ri
ttps://
christchurchchester.coml ,-
Il
NNUAL
E•mail
admin@
https://www.<hristdwr
dKhester.corn/
hchgster•com

2 

## **Contents** 


||Pages|
|---|---|
|Statement of PCC’s Responsibilities|3|
|Annual Report|4|
|Overview of the Year|6|
|Independent Examiner’s Report|18|
|Financial Review of the Year|19|
|Accounting Policies|21|
|Statement of Financial Activity|23|
|Balance Sheet|24|
|Notes to the Accounts|25|



_**The Parochial Church Council of The Ecclesiastical Parish of Chester, Christ Church Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2025**_ 



3 

## **Statement of Parochial Church Council’s Responsibilities** 


We are required under the Charities Act 2011 to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the PCC and its surplus or deficit for that period. In preparing those financial statements we are required to: 

- select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently; 

- make reasonable and prudent judgements and estimates; 

- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the PCC will continue. 

We are also responsible for: 

- keeping proper accounting records; 

- safeguarding the PCC’s assets; 

- 

- taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud. 

## **Public Benefit** 

The PCC are aware of the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit in "The advancement of religion for the Public Benefit" and have had regard to it in their administration of the church. 

The PCC believes that by promoting the Christian faith it provides a benefit to the public by: 

- Providing facilities for public worship, pastoral care and spiritual development, both for existing church members and for anyone who wishes to benefit from what the church offers. 

- Promoting Christian values, and service by members of the church in and to their communities, to the benefit of individuals and society as a whole. 

Signed on behalf of the PCC: 


Anna Leyden (Chair) 16[th] March 2026 

_**The Parochial Church Council of The Ecclesiastical Parish of Chester, Christ Church Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2025**_ 



4 

## **Annual Report** 


## **Background of the PCC** 

Christ Church Parochial Church Council has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent and other clergy in promoting the whole mission of the church: pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It also has the maintenance responsibilities of our church building and Mission House. 

## **Membership of PCC** 

Membership of the PCC is ex-officio, co-opted or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with Church Representation Rules. The following people served for all or part of 2025: 

Vicar Rev Anna Leyden Curate Rev Denise Noble Vice Chair of the PCC David Chirgwin (until 19/05) Andrew Wigglesworth (from 19/05) Churchwardens David Jones Andrew Wigglesworth (until 11/05) Kerry Wigglesworth (from 11/05) Deanery Synod Representatives Sue Ibrahim Wendy Peto (until 11/05) Veronica Johnston (from 11/05) Janet Thorp (from 11/05) Lay Reader Representative Edward Newman Elected PCC Members Carys Addison Dr Mercy Ade (from 11/05) Jonathan Aragon-Escobosa David Chirgwin Thomas Cobb Laura Hale Pauline Jones Anna Hockley Calvin Hodgson Veronica Johnson (until 11/05) Dino Siu Fai Leung Janet Thorp (until 11/05) Andrew Wigglesworth (from 11/05) Secretary Wendy Peto Electoral Roll Officer Carys Addison Treasurer Edward Newman Parish Safeguarding Officer Pauline Jones 

_**The Parochial Church Council of The Ecclesiastical Parish of Chester, Christ Church Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2025**_ 



5 


## **Standing Committee** 

Standing Committee has the power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings (subject to directions given by the Council) and consists of Vicar/Chairperson, two Churchwardens, the Treasurer, and one or more additional PCC member(s) elected by the PCC (currently David Chirgwin and Carys Addison). Standing Committee has met on an ‘ad hoc’ basis to consider Generosity Fund applications and carry out essential PCC business, with the approval of the PCC, between meetings. 

## **Church Membership** 

In 2025 there was a full revision of the electoral roll. Following this revision, membership of the electoral roll stood at 103 on 11/5/2025. It is notable that there are a significant number of congregation members who are either ordained or not baptised and therefore not eligible to be listed on the electoral roll. Of those on the electoral roll, 17% live in the parish). The PCC met every month during 2025 except August and December. 

_**The Parochial Church Council of The Ecclesiastical Parish of Chester, Christ Church Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2025**_ 



6 

## **Overview of the Year - 2025** 

_Rev Anna Leyden, Vicar_ 


As I look back on 2025, I am reminded again of God’s faithfulness to Christ Church in so many ways.  As ever, there have been changes and challenges but always so much to give thanks for, not least the people who make up the family of Christ Church. In this report, you can find out more about lots of the ‘regular’ activities that are part of our church life but, in addition, here are some of the things I’m giving thanks for from the previous year: 

- Early in the year, I took a period of four weeks’ study leave (agreed by the Bishop) to continue work on my PhD thesis which is now nearing completion. I am very grateful to everyone for keeping the show on the road and it is testament to the community here that I think you barely noticed I was gone! 

- It was lovely to be joined by our friends from St Michael’s Plas Newtown for our Ash Wednesday service with their vicar, Rev Jennie Prince, preaching. 

- Through Lent, and much later than most of the rest of the Church of England, around 35 of us came together once a week to do the Living in Love and Faith (LLF) course. Feedback on the course material was mixed but we were almost unanimous in saying how the course had helped us to understand and get to know one another better. 

- March was an exciting month as we came together for the Christ Church ‘Big Weekend’ at Cloverley Hall in Shropshire. The weekend was filled with worship, teaching (from Chris Lane), prayer, sports, a wide range of activities from Swedish lawn game Kubb to a New Testament Greek class, a bonfire, swimming, activities for the children, and an awful lot of food. Around 65 people joined for all or part of the weekend. The feedback was amazing – both about the teaching and worship, but also about the opportunity to grow together as a community. My highlight was watching children and young people deepening their relationships and having a great time together, across different age brackets. We booked a date to return in 2026 before we even made it home! 

- 2025 saw some significant events in the life of the ministry team at Christ Church too. After many years of faithful service, the much-loved Veronica Johnston decided to step back from Reader Ministry. And in the summer we celebrated the ordination of our wonderful Curate, Denise, to the priesthood. Congregational collections allowed us to show our appreciation for both Veronica and Denise’s ministry to us. In addition, in the 


_**The Parochial Church Council of The Ecclesiastical Parish of Chester, Christ Church Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2025**_ 



7 


Autumn Wendy Peto began training as a Licensed Pastoral Worker. God has blessed us richly! 


- God also blessed us richly with the arrival of a number of new babies within the Christ Church community, and three weddings, including Maybel and Thomas’ big day in September. 

- November was another full month in the life of Christ Church. At the beginning of the month we were joined by Bishop Mark and friends from All Saints’ Higher Kinnerton and St Mary’s Dodleston for a service of baptism and confirmation. It was joyous to celebrate with Erica and she was baptised and confirmed, and Wendy, Calvin and Skylar as they were confirmed, along with candidates from other churches. Then, on 15[th] November, we opened the church building for 12 hours of prayer. The church was laid out with a wide range of prayer activities including a prayer labyrinth, reflective zone, the opportunity to write a letter to God, and various activities to encourage us to pray for the needs of the church and the world. We came together at various points throughout the day to worship and eat together. 


As another year has drawn to a close we give thanks to God for all that he has done among us, and recall the truth of Lamentations 3.22-23: 

_“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness”_ 



## **WORSHIP SERVICES** 

Coordinator: Anna Leyden 

- Continuing our established pattern of services, in 2025 we gathered for a 9.00am more formal service (with Holy Communion each week) and a contemporary and informal 10.30am service (with Holy Communion on the first Sunday of the month). Once a month, we held the Brunch service (interactive worship for all ages) at 10.30am and 

   - Contemplative Communion at 6pm. During August, we had one joint service each week at 10.30am, to allow various team members a break. 


