Parish of St. Luke Farnworth with Cronton Mission
Annual Trustees Report of the Parochial Church Council 2024
----- Start of picture text -----
COMMUNITY – Eco Nature Day
y=
ge “ep
Oe ore£
CONCERTS – 6 [th] form college
ee pre
NX EtG |Heil=|& € |
CHILDREN – Sunday Club
----- End of picture text -----
----- Start of picture text -----
COMMUNITY – Heritage Day
eae
785 en 4]
=etan =
CONCERTS – Mayor’s Carol
ee service ed
, BL we.
CHILDREN – Jam Club
----- End of picture text -----
Yours sincerely
Name Surname Title
- 1 -
CRONTON – Ecumenical service
CRONTON – School Café style
- 2 -
Our Mission Statement
“We strive to live by faith, to be known by love and to connect people to Jesus and one another”.
Our Vision God’s love is to
Learn from each other Outreach to all in our community Vitalise personal growth and discipleship Ensure all feel welcome and encourage belonging
Priest in charge Reverend Canon Peter Dawkin
Local Ministers Sue Smither, Clare Liptrott and Lesley Firth rT | Wardens Barry Horabin, Pat Johnson, Rob Leech and Colleen Harper Web site St-luke.co.uk Charity Number 1133042 Parish number 744
St. Luke’s church Cronton Mission Church Pit Lane Farnworth held in Cronton School Widnes WA8 9HU Smithy Lane Widnes WA8 5DF
Team Administrator Lesley Howell 07399784219 eastwidnesteam.2942@gmail.com
Bankers Barclays Bank Legal Advisor Hill Dickinson & Co LLP Independent Examiner Nadia Hague FCA Vanguard Accountancy Ltd Architect Finlason Partnership Limited, 4 Beech House, Hale, Cheshire
- 3 -
1. AIM and PURPOSE
AIM - To promote the mission of St. Luke’s church and Cronton Mission pastorally, evangelistically, socially and ecumenically. Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament. PURPOSE – To provide a church family within which people can grow as Christians and help one another and the community.
| nd help one another and | the community. | |
|---|---|---|
| PCC members | Position | Until |
| Reverend Peter Dawkin |
Chair | |
| BarryHorabin | Warden 2016 &Deanery Synod ex-ofcio | 2025 |
| PatJohnson | Warden 2018 &Deanery Synod ex-ofcio | 2025 |
| RobLeech | Warden 2020 ex-ofcio | 2025 |
| Colleen Harper | Warden 2020 ex-ofcio | 2025 |
| LesleyRuncorn | Deanery Synod ex-ofcio | 2025 |
| YvonneHorabin | Deanery Synod ex-ofcio &Treasurer | 2025 |
| Join ed |
||
| SandraVanezis | Eco Ofcer 2021 |
2025 |
| AlmaMarshall | Baptism Assistant 2012 |
2025 |
| MargaretCampbell | Safeguarding Ofcer & Deputy Warden 2018 |
2025 |
| Jef Evans | Assistant Treasurer 2020 |
2025 |
| Lynn Keeling | Sunday Club Leader 2000 |
2026 |
| Sue Smither | Lay Minister 2019 |
2026 |
| RayRoberts | Fabric subgroup 2020 |
2026 |
| Deborah Doyle | Cronton representative 2020 |
2026 |
| ClareLiptrott | Lay Minister 2024 |
2027 |
| Gail Beswick | Baptism Assistant 2024 |
2027 |
| DorothyLightfoot | Magazine Distributor 2024 |
2027 |
| GeorgeTelfer | Health & Safety Ofcer 2024 |
2027 |
| Co-options | ||
| Owen Mullarkey | Fabric subgroup 2024 |
2025 |
| SandraLacey | Secretary 2024 |
2025 |
2. OVERVIEW of 2024
On 23[rd] September 2024 a Licensing service was held to mark the beginning of a new ministry with Reverend Canon Peter William Dawkin as Priest in Charge of Farnworth St Luke with Cronton Mission. Reverend Peter as Area Dean had supported our Lay Ministers who had to oversee three congregations – St Luke’s church, St Ambrose and
- 4 -
Cronton Mission church. Lay Minister Sue Smither was granted permission by Archdeacon Simon to continue to lead services of Holy Communion by Extension after Reverend Peter’s appointment as the number of clergy in the Deanery was reduced to 3 – Reverend Peter, Reverend Linda Dawkin and Reverend Greg Sharples. PCC is indebted to Sue for taking on an extra workload at St Luke’s church and Lay Ministers Clare and Lesley at Cronton Mission so the pattern of worship could continue. A thank you to our church wardens for covering the services too.
