SETS SA TaDglbk Assets Fr￿1￿ld Land Furniture & & Buildings Equipment T(al 2022 Total 21123 Cost or VAluAtI(•n On 1st January AdditiOn￿RevaIll8t10Tr GainlLoss) Disposals On 31st December 101.550 11,547 11.000 191.550 11.547 I1.￿)0 192,097 113,458 78,092 191 50 Deprecigtion: On Isi January Charge for th¢ Year Deduct for di5P05als On 31$1 December Net Book V¥41ue: Ott 1st January offj 31st Deeernber 23.458 113.458 110,498 191 J50 102,097 192,1197 The freehold land & byilding is the Parish Hall. which i5 ownd by Manchester Diocesan Board of Finance and held in trnst for th¢ Parish. It was valued tn 1999. but the PCC is of the opinion thai there is no knefit in incurring the e05t of revaluation at this time. although this is likely to be considerably in excess of the figure Quoted. Equally there is not deemed io be any need to ]nake a provision for depre¢ia(Èort Isee more detailed comment ott pa￿￿ A9). The church building is a conseerated propeFty and is e_xcluded from the financial st2￿ments by virtue of section 1012Xa) of the Charities Aci 2011. The ¢hurch buildings and contents ￿tre insured for 202) by Trinitss Church Insurance Servi¢es for £6.663.071 Ibuildingl and £17i.425 [contentsl. The Parish Hall insurance w&s trdnsferred io TriTritas Chureh Insurdnce Services frotn renewal on 24th June 2020 and is insured for£l.053.194 (buildings) and £21.4g) Icontrntsl. The cost of indemnity insurance for the TTustr¢s of Lydgate Communiry Association CIO (LCA) is tMTrw beiTr8 paid for by the LCA. 5B Inyesttheat Assets 21123 2022 CBF Church of England Inwesmieni Fund Income Share5 CBF Church of England Investtnent Fund Accumul￿]0Tr Shares 10.045 92.052 19,774 81.777 102,097 101.550 6 Debtors 2023 2022 Debtors 89 437 2.437 7 Cash 1 B￿￿k and kn Ha￿d 21123 21)22 Cash Flower Fund Cash HSBC CutTent AccoutEt CBF Dep￿11 A¢count Natwest 200 Club 14 284 85 1,814 2.828 2.471 130 5.493 4.104 8 Credltorj 2022 Amounts falling due within l yeaT Agency collections 619 1,274 lJ92 674 1.442 2,115 A14

fq l e AIS

A16

! li A17

A18

Independent Examiner's Report to The Parochial Church Council of St Anne's Church, Lydgate I report on the financial statements of the Charity for the vear ended 31 December 2023, which are set out in ihe accompanying pages. Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner As PCC members you are responsible for the prepardtion of the financial statements. The PCC members consider that an audit is not required for thi5 jear (under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act)) and that an independent ¢xaminatioD Is needed. li is my responsibilits, to= examiEte the accounts (under section 145( I Xa) of the 2011 Act):. to follow ihe procedures laid dowm in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under s¢¢lion 145(iXb) of the 2011 Act)-, to state wh¢th¢r particular matters hai'e come to my attention Basis of independent examiDer's report My examination was carried out in accordance with the Gen¢rnl DI￿rionS given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting ￿ordS kept b}, the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented w.ith those records. It also includes considerdtion of an). unusual items or disclosures in ihe accounts, and seeking explanations from Vou as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not pro￿ld¢ all the evidence that Thould be required in an audit, and consequenilv I do not express an audit opinion on the Niew given by the accounts. Independellt examiner's ststement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: (l ) whi¢h gives me reasonable ¢aus¢ to believe that in any material respect the requirements to k¢¢p accounting records in accordanc¢ with section 130 of the 2011 Act; to prepare accounts which accord with th¢ accounting records and comply with the accounting requiremenls of the 2011 Act- have not been mel; or (2) to M,hi¢h, in mv opinion, alleniion should be drdwn in order to enable a proper understsnding of the accounts to be reached. Mr Michael Royle BA FCA Chartered Accountant 15 Burn¢dge Fold Road Grasscroft Oldham OLA 4EE 21 st April 2024 A5