_**The Parochial Church Council of The Ecclesiastical Parish of Chester, Christ Church Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2025**_ 



8 


- Over the course of the year, in addition to lectionary and seasonal readings we worked through sermon series on Paul’s letter to the Philippians and a series on the life of Joseph. During Brunch Services we asked ‘Who is Jesus?’ and explored Jesus’ “I am” sayings. In the Autumn term we began the ‘Marvellous Meals’ series, exploring what we can learn about God and ourselves from some of the many meals we read about in the Bible. 


- Services during Holy Week, Easter and Christmas were very well-attended and it was a delight to welcome many new and visiting faces to Christ Church. The Good Friday service was particularly moving, and contrasted wonderfully with a lively, colourful and multi-lingual Easter Day Service. 


- During December, it was brilliant to work once again with the Salvation Army and their brass band for the outdoor ‘Community Carols’ service. A week later, we welcomed more than 160 people to Carols by Candlelight, including many with no previous connection to Christ Church. Anna donned a range of outfits for the Christmas services, most notably dressing as a giant Christingle for the 4pm Christmas Eve service and a cracker on Christmas morning! 

- Monday Prayer continued to meet in the Mission House and was attended by approx. 8-10 people most weeks. Members of the congregation were encouraged to share prayer requests via email or by using the newly installed prayer requests box in church. 




## **9am Musical Worship** 

## _Coordinator: Tonya Chirgwin_ 

_Purpose: To lead people in worship through music, predominantly at our 9.00am congregation._ 


- We have remained a small but dedicated team of 3 over the past 12 months, and it continues to be a joy to help plan and lead traditional-style worship for the 9am Communion and the Contemplative Services: for this I must record my deep gratitude to my team-mates Andrew and Lucy for their willing and faithful service over the year. We have particularly enjoyed trialling an increase in the number of hymns on a Sunday morning from 2 back to 3 (approaching pre-COVID levels!) and are looking forward to keeping this number as we move into the new year. We hope that this will benefit the 

   - congregation by offering space to explore the service themes more deeply through the combination of words and music, while also returning some old 

_**The Parochial Church Council of The Ecclesiastical Parish of Chester, Christ Church Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2025**_ 



9 

favourites to the repertoire, and (hopefully) adding some new ones. On a rather less cheerful note, our wonderful and historic organ developed a fault towards the end of the year, and while for the moment we are managing to work around it, the various possible solutions will need to be explored in the new year. 


- As ever, it has been a joy to participate in the highlights of the various church and liturgical seasons, especially when this has involved joining with the 10:30 music team. The first joint service of the year was unusual - Sunday morning Communion at Christ Church’s first ever ‘Big Weekend’ back in March - and I found it particularly encouraging to be playing for such a large congregation who sang so lustily! Enthusiastic congregational singing was also one of the highlights of the joint service on Easter Day; another was the unaccompanied sung doxology performed by members of the 10:30 team, opening the worship with a sense of mystery and awe. The next joint service was for Remembrance Sunday, when Hannah blessed us all with a beautiful rendition of ‘Were you there when they crucified my Lord?’ during Communion. 

- Our Advent and Christmas celebrations, while retaining many of the now-traditional features of seasonal worship at Christ Church, such as the highly successful Christmas Choir, were also refreshed by several musical innovations. At the Candlelit Carol Service the Choir, in addition to their joyful performances of ‘A great and mighty wonder’ and Rutter’s ‘Carol of the Nativity’, led the congregation in a lively romp through ‘While shepherds watched their flocks by night’, this year sung to the tune of ‘On Ilkley Moor bar t’Hat’, accompanied by a folk band! In similar vein, the Christingle Nativity featured a retelling of the Christmas story to the tune of ‘The Wheels on the Bus’, as well as introducing ‘It was on a starry night’ to the repertoire – both ably led from the piano by Andrew Love. Finally, at the Midnight Communion two elements of the regular liturgy, the Gloria (‘Glory to God in the highest…’) and the Sanctus-Benedictus (‘Holy, holy, holy Lord) were sung to familiar Christmas carol tunes – and it was wonderful to be able to give these very special words a distinctly seasonal flavour while encouraging everyone to sing out! 

- As we move into 2026, with its known and unknown joys and challenges, we hope it will be a year of ever more joyful song as we continue to serve our Christian family at Christ Church. 

## **10.30am Worship Ministry** 

_Coordinator: Hannah Thompson_ 

_Purpose: To lead people in Spirit-led worship through music, predominantly at our 2nd morning service._ 

- Many thanks to Jonathan and Rich who, alongside myself, led worship for the majority of the 10:30am services this year, alongside Lucy and David who led at the weekend away and in the autumn term. Their hard work and commitment to the worship team is greatly appreciated. 

_**The Parochial Church Council of The Ecclesiastical Parish of Chester, Christ Church Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2025**_ 



10 

- This year we actively tried to recruit church members onto a PA team to assist the worship team with technical support on Sunday mornings, including hosting a PA and sound desk training day in March. Trying to build a tech team has been a challenge for several years, and we are yet to have enough volunteers for a regular rota – we welcome your prayers for this. 


- In March many of the 10:30 musicians supported the worship at the Big Weekend. A big thanks to all who offered their musical skills. It was also a wonderful opportunity to work alongside Tonya and the 9am team in order to provide a diverse range of worship across the weekend. 

- During the November ‘Day of Prayer’ I led worship in the evening Prayer + Praise session. Also in November, the 9am and 10:30am worship teams joined together to lead worship on Remembrance Sunday. 

- Finally, the Christmas services were led by a mixture of 9am and 10:30am teams including the wonderful carols by candlelight service with our community choir and, new this year, a band of 10:30 musicians to support one of the upbeat carols. It has been a pleasure coordinating this worship team this year; may God continue to use every musician for His praise and glory. As we approach the year ahead, we are short on worship leaders so would appreciate prayers for leaders to support this ministry. 

## **CHILDREN’S MINISTRY** 

## _Coordinator: Lizzie Cobb_ 

_Purpose: To facilitate an environment where children can grow in their relationship with God, predominately through Sunday morning groups during the 10.30am service._ 

## **Crèche: under 3s** 

_Report:_ 

- We have an unsupervised creche for under 2s in the vestry. It has a livestream of the service and provides a space for parents to sit with young children during service if they’d like to. There are also sofas at the side of church for parents (and others) to sit more comfortably if they prefer. During 2025, we gave a new lease of life to this area in the North Aisle – moving the children’s area forward and adding a rug, new cushions, and toy storage to make the space more inviting. 

_**The Parochial Church Council of The Ecclesiastical Parish of Chester, Christ Church Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2025**_ 



11 


- This year, we’ve had some informal feedback about the (low) temperature of the creche and have noticed that parents tend to use the sofa area at the side of church more regularly than the creche. 


## **Lighthouse: 2-11s** 

_Coordinator: Lizzie Cobb, Kerry Wigglesworth, Cassie Sanson, Imogen Hodgson_ 

- After our sessions at the end of 2024, we launched the new name and vision statement of our children’s ministry: Lighthouse - A place to have fun with our friends and learn to shine for Jesus 

- 2025 has seen a growth in our children’s ministry numbers with some of our younger children turning 3 and joining lighthouse. We now have 7 children aged 3-10 tor our Sunday morning sessions. On average however we have about 4 on a Sunday morning. Our sessions always start with worship, followed by sharing the children’s news. We then delve into a bible story and respond with crafts, activities and games and leave time for the children to play together in order to bond as a group. Children have enjoyed looking at a variety of topics such as people of the bible encountering Jesus, and key characters of the Old Testament. 