After numerous fund-raising events and successful grant applications work started on our major project the installation of toilets and a servery on 27th November and should be completed by Easter 2025. PCC would like to thank everyone who donated to enable this work to be undertaken to enhance the mission and ministry in our Parish.
We were all shocked when Geoff Poole died unexpectedly on March 14[th] . A gentle giant, a true and learned, multi-talented gentleman, it goes without saying that Geoff has been very sorely missed. In September we were so very sad to learn of the death of Alma Marshall, our dear friend and a member of PCC. Alma Marshall. Alma’s strong faith underpinned all that she was and did; she was so kind and caring, where she saw a need Alma stepped right in, there was never any need to ask, she was always just there. In November we were shocked to hear of the untimely death of Pat Beesley, an MU and choir member.
Events and services in 2024
January
Quiz at Widnes Cricket Club price matched with £500 from HSBC. The first ‘River of Light’ walk, a joint venture between school and church. The procession from Farnworth CE school was followed by a service in church when several people spoke about their role in the community.
February
Free concert given by students from Cronton 6[th] Form performing Arts Department who showcased the various talents they will be using for their exams. East Widnes Team Lent study groups in St Ambrose Church Hall. March
The first Café style worship held during the school day at Cronton CE School. Lay Minister Clare led the short informal service. This is now a monthly event on the last Friday of the month. Lent Soup and Sandwich lunches. Sunday Club involved in Mothering Sunday service. April
Experience Easter for children of Farnworth School with Sue and at Cronton School with Clare.
Good Friday Jam Club.
May
The first Nature & Heritage to appreciate the nature in the churchyard -learn about the plants in the churchyard, their uses and their importance in the ecosystem. Cubs from Farnworth Methodist Church met in church to learn the history of our church. This visit was part of their Local Knowledge Badge.
June
Children from Farnworth and Lunts Heath schools involved in a D Day Service of Commemoration at Victoria Park led by Sue
Our Rose Queen and retinue opened the Summer Festival at Farnworth CE School. Summer Concert Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Cronton 6[th] Form College Performing Arts Children from Farnworth School Y5 came to church to join in a mid-week worship with us
July
Farnworth reception classes visit church.
- 5 -
Patsy Clifford’s sky dive raised over £2,000 for the toilet and servery project
August September
National Heritage Open Day with Guided Church tour, Farnworth Village Heritage Walk, Self-guided churchyard quiz, Eco craft activities, tombola and eco inspired games. December Nine lessons and carols service followed by mulled wine and mince pies. Christmas Eve Christingle services 3pm & 5pm. Christmas Eve HOLY COMMUNION 11pm Christmas Day HOLY COMMUNION 10am Review of Objectives set for 2024 a) MISSION and MINISTRY Technology including WhatsApp is used to outreach & interact with a wider and more diverse population. Net Zero check list completed as directed by the Diocese. b) CHILDREN’S and YOUNG PEOPLE’S MINISTRY Children and adults confirmed. The implementation of the Diocesan ‘Growing Faith Adventure’ which replaces the Child Friendly Award is ongoing. Our Rose Queen and retinue opened the Farnworth School Summer Festival. Schools welcomed in church for their own services and performances as well as at 9.30am Wednesday services. Schools supported in their initiative to raise funds for a Library Pod.
c) OCCASIONAL / PASTRORAL SERVICES
A Blue service in the period before Christmas was not held. The second Walk of Light and service in church with children from Farnworth school took place. d) FESTIVALS
School children involved in the Remembrance Day service. e) MAKE A BIGGER DIFFERENCE
Bring One Friend and Back to Church Sundays did not take place. Foodbank and Kings Cross Project supported. Lent and Advent Soup and sandwich lunches held in church.
f) RULE of LIFE
A bible study/prayer group and/or meditations to be held in 2025. The Parish Giving Scheme to be promoted across the church and Mission. To emphasise the need for the congregation at Cronton Café Style to support the ministry to promote Outreach and pastoral care there through regular giving. This is ongoing.