- We loved joining together for Big Weekend whilst the adults had their morning sessions looking at ‘Where is Jesus in the Old Testament?’. It was great to see the children bond and grow in fellowship through bible teaching, crafts, games and biscuits! 


- We also had a brilliant ‘Family fun day’ where we invited all families to join for bouncy castle, games, food and fun. It was great to see children from toddlers to teens have fun together with many of our Lighthouse children joining in. 

- We are ever grateful for our helpers and leaders. We gained a children’s leader over the summer of 2025 (Imogen), however one went on Maternity leave so Lighthouse still has 3 leaders, meaning every leader still does 1 a month with the Brunch service filling the other service. We still have plenty of helpers that help out on rotation. 

## **Crypt Youth Group: 11+yrs** 

_Coordinator: Andrew Wigglesworth_ 

- Crypt met for Bible study, games and fellowship every other week during the 10.30am service in 2025. 

- There were around 8 individuals in total who attended the sessions, with a typical week averaging 4-6 people. The age range is approximately 11/12 to 16/17: this presents both challenges and opportunities as we talk about following Jesus in a way that is appropriate for everyone and learn in turn from their perspectives. 


_**The Parochial Church Council of The Ecclesiastical Parish of Chester, Christ Church Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2025**_ 



12 


- 2025 has been a really joyful year in leading Crypt. We have seen the young people grow in their faith and particularly valued the Christ Church Big Weekend which presented a chance to go deeper into the topic of the bible as a whole but also for deepening friendships between the youth themselves which carried on into the sessions for the rest of the year. A big highlight from the Big Weekend was also the game of Taskmaster we played where the youth performed various silly and ridiculous tasks including guessing Sarah (the Taskmaster's) height in oranges, creating the best portrait of her from foliage in the grounds and shouting, “Watermelon!” as loudly as they could! 

- Across the year we looked at a range of topics together with the main areas of being a Christian in the world (which covered issues such as climate change, inequality, justice) and also doing an in-depth study of the gospel of Mark which is continuing into 2026. 

- Some of the leaders finished the Youthscape course this year which was helpful in equipping us for leading and showing different ways to approach sessions. 

- Sadly Claire Houghton stepped down as a leader at the end of 2025 and we are incredibly grateful to her for all her hard work and inputs to crypt. We were blessed that Denise Noble agreed to join as a leader towards the end of the year and have already benefitted from her input. 

- We look forward to what God has in store for us in 2026 

## **Tots+Tinies: 0-5s** 

## _Coordinator: Anna Leyden_ 

_Purpose: To provide a welcoming and nurturing space where young children and their parents/carers can be cared for, make new friends, and be introduced to the Christian faith. Tots+Tinies serves both the church congregation and wider local community._ 

- Tots+Tinies continued to meet on Thursday mornings during term time. Through the year, children and parents/carers were encouraged to engage with a different Bible story each week, through engaging and interactive stories and a related craft, alongside our beloved ‘prayer parachute’, children’s worship songs, and all-important tea and toast. 

- We continued to welcome a broad range of people, including members of Christ Church and other local churches, but also many families who are not currently part of a worshipping community. As always, the T+T family changed shape throughout the year, with many new faces coming through the doors but also saying ‘farewell’ to a number of regulars due to house moves, starting school and parents returning to work after parental leave. Many T+T families also joined us at Messy Church. 

- In addition to our Thursday morning sessions, the T+T volunteer team met in the summer to clean and sort through all the toys and for a mini-golf social! 

## **Messy Church** 

_Coordinator: Jodie Spencer & Anna Leyden_ 

_Purpose: To encourage the discipleship of children and families (both those who already attend church and those who do not) through creative and fun ways of exploring the Bible and Christian faith._ 

_**The Parochial Church Council of The Ecclesiastical Parish of Chester, Christ Church Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2025**_ 



13 

- Messy Church sessions took place bimonthly in 2025 and we intend for this to continue in 2026. 


- We have many families who have attended regularly for several years but this year it has been great to welcome many new families, including some not otherwise connected with a church. We usually welcome over 20 children and 20 adults. 

- Our Messy Church sessions have attracted both children and families of primary school aged children and also younger children and their families. A range of activities are planned that are appropriate and engaging for this wide age range. 

- It has been a joy to see families enjoy spending time with/ learning about Jesus in these sessions and connecting with other families. 

- Thank you to everyone who has helped with preparing and delivering these sessions and to everyone who attended. 

## **Student Work** 

_Coordinator: James Thompson_ 

_Purpose: To invest in the next generation of Christians through welcoming, pastoring, equipping, and sending out our university students._ 

- The last year at Christ church has been very quiet for student work. Several postgraduate and undergraduate students have recently finished their studies; some have stayed in the congregation, and some have moved away for work. 

- We hosted students from the CU for their church search but we did not have any new undergraduate students join church this year. Pray that more undergraduate students will join Christ Church in the coming year. 

- We currently have a few postgraduate students, many of whom were already members of Christ Church before they started their current programme of study. Pray for us as we think about how best to support them. 

- We maintain a good relationship with the CU at Chester university, with James and Anna invited to speak there last year, including James joining a panel discussion during their events week. Please pray for the CU and their continued growth and efforts in sharing the gospel at the university. 

- Chester University is being impacted by budget cuts and economic uncertainty which will affect the number of students, especially international students, that might come and study here. Pray for the university and the future of the student population in Chester. 

## **School of Theology** 

_Coordinators: Anna & Michael Leyden_ 

_Purpose: To offer a space for those who wish to ‘dive deeper’ into questions of Christian life and faith._ 

- After a successful first year in 2024, School of Theology returned in 2025 for four Sunday evenings in the Summer Term. We were delighted to welcome back Michael Leyden (Dean of Emmanuel Theological College and part of the Christ Church preaching and leading team) who led us to reflect on our responses to ‘Problems with God in the modern 


_**The Parochial Church Council of The Ecclesiastical Parish of Chester, Christ Church Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2025**_ 



14 

world.’ Each evening had a different focus, covering four big topics: Reason and Intelligence; Evil and Suffering; Truth and Experience; and the question of whether there are too many religions to believe in the Christian God. Michael provided us with stimulating and stretching teaching and excellent resource booklets to support our learning. 

- Once again, the evenings were extremely well-received and provided a wonderful opportunity for spiritual growth, deepening friendships and building of ecumenical relationships. In total, we welcomed 89 people from churches across Chester and beyond – with one attendee travelling all the way from Scotland each week! 



## **Connect Groups** 

_Coordinator: Anna Leyden_ 

_Purpose: To provide regular gatherings of small groups, outside of a Sunday service context, where members of Christ Church can connect with God, connect with other church members and connect with their wider communities._ 

- Connect Groups are an important part of life at Christ Church. They provide opportunity for Bible study; prayer support and friendship and, during 2025 many Connect Group members commented on the significant and positive impact joining a Connect Group had on them. 

- Three Connect Groups were meeting at the start 2025 in Newtown, Helsby and the Mission House with each Group following a different syllabus, 


- according to the group’s interest and needs. Sadly, one group came to a natural end after a number of members moved away or became unable to attend regularly, but there are plans to start at least two new groups in 2026. 

- Towards the end of 2025, Anna Hockley hosted a short-term book group, looking at Bear Grylls’ _The Greatest Story Ever Told._ The group was wellattended and provided space for discussion and reflection on the life of Jesus. It will continue meeting early in 2026 

## **Drop In** 

## _Coordinator: Sue Ibrahim_ 

_Purpose: To open our church doors on Sunday afternoons, offering a warm and welcoming space for people facing homelessness and other vulnerable individuals._ 

_**The Parochial Church Council of The Ecclesiastical Parish of Chester, Christ Church Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2025**_ 



15 


- 5/6 volunteers, one a soup maker, met every Sunday afternoon to be briefed by their Leader, to pray, and then to prepare sandwiches and hot drinks for our guests. 


- Increasing numbers, sometimes 40+, indicated that we need more volunteers if, between jobs on busy days, we can continue to grow warm relationships, circulating, chatting, laughing, listening, responding with advice, prayer, and practical help 

- Inspiring stories encouraged us: one guest with his dog, settled into a flat, qualified through a short university course and is now, on the strength of his own experiences, happily employed as a Mental Health Care Worker. And the dog too! 


- The summer BBQ was spoiled, not by the downpour, but by grief. We prayed, lit candles and remembered Paddy, who died in July, having been a long-time guest and invaluable doorman, strictly implementing our ‘no drugs, no alcohol’ policy.  Everybody loved Paddy! 

- Safety became a theme of 2025. Leaders gained ‘Food Safety Awareness’ certificates. After a Food Hygiene Inspection, Church was awarded a five-star sticker. 

- Drugs, alcohol, mental health issues invariably feature in life on the streets leaving individuals vulnerable to abuse. Pauline led Safeguarding Training in responding to concerns about the wellbeing of an individual.  We formalised our volunteer recruiting procedure through application forms and references, with at least ‘Basic Awareness’ Safeguarding qualification required for Leaders. 


- An incident at another drop-in focused our thoughts on protecting volunteers and guests from physical threat. Guided by the Diocesan Safety Officer, we tightened our pre-session briefing with clear emergency directions. A Leaders’ WhatsApp communicating between sessions became invaluable. 

- A fulfilling year ended joyfully, as always, celebrating together with wonderful Christmas Dinner. 

## **Visiting and Pastoral Ministry** 

## _Coordinator: Anna Leyden_ 

_Purpose: To enfold within the family of Christ Church the sick and housebound, through regular visits and the opportunity to share Holy Communion at home or in hospital._ 

- Visiting continued throughout the year to members of Christ Church community at home, in care homes and hospital. 

_**The Parochial Church Council of The Ecclesiastical Parish of Chester, Christ Church Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2025**_ 



16 

- As mentioned in the Overview of the Year, we were delighted that in September, Wendy Peto began training for licensed Pastoral Worker ministry. 


- Those who completed the Mental Health First Aid course in 2024 continued to meet together on occasion, to review their learning and, under Anna’s leadership, began plans to establish a regular ‘Pastoral Ministry team’ to oversee this area of ministry moving forwards. 

## **Maintenance** 

## _Coordinators: David Jones_ 

_Purpose: To look after the physical maintenance of the church building and Mission House, ensuring that they are safe, work according to the needs of the church and meet the standards they are required to by law._ 

- There was a very good turnout (over 20 people) for the two Maintenance days. Thank you to all those who came to help on those days, cleaning the church, clearing gutters, tidying the grounds, trimming bushes, etc, etc. 

- Week by week, cleaning, small repairs, replacing light bulbs and batteries and such like have continued. 

- When news came that we were due to have a food hygiene inspection, it spurred us on to fit a new kitchen worktop and splashback and besides a thorough clean and other improvements, this helped us get a 5* rating. 

- This year, we have improved the lightning connections around the church, and replaced the old sodium lamps in the ceiling lanterns with new modern, more efficient LEDs. Here’s to a brighter future! 

- I would particularly like to thank Rob and Dino, for their expertise and willingness to help. 




## **Safeguarding** 

## _Coordinator: Pauline Jones_ 

_Purpose: To ensure measures are in place at Christ Church to protect everyone, but particularly children, young people and vulnerable adults, and to promote their health and wellbeing._ 

- At Christ Church we seek to promote a safe environment, culture and activities in order to include a wide range of children, young people and adults. Everyone at Christ Church shares this responsibility, but not everyone is responsible for everything! We believe safeguarding is about how we treat each other and the quality of our relationships but we also seek to fulfil our responsibilities as laid down by the Church of England and Chester Diocese 

_**The Parochial Church Council of The Ecclesiastical Parish of Chester, Christ Church Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2025**_ 



17 


Safeguarding team. We believe and trust that safeguarding supports ministry and outreach rather than preventing or constraining it. 

- I can confirm that Christ Church Chester PCC has complied with the duty to have ‘due regard’ to the House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance’. As Parish Safeguarding Officer, I have regularly reported on safeguarding in the parish and safeguarding has been a standing agenda item at each PCC meeting. 

The following is Christ Church Chester Parochial Church Council’s statement, which reports on progress as required: 

- We have consistently complied with over 80% of the safeguarding requirements identified on the Chester Diocese Safeguarding Dashboard at Level 3. The dashboard and the hub have made it easier to ensure we are compliant with safer recruitment, Disclosure and Barring Service checks and training requirements 

- We have safely recruited two volunteers using the National Church of England safer recruitment process 

- Regular safeguarding meetings with Rev. Anna Leyden and myself were held. 

- • Imogen Hodgson kindly agreed to be approved to undertake DBS checks where I am ineligible to undertake them 

- In July Rev. Anna Leyden and I attended the launch of the Diocesan ‘Speak Out Stay Safe’ materials followed by another moving and motivating Diocesan safeguarding service at the Cathedral 

- I attended three Parish Safeguarding Officers’ network meetings 

- We are once more grateful to Thirty-one Eight for administering our Disclosure and Barring Service checks efficiently and for providing timely advice and guidance on eligibility. In addition to the Chester Diocesan safeguarding team who kindly provided advice and guidance on a number of safeguarding incidents / concerns and general enquiries. Thank you 

_**The Parochial Church Council of The Ecclesiastical Parish of Chester, Christ Church Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2025**_ 



18 

## **Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees** 


I report on the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2025 which are set out on pages 26 to 42. 

## _**Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner**_ 

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts.  The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed. 

It is my responsibility to: 

- examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act; 

- to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act; and 

- to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. 

## _**Basis of independent examiner’s report**_ 

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission.  An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters.  The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair 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 accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act 

have not been met; or 

2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. 


Dated: 19[th] March 2026 

L M Howson MAAT Independent Examiner 

Finansure Limited, 2 Sheppard Street, Brymbo, Wrexham, LL11 5FF 

_**The Parochial Church Council of The Ecclesiastical Parish of Chester, Christ Church Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2025**_ 



19 

## **Financial Review of the year** 


The finance team consisted of nine members of the congregation, managing donations, book-keeping, payroll, general banking and treasury tasks. The team aims to provide transparency of figures for both PCC and the congregation, an efficient and simple giving programme and accurate budgeting information to the PCC to enable them to make decisions. 

## **Related Party Transactions** 

No related party transactions to declare. 

## **New Restricted Funds** 

No new restricted funds were created in 2025. 

## **Designated Funds** 

2 designated funds were set up during the year – one for a gift for Veronica Johnson (on account of her retiring as a Lay Reader) and another for Denise Noble (on account of her ordination). Both funds were collected from the congregation, and were fully spent at the end of the year. 