A ‘Good Box’ has not yet been put permanently at Cronton Mission for online giving. A service of thanksgiving for volunteers (every 2 years) was not held.
g) PLANTING NEW CONGREGATIONS
To investigate ideas to take the church to the people. His is ongoing.
h) CONSERVATION PROJECT
Eco Nature and Heritage Day held to encourage awareness of the nature in the churchyard and raise awareness of eco issues.
3. CHALLENGES for 2025
When the work on the Toilets and Servery is completed groups who have previously shown an interest in holding their meetings in church will be approached. In the past the lack of facilities prevented groups using the building. The building stands empty during the week except Wednesday, so it is imperative that the building is used for a
- 6 -
range of activities to benefit the community and make our church sustainable. All parishes in the Liverpool Diocese have to produce a budget and sustainability plan for the next 10 years to show why their church should not be closed. At present our Parish is running at a loss as expenses are higher than income so if you would consider joining the Parish Giving Scheme (PGS) it would be appreciated as we need to ensure the church stands as a beacon in the town for generations to come. THE PAST IS OUR INHERITANCE THE FUTURE IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY.
If 100 people donated just £10 a month this would add £12,000 a year to our funds, and if it was gift aided that would add a further £2,500. To join PGS call 0333 002 1260 and Quote our unique church code 22062210. One- off donations can also be made this way, and you can gift aid it too. Objectives for 2025
a) MISSION and MINISTRY
To produce a sustainability report with short, medium and long term plans to enhance mission and ministry.
To investigate methods to outreach & interact with a wider and more diverse population.
To action points in the Net Zero check list.
b) CHILDREN’S and YOUNG PEOPLE’S MINISTRY
To encourage children and adults to consider confirmation.
To re-introduce Communion before Confirmation for Sunday Club.
To implement the Diocesan ‘Growing Faith Adventure’ which replaces the Child Friendly Award.
To maintain the tradition of having a Rose Queen and retinue.
To be involved in the School Summer Festival if invited.
To welcome schools in church and support schools in their initiatives.
c) OCCASIONAL / PASTRORAL SERVICES
To hold a Blue service in the period before Christmas.
To make the Walk of Light and service an annual event.
d) FESTIVALS
To introduce Remembering Festival Experience for school children and church families.
To hold Experience Easter in church or school.
e) MAKE A BIGGER DIFFERENCE
To hold a ‘Bring One Friend and Back to Church’ service.
To continue to support Foodbank and Kings Cross Project.
To hold Lent and Advent Soup and sandwich lunches with bible study and/or meditation.
f) RULE of LIFE
To hold a bible study/prayer group and/or meditations.
To instigate a Giving Campaign to promote the Parish Giving Scheme. To emphasise the need for the congregation at Cronton Café Style to support the ministry to promote Outreach and pastoral care there through regular giving. To have a ‘Good Box’ permanently at Cronton Mission for online giving. To hold a service of thanksgiving for volunteers (every 2 years).
g) PLANTING NEW CONGREGATIONS
To investigate ideas to take the church to the people.
h) CONSERVATION PROJECT
To hold an Eco Nature and Heritage Day held to encourage awareness of the nature in the churchyard and raise awareness of eco issues.
4. STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE and MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE
- 7 -
The general functions of the PCC are stated within section 2 of the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956. There are no other related trusts. The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. Church members registered on the Electoral Roll are eligible to stand for election to the PCC. Legally, the PCC is responsible for the financial affairs of the church parish and the maintenance of the building, the Bridewell and the churchyard, and for promoting the mission of the church.
The PCC operates two subcommittees: The Standing Committee and Friends of St Luke Farnworth. PCC members are CRB checked and receive Health & Safety and Safeguarding training.
GOVERNANCE
PCC members are committed to making good use of the funds and resources with a focus on achieving the desired outcomes whilst ensuring the charity follows the law, produces policies and, where issues arise, these are dealt with efficiently and quickly. Potential risks are considered, progress is monitored and actions taken when necessary.
SAFEGUARDING OFFICER & LEAD RECRUITER Margaret Campbell 07376112836
Safeguarding Officer for Cronton and Deputy Recruiter for Cronton is Debbie Doyle. Deputy Recruiter for St Luke’s church is Lynn Keeling. Safeguarding is of vital importance, to St Luke’s and Cronton Mission. We need to be welcoming but also a safe place. Therefore, we follow the Diocese of Liverpool Safer Recruitment Practice Guidance 2016. This refers to the whole recruitment process for volunteers and paid workers.
GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATION
All the congregation’s information is stored in a safe place, privacy is respected, and personal information is not shared with other organisations.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
The Churchwardens are totally committed to all aspects of Health & Safety. If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact them.
MANAGEMENT
PROCEDURES - The PCC operates under a mature system of controls and procedures developed over many years of operation. Finance and operational issues are routinely monitored as part of regular PCC meetings. When planning activities for the year, the PCC consider the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefits, in particular, the specific guidance to charities concerned with advancement of religion.
BUDGET - An annual budget is prepared to monitor short-term viability. Actual results compared with budget are reported to the PCC quarterly. The investments are reviewed. All assets are insured.
RESERVES POLICY - No charity can operate for any length of time without reserves. The available reserves are low, so a major effort will be needed to re-build reserves to a working level, and to re-build a contingency for future maintenance costs.
CONTINGENCY PLANS - The Scout and Guide building can be used for services in the event of the Church becoming unusable for a limited period. ELECTORAL ROLL - 166 on the 2024 roll. (New roll in 2025)
5. CHURCH GROUPS
Bell Ringers
If you love to hear the church bells, Nigel, Tower Captain 07860632096. Practice Tuesdays 6.30pm. Training given.
Choir
leads us in song every Sunday morning and at Festivals. If you enjoy music and
Fellowship contact Director of Music Paul 07778042553. Practice Thursdays 6pm.
- 8 -
Church Cleaning
10.30 to 12noon once a month on the last Wednesday and as required for special services. All
equipment and materials provided. Just call in, many hands make light work.
Flower Arranging team
If you would like to help Wednesday & Friday mornings Lesley 01514231759 Friends of St Luke’s Church
organise fund raising events ranging from quizzes to concerts. Ideas for fund raising always
welcome. If you would like to join our Whatsapp group contact Sandra 0776672030
Mothers’ Union
meet second Wednesday each month in church 7pm for prayer and fellowship with a variety of
speakers. Colleen 01514244351.
Jam Club
Second Sunday each month 3-4pm join Clare and Jack (our church puppet) for worship focussed on families and the young at heart - bible story, songs and crafts. Also Good Friday Family Service 10am to 11am Clare 07976549410
Open Door Wednesday
10am to 3pm church is open. Pop in for a chat and cuppa. People on hand to welcome you a nd show you around our beautiful church.
Games Galore Wednesday
- 1pm to 3pm Come and join us for 2 hours of light-hearted fun playing games Scrabble,
Dominos and many more and chatting. Coffee and cake too. Pat 07717522878
Open Door Saturday
First Saturday each month 10am to 11.30am for fellowship, a look around and chat or for a quiet space to sit and spend some time with your thoughts, or with God. Tea and teacakes, coffee and crumpets provided. Contact Sue 07962012916
Sunday Club
In the Bridewell 10.30am on 1st, 3rd and 4th Sundays during term time, stories of our faith are told in a lively way, with craft activities. The children come into Church at 11.15am to share what they have done with the congregation. Lynn 07741494261
Uniformed Organisations Clare Liptrott 07976549410
Parish Review
If you would like to input to the magazine, or have a magazine delivered to you or would like an advert in the magazine please contact farnworthreview@yahoo.co.uk Philip 07710030973
6.FINANCE
(a)FINANCIAL REVIEW
The funds of the church are, in the main, made up of three sections:
1. Endowment Fund - Generally, only the interest is available for the PCC’s use, not the capital. There have been NO withdrawals from Investments.
Endowment funds £170,760, up on previous year by £3,893 due to increase in stock market valuations
2. Restricted and Designated funds - This is for monies for specific purposes, i.e., Major Repairs, Bridewell etc. Restricted funds, including Friends account £168,446 which is mainly for the church toilet project. Designated funds £2,309.
3. General Fund –This covers the income and expenditure of the day to day running costs of the church. It is this section which yet again has seen a noticeable drop in income.
- 9 -
Mainly due to the loss of some of our regular givers who have sadly died in the year. At the start of 2024 we still owed £56,000 to the Diocese for parish share for 2023. We have managed to pay £22,000 towards this creditor, leaving £34,000 still outstanding plus the current years parish share figure of £72.000, giving a total of £106,000 outstanding to the Diocese at end of December 2024. We are presently in discussions with the Diocese about the outstanding Parish share . People have been very generous in giving to the toilet fund for these much needed facilities. Hopefully the general fund will benefit from extra income once they are built.