## **Income** 

During 2025, income was generated from individual giving, church fees, grants and rental of rooms. Net giving from the congregation during the year was £85,032, a 2.2% decrease on 2024 (£86,946) – however, we received a £5,000 legacy last year which was a one-off gift, so underlying regular giving has largely increased. This is still below pre-Covid income levels (£110,785). 

The Gift Aid reclaimable on giving in 2025 was £17,884 (£21,453 in 2024), which includes the Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme. The decrease was largely the result of the spike in Gift Aid claimed last year owing to a Gift Aid audit. 

Grants were received from the following bodies in 2025 (see Note 1 in ‘Notes to the Accounts’) and are hereby gratefully acknowledged: 

- Lloyds Bank Foundation 

## **Expenditure** 

Expenditure was £117,974 (£125,971 in 2024). The largest item of expense was the Parish Share, which was £70,214 (£68,169 in 2024). 

Other than running costs, the further main areas of expenditure were on employee costs, insurance and maintenance for our buildings. 

## **Outward Giving** 

In 2025, £3,700 (£3,650 in 2024) was set aside for Outward Giving and donated to several recipient charities. The following were all recipients in 2025. 

- Cafe 71 

- Street Angels 

_**The Parochial Church Council of The Ecclesiastical Parish of Chester, Christ Church Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2025**_ 



20 

- Repair CAFÉ 

- Kidsbank Chester 

- Cloverley Hall 


- Langworthy Community Church 

- Boaz Trust 

- London Institute for Contemporary Christianity 

- Open Doors 

- Cleft Lip and Palate Action 

- Foxhill Retreat Centre 

- West Cheshire Foodbank 

- Night Church 

This Outward Giving is intended to bless what God is doing beyond our ministries, but in line with our values and goals. This money has supported several projects and individuals during the year. 

The budget for 2026 has been set by the PCC and agreed at the February 2026 meeting. 


Ed Newman (Treasurer) 16[th] March 2026 


Anna Leyden (Chair) 16[th] March 2026 

_**The Parochial Church Council of The Ecclesiastical Parish of Chester, Christ Church Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2025**_ 



21 

## **Accounting Policies** 


## **Financial Statements** 

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting regulations 2006 together with applicable accounting standards and SORP (effective January 2019). 

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for the valuation of investment assets which are shown at market value. The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities, to which the PCC is responsible by law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their affiliation to another body or those that are informal gatherings of Church members. 

## **Funds** 

_**Endowment funds**_ are funds, the capital of which must be maintained; only income arising from the investment of the endowment may be used either as restricted or unrestricted funds depending upon the purpose for which the endowment was established. 

_**Restricted funds**_ represent (a) Income from trusts or endowments which may be expended only on those restricted objects provided in the terms of the trust or bequest, and (b) donations or grants received for a specific object. The funds may be expended on the specific object for which they are given. Any balances remaining unspent at the end of the year must be carried forward as a balance of that fund. 

_**Designated funds**_ represent income which has been set aside for use for a specific purpose but are not legally restricted to be used for that purpose. Amounts identified as designated funds which are held in the general current account at the year-end were: 

|Vicarage Fund|£1,305|
|---|---|
|Renewed Space 3 Seed Funding<br>(forCapital BuildingProjects)|£42,816|
|Cost of Living|£1,800|
|Tots and Tinies|£1,656|
|Warm Welcome Space|£782|
|School of Theology|£539|



_**Unrestricted funds**_ are general funds that can be used for PCC ordinary purposes. 

## **Incoming Reserves** 

Planned giving collections and donations are recognised when received. Tax refunds are recognised on an accruals basis at the end of the financial year and the appropriate amount is subsequently reclaimed from HM Revenue & Customs. 

_**The Parochial Church Council of The Ecclesiastical Parish of Chester, Christ Church Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2025**_ 



22 


## **Resources Expended** 

Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding or constructive obligation on the PCC. The Diocesan Parish Share is accounted for when due. Amounts received specifically for mission are dealt with as restricted funds. All other expenditure is generally recognised when it is incurred and is accounted for gross. 

## **Fixed Assets** 

Consecrated and benefice property is not included in the accounts in accordance with s.96 (2) (a) of the Charities Act 2011. 

Movable church furnishings held by the vicar and church wardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal are inalienable property, listed in the church inventory, which can be inspected (at any reasonable time). For anything acquired prior to 2000 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the financial statements. Subsequently no individual item has cost more than £1,500 so all such expenditure has been written off when incurred. 

No cost information is available for the Vicar’s house as it is deemed the property of the diocese. 

All investments are held at market value at 31st December 2025. 

## **Reserves Policy** 

The PCC have agreed on a reserves policy that is reviewed annually. The reserves policy at the end of 2025 was set as follows: 

- It is the policy of the church to hold in reserves the equivalent of three months’ basic running costs which includes any salaries and contractual payments to staff. 

- It is also our policy to hold £5,000 in reserves as a contingency against unexpected building-related expenses for the Mission House and the church building. 

_**The Parochial Church Council of The Ecclesiastical Parish of Chester, Christ Church Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2025**_ 



23 

## **Statement of Financial Activities For the year ending 31[st] December 2025** 


## **The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Chester, Christ Church** 

|**Statement of Financial**<br>**Activities**<br>**For the year ending 31st December**<br>**2025**<br> <br>**Note**<br> <br>**INCOMING RESOURCES**<br>**_Incoming resources from generated_**<br>**_funds_**<br>Voluntary income<br>**1**<br>Investment income<br>**2**<br>Incoming resources from charitable<br>activities<br>**3**<br>Other incoming resources<br> <br>**TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES**<br> <br>**RESOURCES EXPENDED**<br>Parish Share<br>**4**<br>Church Activities<br>**5**<br>Grants payable<br>**6**<br> <br>**TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED**<br> <br>Transfers between funds<br> <br>**NET INCOME/OUTGOINGS BEFORE OTHER**<br>**RECOGNISED GAINS / (LOSSES)**<br> <br>Gains/(losses) on Investment Assets<br> <br>**NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS**<br>**BALANCES B/FWD 1st JANUARY**<br>**BALANCES C/FWD 31st DECEMBER**|**Unrestricted**<br> <br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br>102,985 <br>2,625 <br>7,925 <br>0 <br>113,534 <br>(70,214)<br>(42,993)<br>(3,700)<br>(116,906)<br>**(3,372)** <br>(1,194) <br>(4,566) <br>85,930 <br>81,364|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br>540 <br>145 <br>0 <br>0 <br>685 <br>0 <br>(1,068) <br>0 <br>(1,068) <br>0<br>**(383)** <br>0 <br>(383) <br>3,443 <br>3,060|**TOTAL**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>103,525<br>2,770<br>7,925<br>0<br>|**TOTAL**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||**2024**|
|||||**£**|
||||||
||||||
||||||
|||||114,648|
|||||2,937|
|||||7,171|
|||||0|
||||||
||||114,219|124,755|
||||(70,214)<br>(44,061)<br>(3,700)<br> <br>(117,974)<br>0<br>**(3,755)**<br>(1,194)<br>(4,949)<br>89,373<br>84,424||
||||||
||||||
||||||
|||||(68,169)|
|||||(53,907)|
|||||(3,895)|
||||||
|||||(125,971)|
||||||
|||||0|
||||||
|||||**(1,215)**|
||||||
|||||638|
||||||
|||||(578)|
|||||89,951|
|||||89,373|



_**The Parochial Church Council of The Ecclesiastical Parish of Chester, Christ Church Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2025**_ 



24 


## **Balance sheet at 31[st] December 2025** 

|**Balance Sheet at 31st December 2025**<br>**Note**<br> <br> <br>**FIXED ASSETS**<br>Investments<br>**8**<br> <br> <br>**CURRENT ASSETS**<br>Debtors<br>**9**<br>Cash at bank and in hand<br> <br> <br>**LIABILITIES**<br>Creditors - Amounts falling due in one year<br>**10**<br>**NET CURRENT ASSETS**<br> <br>**NET ASSETS**<br> <br>**PARISH FUNDS**<br>**Unrestricted**<br>General Fund (Bank accounts etc.)<br>**12**<br> <br>General Fund (CCLA Investment<br>Shares)<br>**12**<br> <br>Designated Cost of Living Fund<br>**12**<br> <br>Designated Warm Space Fund<br>**12**<br> <br>Designated RS3 Seed Fund<br>**12**<br> <br>Designated School of Theology Fund<br>**12**<br> <br>Designated Sunday Celebration Fund<br>**12**<br> <br>Designated Tots & Tinies Fund<br>**12**<br> <br>Designated Vicarage Fund<br>**12**<br>**Restricted**<br>Congo Fund<br>**13**<br> <br>Generosity Fund<br>**13**<br> <br>Music and Worship Fund<br>**13**<br> <br>Community Work Fund<br>**13**<br> <br>Drop In Fund<br>**13**<br> <br>Renovation Fund<br>**13**|**General**<br>**Fund**<br>**£**<br>29,016 <br>29,016 <br>9,039 <br>49,861 <br>58,900 <br>(6,551) <br>52,349 <br>81,365 <br>3,451 <br>29,016 <br>1,800 <br>782 <br>42,816 <br>539 <br>0 <br>1,656 <br>1,305 <br>81,365|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br> <br>0 <br> <br>3,060 <br>3,060 <br> <br>3,060 <br>3,060 <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br>50 <br>21 <br>209 <br>0 <br>2,063 <br>717 <br>3,060|**TOTAL**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>29,016<br>29,016<br>9,039<br>52,921<br>61,960<br>(6,551)<br>55,409<br> <br>84,425<br>3,451<br>29,016<br>1,800<br>782<br>42,816<br>539 <br>0<br>1,656<br>1,305<br>50<br>21<br>209<br>0<br>2,063<br>717<br>84,425|**TOTAL**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||**2024**|
|||||**£**|
||||||
|||||29,386|
|||||29,386|
||||||
||||||
|||||9,821|
|||||54,909|
|||||64,730|
||||||
||||||
|||||(4,741)|
|||||59,988|
||||||
|||||89,374|
||||||
||||||
||||||
|||||8,752|
|||||29,386|
|||||2,000|
|||||782|
|||||41,930|
|||||0|
|||||0|
|||||1,776|
|||||1,305|
||||||
|||||50|
|||||21|
|||||337|
|||||0|
|||||2,463|
|||||572|
|||||89,951|



Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 16[th] March 2026 and signed on behalf by:                                             Anna Leyden (Chair) 


_**The Parochial Church Council of The Ecclesiastical Parish of Chester, Christ Church Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2025**_ 



25 

**Notes for the Financial Statements for the Year ending 31[st] December 2025** 


## **NOTE 1 - VOLUNTARY INCOME** 

|<br> <br>**Voluntary Income**<br>Individual Giving<br> Tax Recoverable<br> Grants Received<br> Legacies Received<br> Other Sundry Donations<br>**Grants**<br> Drop In & Community Work<br> <br> <br>**NOTE 2 - INVESTMENT INCOME**<br> <br> <br> <br>Bank interest receivable<br>Dividends from CCLA Investment<br>Share Fund<br> <br> <br>**NOTE 3 - INCOMING RESOURCES**<br>**FROM**<br>**CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES**<br> <br> <br> <br>Church Fees<br> Resource Sales<br> Room Hire<br> <br>**NOTE 4 - Parish Share Paid**<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Parish Share<br>|**Unrestricted**<br> <br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br>84,992 <br>17,884 <br>109 <br>102,985 <br>**Unrestricted**<br> <br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br>1,800 <br>825 <br>2,625 <br>**Unrestricted**<br> <br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br>2,947 <br>752 <br>4,227 <br>7,925 <br>**Unrestricted**<br> <br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br>70,214 <br>70,214|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br>40 <br>500 <br>540 <br>**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br>145 <br>145 <br>**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br>0 <br>**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br>0|**TOTAL**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>85,032<br>17,884<br>109<br>0<br>0<br>500|**TOTAL**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||**2024**|
|||||**£**|
||||||
|||||86,946|
|||||21,453|
|||||500|
|||||5,000|
|||||750|
||||||
|||||0|
||||103,525|114,648|
||||<br>**TOTAL**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>1,945 <br>825 <br>2,770||
||||||
||||||
|||||**TOTAL**|
|||||**2024**|
|||||**£**|
||||||
|||||2,152|
|||||784|
|||||2,937|
||||||
||||||
||||||
||||||
||||**TOTAL**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>2,947|**TOTAL**|
|||||**2024**|
|||||**£**|
||||||
|||||2,589|
||||752|695|
||||4,227|3,887|
||||7,925 <br>**TOTAL**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br> <br>70,214 <br>70,214|7,171|
||||||
|||||**TOTAL**|
|||||**2024**|
|||||**£**|
||||||
|||||68,169|
|||||68,169|



_**The Parochial Church Council of The Ecclesiastical Parish of Chester, Christ Church Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2025**_ 



26 


|**NOTE 5 - CHURCH ACTIVITIES**<br> <br> <br> <br>**Church**<br>- Utilities<br> - Repairs & Maintenance<br> - Building Improvements<br> - Insurance (also covers MH)<br> - Altar & Service Resources<br> - Music including organ costs<br> - Clergy Expenses<br> - Sunday Refreshments<br> - Children / Youth / Student Work<br> - Training and conferences<br> - Fees Payable<br> - Miscellaneous Costs (see note 7)<br>**Administration**<br>- Administration Wages<br> - Software / Web<br> - Bank charges<br> - Administration Sundries<br> <br> - Telephone & Internet<br>- Independent Examiner's Fee<br>(current year)<br>**Vicarage**<br>- Council Tax<br> - Utilities<br>**Mission House**<br>- Utilities<br> - Repairs & Maintenance<br> - Wages<br>**Community Work**<br>- Drop-In expenses<br> - Tots & Tinies<br> - Other Community Work expenses<br>**Total Church Activities**|**Unrestricted**<br> <br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br>6,133<br>2,584 <br>0 <br>5,109 <br>775 <br>1,033 <br>1,081 <br>835 <br>521 <br>50 <br>1,132 <br>2,790 <br>8,705 <br>1,694 <br>118 <br>178 <br>800 <br>3,388 <br>1,285 <br>1,960 <br>83 <br>2,532 <br>0 <br>61 <br>147 <br>42,993|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br>128 <br>40 <br>900 <br>1,068|**TOTAL**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>6,133 <br>2,584 <br>0 <br>5,109 <br>775 <br>1,161 <br>1,081 <br>835 <br>521 <br>50 <br>1,132 <br>2,830 <br>8,705 <br>1,694 <br>118 <br>0 <br>178 <br>800 <br>3,388 <br>1,285 <br>1,960 <br>83 <br>2,532 <br>900 <br>61 <br>147 <br>44,061|**TOTAL**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||**2024**|
|||||**£**|
||||||
|||||9,716|
|||||2,710|
|||||4,419|
|||||4,989|
|||||708|
|||||1,244|
|||||723|
|||||901|
|||||64|
|||||1,846|
|||||637|
|||||2,752|
||||||
|||||9,049|
|||||2,120|
|||||191|
|||||0|
|||||169|
|||||775|
||||||
|||||3,946|
|||||954|
||||||
|||||1,728|
|||||114|
|||||2,710|
||||||
|||||1,135|
|||||83|
|||||223|
|||||53,907|