The income from regular givers has continued to drop, although people using the parish giving scheme has increased slightly, mainly with regular givers changing from giving by enveloped and standing orders rather than from new regular givers . . Charitable Giving Children’s Society – £500 from Christingles Christian Aid - people were encouraged to donate direct to Christian Aid. Foodbank – As well as food donations on a regular basis and at special services such as Harvest. Farnworth School and Cronton School continue to support Foodbank.
Toy Service – the response from the congregation, the schools and the community donating toys, gifts and toiletries for the Trinity Kings Cross Appeal was overwhelming.
Farnworth CE School Bag to School weigh in – the PTA was delighted to receive our donations to this initiative to raise funds for a library pod and promote the reuse of clothes & shoes to help build a more sustainable future.
b) ACCOUNTS
The church's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The church's
trustees consider that an audit is required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act)) and that an independent examination is needed. This report on 2024 was approved at a meeting of PCC members on 7th April 2024. If you spot any mistakes, please contact PCC Secretary 07761672030
sandralacey47@yahoo.co.uk so amendments can be made before the report goes to the
Diocese and the Charity’ Commission. Thank you.
- 10 -
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST LUKE'S, FARNWORTH, WIDNES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) For the year ended 31 December 2024
Page 6
| 4a STAFF COSTS Wages and Salaries Social Security Costs Pension Costs |
2024 £ 10,085 10,085 |
2023 £ 9,922 - - |
|---|---|---|
| 9,922 |
During the year the PCC employed an organist and some monthly payments were large enough to attract social security costs. Also employed, was an Administrator for booking Funerals, Weddings and Baptisms.
Payments were made to Retired clergy and Readers for funeral services of £5,948 (2023 = £2,263). A contra against PCC fees was in relation to these fees.
The average number of employees during the year was 4 (2023 - 4).
4b PAYMENTS TO PCC MEMBERS
No payments or expenses were paid to any PCC member for their services provided as a PCC member for the year ended 31 December 2024, nor for the year end 31 December 2023.
During the year services were provided by S Smither as an employee of St Lukes Church, for funeral services only, at a cost of £2,987. This was in addition to services provided as a PCC member on a voluntary basis.
5 FIXED ASSETS
5(a) Tangible
No Capital expenditure was incurred in 2024 (2023 - nil).
| 5(b) Investments Market value at 1st January 2024 Disposal at carrying value Income from investments Revaluation gain/(loss) Market value at 31st December 2024 6 DEBTORS (unrestricted funds) Tax recoverable Prepayments and Accrued Interest Other Debtors 7 LIABILITIES Amounts falling due within one year (unrestricted funds) Accruals for utilities and other costs Other creditors Loans Amounts falling due after one year Loans |
2024 £ 166,867 32 3,861 170,760 2024 £ 12,040 138,862 150,902 2024 £ 110,397 5,000 115,397 - |
2023 £ 152,553 30 14,284 |
|---|---|---|
| 166,867 | ||
| 2023 £ 22,157 2,000 |
||
| 24,157 | ||
| 2023 £ 59,419 12,000 |
||
| 71,419 | ||
| 2,500 |
| 8 FUNDS ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BY FUND Unrestricted Funds £ Tangible fixed assets Investment fixed assets Current Assets Bank 8,282 Debtors 150,902 Liabilities 115,397 - Amounts falling due within 1 year Amounts falling due after 1 year Fund balance 43,787 |
Designated Funds £ 2,830 |
Restricted Endowment Funds Funds £ £ 170,760 168,445 168,445 170,760 |
Total Total 2024 2023 £ £ 170,760 166,867 179,557 83,167 150,902 24,157 115,397 - 71,419 - 2,500 - |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2,830 | 385,822 200,272 |
Independent examiner’s report to the PCC of ST LUKE'S, FARNWORTH, WIDNES
Report to the Parochial Church Council (PCC) of St. Luke’s, Farnworth on the accounts for the year end
31 December 2024, as set out on pages 1 to 7 of Appendix 1 of your Annual Report.
Respective responsibilities of the PCC and the examiner
The PCC are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. They consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act of 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Basis of independent examiner’s statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission.
accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures
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' view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner’s statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
-
(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
-
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and
-
to prepare financial statements which accord with the accounting records and comply with the requirements of the Act and the Regulations have not been met.
-
(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed: ________
Mrs N Hague FCA
Date: 24th April 2026