## **NOTE 6 - GRANTS PAYABLE** 

Christ Church has an Outward Giving policy to bless what God is doing beyond our ministries by donating to projects in line with our values and goals. This includes the "Generosity Fund" which helps individuals with a specific need. 

||**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**<br>|**TOTAL**|**TOTAL**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||**Funds**|**Funds**<br>|**2025**|**2024**|
|**Grants to other charities:**|**£**|**£**<br>|**£**|**£**|
|Café 71|300||300|<br>0|



_**The Parochial Church Council of The Ecclesiastical Parish of Chester, Christ Church Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2025**_ 



27 


|Vineyard 53 (Street Angels)<br> Repair CAFÉ<br> KidsBank Chester<br> Cloverley Hall<br> Langworthy CC<br> Boaz Trust<br>London Institute for Contemporary<br>Christianity<br> Open Doors<br> Cleft Lip and Palate Action<br> Foxhill<br> West Cheshire Foodbank<br> Night Church<br> PCC St John The Baptist<br> Teach Beyond<br> SATCO (Salvation Army)<br> Chester University CU<br> **Grants to individuals:**<br> Special Offering fund gifts<br> Cost of living support fund gifts<br> <br> <br>**NOTE 7 - MISCELLANEOUS**<br>**EXPENDITURE**<br> <br> <br> Books and Resources<br> Publicity<br> Special Events (e.g. Alpha, Sunday Celebration)<br> Cleaning supplies, gifts and sundries<br> Equipment (e.g. for Office, Kitchen)<br> Other expenses<br> <br>**NOTE 8 - INVESTMENTS**<br> <br> **Unrestricted**<br> CCLA Investment Share Fund<br> <br>**NOTE 9 - DEBTORS**<br> <br> **Unrestricted**<br>Gift Aid receivable|300 <br>300 <br>300 <br>300 <br>300 <br>300 <br>300 <br>300 <br>100 <br>300 <br>300 <br>300 <br>3,700 <br>**Unrestricted** <br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br>64 <br>395 <br>872 <br>189 <br>274 <br> 997 <br>2,790|<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br>0 <br>**Restricted**<br> <br>**Funds**<br> <br>**£**<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br>40 <br>40|300 <br>300 <br>300 <br>300 <br>300 <br>300 <br>300 <br>300 <br>100 <br>300 <br>300 <br>300 <br>0 <br>0 <br>0 <br>0 <br>0 <br>0 <br>3,700 <br>**TOTAL**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>64 <br>395 <br>872 <br>189 <br>274 <br>1,037 <br>2,830 <br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>29,016 <br>29,016 <br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>3,417|200|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||0|
|||||0|
|||||0|
|||||0|
|||||0|
|||||0|
|||||0|
|||||0|
|||||200|
|||||200|
|||||200|
|||||1,250|
|||||700|
|||||200|
|||||200|
||||||
|||||245|
|||||500|
|||||3,895|
||||||
||||||
|||||**TOTAL**|
|||||**2024**|
|||||**£**|
|||||83|
|||||156|
|||||1,924|
|||||201|
|||||53|
|||||335|
|||||2,752|
||||||
|||||**2024**|
|||||**£**|
||||||
|||||29,386|
|||||29,386|
||||||
|||||**2024**|
|||||**£**|
||||||
|||||4,460|



_**The Parochial Church Council of The Ecclesiastical Parish of Chester, Christ Church Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2025**_ 



28 


|Prepayments<br>**OTE 10 - CREDITORS**<br> <br> **Unrestricted**<br>Utility accruals<br>Independent Examiner fee accrual<br>Other Accruals<br>|5,622 <br>9,039 <br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>1,058<br>800<br>4,693<br>6,551|5,361|
|---|---|---|
|||9,821|
|||**2024**|
|||**£**|
||||
|||1,316|
|||775<br>2,650|
|||4,741|



## **NOTE 10 - CREDITORS** 

|**NOTE 11 - OPENING BALANCES ON**<br>**FUNDS**<br>**Unrestricted**<br> <br>**Funds**<br> <br>**£**<br>**Unrestricted**<br>General Fund (Bank accounts etc.)<br>8,752<br> <br> General Fund (CCLA Investment Shares)<br>29,386<br> <br> Designated Cost of living support Fund<br>2,000<br> <br> Designated RS3 Seed Fund<br>41,930<br> <br> Designated Sunday Celebration<br>0<br> <br> Designated Tots & Tinies Fund<br>1,776<br> <br> Designated Vicarage Fund<br>1,305<br> <br> Designated Warm Space Fund<br>782<br> <br>**Restricted**<br> Generosity Fund<br> Community Work Fund<br> Congo Fund<br> Drop-in Fund<br> Music and Worship Fund<br> Renovation Fund<br> <br> <br> <br>**NOTE 12 - MOVEMENT ON UNRESTRICTED FUNDS**<br> <br> **General Fund Bank Accounts etc.**<br> Balance brought Forward<br> Money paid in during the year (incl. interest)<br> Money taken out during the year<br> Transfers (to)/from other funds<br> Balance at 31st December<br> <br> **General Fund CCLA Investment Shares**<br>Balance at 1st January<br> Increase/(decrease) in value of total Shares|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br>21<br>0<br>50<br>2,463<br>337<br>572|<br> <br> <br> <br> <br>|**Endowment**<br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>8,752 <br>111,048 <br>(116,349) <br> <br>3,450 <br>29,386 <br>-369||**TOTAL**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||**2025**|
||||||**£**|
|||||||
||||||8,752|
||||||29,386|
||||||2,000|
||||||41,930|
||||||0|
||||||1,776|
||||||1,305|
||||||782|
|||||||
||||||21|
||||||0|
||||||50|
||||||2,463|
||||||337|
||||||572|
|||||||
||3,443||||89,373|
||||||**2024**<br>**£**<br>11,138<br>116,715<br>(119,102)<br> <br>8,752<br>24,842<br>4,544|
|||||||
|||||||
|||||||
|||||||
|||||||
|||||||
|||||||
|||||||
|||||||
|||||||
|||||||
|||||||



_**The Parochial Church Council of The Ecclesiastical Parish of Chester, Christ Church Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2025**_ 



29 


|<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br>|Balance at 31st December<br>**Designated Alpha Fund**<br>Balance at 1st January<br>Money paid in during the year<br>Money taken out during the year<br>Transfers (to)/from other funds<br>Balance at 31st December<br>**Designated Cost of living support Fund**<br>Balance at 1st January<br>Money paid in during the year<br>Money taken out during the year<br>Transfers (to)/from other funds<br>Balance at 31st December<br>**Designated RS3 Seed Fund**<br>Balance at 1st January<br>Money paid in during the year<br>Money taken out during the year<br>Receipt - Interest received during the year.<br>Balance at 31st December<br>**Designated Sunday Celebration Fund**<br>Balance at 1st January<br>Money paid in during the year<br>Money taken out during the year<br>Receipt - Interest received during the year.<br>Balance at 31st December<br>**Designated Tots & Tinies Fund**<br>Balance at 1st January<br>Money paid in during the year<br>Money taken out during the year<br>Receipt - Interest received during the year.<br>Balance at 31st December<br>**Designated School of Theology Fund**<br>Balance at 1st January<br>Money paid in during the year<br>Money taken out during the year<br>Receipt - Interest received during the year.<br>Balance at 31st December|29,016 <br>0 <br> <br> <br> <br>0 <br>2,000 <br> <br>(200) <br> <br>1,800 <br>41,930 <br>886 <br> <br> <br>42,816 <br>(405)<br>590<br>(185)<br>(0)<br>1,482<br>400<br>(106)<br>1,776<br> <br>0 <br>692 <br>(153) <br> <br>539|29,386|
|---|---|---|---|
|||||
|||||
||||63|
|||||
||||(63)|
|||||
||||0|
|||||
|||||
||||2,500|
|||||
||||(500)|
|||||
||||2,000|
|||||
|||||
||||40,514|
||||1,416|
|||||
|||||
||||41,930|
|||||
|||||
||||0|
||||760|
||||(1,165)|
|||||
||||(405)|
|||||
|||||
||||0|
||||1,850|
||||(368)|
|||||
||||1,482|
|||||
|||||
||||0|
|||||
|||||
|||||
||||0|



_**The Parochial Church Council of The Ecclesiastical Parish of Chester, Christ Church Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2025**_ 



30 


|**Designated Vicarage Fund**<br> Balance at 1st January (as created)<br> Money paid in during the year<br>Money taken out during the year<br>Transfers from general funds<br>Balance at 31st December<br> <br> **Designated Warm Space Fund**<br> Balance at 1st January (as created)<br> Money paid in during the year<br> Money taken out during the year<br> Transfers from general funds<br>Balance at 31st December<br> <br> **Designated Mental Health Training**<br> Balance at 1st January<br> Money paid in during the year<br>Money taken out during the year<br>Transfers from general funds<br>Balance at 31st December<br> <br>**Total Unrestricted Funds**<br>**NOTE 13 - MOVEMENT ON RESTRICTED FUNDS**<br> **Renovation Fund**<br> <br> **Balance at 1st January**<br> Voluntary income received<br> Gift Aid received<br> Receipt - Interest received during the year.<br> **Expenditure**<br> - Repairs and Renovation etc.<br> **Balance at 31st December**<br> Plus : Debtor Tax recoverable on gift aided donations<br> **Balance at 31st December**|**Designated Vicarage Fund**<br>Balance at 1st January (as created)<br>Money paid in during the year<br>Money taken out during the year<br>Transfers from general funds<br>Balance at 31st December<br>**Designated Warm Space Fund**<br>Balance at 1st January (as created)<br>Money paid in during the year<br>Money taken out during the year<br>Transfers from general funds<br>Balance at 31st December<br>**Designated Mental Health Training**<br>Balance at 1st January<br>Money paid in during the year<br>Money taken out during the year<br>Transfers from general funds<br>Balance at 31st December||||<br> <br> <br> <br> <br>|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||1,305|||1,305|
|||||||||
|||||||||
|||||||||
|||||1,305|||1,305|
|||||||||
|||||||||
|||||782|||782|
|||||||||
|||||||||
|||||||||
|||||782|||782|
|||||||||
|||||||||
|||||0|||0|
||||||||150|
||||||||(150)|
|||||||||
|||||0|||0|
|||||||||
|||||81,364|||85,930|
|||||**2025**<br>**£**<br>572 <br> <br> <br>145 <br> <br> <br>717 <br> <br>717|||**2024**<br>**£**<br>4,739<br> <br> <br>233<br> <br>(4,400)<br>572<br>0<br>572|
|||||||||
|||||||||
|||||||||
|||||||||
|||||||||
|||||||||
|||||||||
|||||||||
|||||||||
|||||||||
|||||||||
|||||||||



_**The Parochial Church Council of The Ecclesiastical Parish of Chester, Christ Church Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2025**_ 



31 


|<br> **Community Work Fund**<br> <br> **Balance at 1st January**<br> Voluntary income received<br> Grants received<br> **Expenditure**<br> - Expenses for Drop-In food etc.<br> - Other community work exps<br> Plus : Transfer from General Fund<br> **Balance at 31st December**<br> Plus : Debtor Tax recoverable on gift aided donations<br> **Balance at 31st December**<br> <br> <br> <br> **Music and Worship Fund**<br> <br> **Balance at 1st January**<br> Voluntary income received<br> Less: Expenditure<br> **Balance at 31st December**<br> Plus : Debtor Tax recoverable on gift aided donations<br> **Balance at 31st December**|**2025**<br>**£**<br>0 <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br>0 <br> <br>0 <br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>337 <br> <br>(128) <br>209 <br> <br>209|**2024**|
|---|---|---|
|||**£**|
||||
|||140|
||||
||||
||||
||||
|||(140)|
||||
|||0|
|||0|
|||0|
||||
||||
|||**2024**|
|||**£**|
||||
|||337|
||||
||||
|||337|
|||0|
|||337|



|**NOTE 13 - MOVEMENT ON RESTRICTED FUNDS (contd.)**<br> **Generosity Fund**<br> **Balance at 1st January**<br> Voluntary income received<br> Less : Outward Giving<br> Less : Altar & Service Resources<br> **Balance at 31st December**<br> Plus : Debtor Tax recoverable on gift aided donations<br> **Balance at 31st December**|**2025**<br>**£**<br>21 <br> <br> <br> <br>21 <br> <br>21 <br>**2025**||
|---|---|---|
|||**2024**|
|||**£**|
||||
|||67|
|||0|
|||0|
|||(46)|
|||21|
|||0|
|||21|
||||
|||**2024**|



_**The Parochial Church Council of The Ecclesiastical Parish of Chester, Christ Church Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2025**_ 



32 


|<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br>|**Congo Fund**<br>**Balance at 1st January**<br>Voluntary income received<br>Less : Outward Giving<br>**Balance at 31st December**<br>Plus : Debtor Tax recoverable on gift aided donations<br>**Balance at 31st December**<br>**Special Offerings**<br>**Balance at 1st January**<br>Voluntary income received<br>Less : Outward Giving<br>**Balance at 31st December**<br>Plus : Debtor Tax recoverable on gift aided donations<br>**Balance at 31st December**<br>**Drop In Fund**<br>**Balance at 1st January**<br>Donations received<br>Grants received<br>Less: Expenditure<br>**Balance at 31st December**<br>Plus : Debtor Tax recoverable on gift aided donations<br>**Balance at 31st December**|**£**<br>50 <br> <br> <br>50 <br> <br>50 <br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>0 <br>40 <br>(40) <br>0 <br>0 <br>0 <br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>2,463 <br> <br>500 <br>(900) <br>2,063 <br> <br>2,063 <br>|**£**<br>50 <br> <br> <br>50 <br> <br>50 <br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>0 <br>40 <br>(40) <br>0 <br>0 <br>0 <br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>2,463 <br> <br>500 <br>(900) <br>2,063 <br> <br>2,063 <br>|**£**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||
|||||50|
||||||
|||||0|
|||||50|
|||||0|
|||||50|
||||||
|||||**2024**|
|||||**£**|
||||||
|||||0|
|||||245|
|||||(245)|
|||||0|
|||||0|
|||||0|
||||||
|||||**2024**|
|||||**£**|
||||||
|||||2,397|
|||||1,100|
||||||
|||||(1,034)|
|||||2,463|
||||||
|||||2,463|
||||||
||**Total Restricted Funds**|3,060<br>||3,460|



_**The Parochial Church Council of The Ecclesiastical Parish of Chester, Christ Church Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2025**_