## **CRAMLINGTON PARISH (The Ecclesiastical Parish of St Nicholas, Cramlington)** **Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Parochial Church Council for the year ended 31[st] December 2025** **Clergy Team Rector Vacancy The Rectory 33 Twyford Close Cramlington NE23 1PH.** **Team Vicar Rev David Gray (to November 2025)** ## **Bank** **CAF Bank Ltd 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ** **Independent Examiner. Angela Sheret** **Registered Charity Number 1133848** Parish Church of Cramlington PAGM Reports 12 April 2026 **Contents** 1. Administration Information 2. Structure, Governance & Management 3. Objectives and Activities 4. Risk Assessment 5. Electoral Roll 6. Team Rector’s Report 7. Financial Report 8. Church Wardens' Report 9. PCC Secretary’s Report 10. Deanery Synod Report 11. Hope Centre and CPSM report 12. Safeguarding Report Approval of Reports by the PCC List of Appendices Parish Church of Cramlington PAGM Reports 12 April 2026 ## **CRAMLINGTON PARISH (The Ecclesiastical Parish of St Nicholas,Cramlington)** ## **Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council** ## **for the Year Ended 31st December 2025** _(This report is made in accordance with The Church Representation Rules (Rule 9(1)(1b) and is separate from any statement or address that the incumbent may wish to make or any reports that any other parish group may present at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting.)_ ## **1. Administration Information.** St Nicholas Parish Church is situated in Cramlington Village. The parish is part of the Deanery of Bedlington within the Church of England. The correspondence address is The Rectory 33 Twyford Close Cramlington NE23 1PH. Under the terms of section 3 of the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956 the Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a body corporate and is currently registered with the Charity Commission (Registration Number 1133848) . PCC members who served from 1[st] January 2025 until the date this report was approved are: Team Rector Vacant Team Vicar Rev David Gray (to November 2025) Church Wardens Kit Tapscott and Dilys Nicholls (to June 2025) Dilys Nicholls and Caroline Stanners (from June 2025) Deputy Warden Caroline Stanners (to June 2025) Deanery Synod Representatives: Dilys Nicholls; Anne Jones Rachel Dawson (from February 2025) Reader Representative: John Brierley Congregational Representatives: |•|Marion Maxwell (to April 2025)| |---|---| |•|Peter Maxwell (to April 2025)| |•|Doreen Morton (to April 2025)| |•|Loraine De Simone (to April 2025)| |•|Danny Pritchard-Shepherd (April -September 2025)| |•|Rebecca Rebel| |•|Isabel Stewart,| |•|Jacqui Wyness,| |•|Carol-Ann Grey| |•|Joyce Docherty| |•|John Buxton| |•|Jess Luscombe (from April 2025)| |•|Nadine Spence (from April 2025)| Officers: Secretary - Marion Maxwell Treasurer – John Brierley Parish Church of Cramlington PAGM Reports 12 April 2026 ## **2. Structure, Governance and Management.** The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All Church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC. The Standing Committee of the PCC is the only committee required to be in existence by church law and has the power to transact the business of the PCC between meetings, subject to ratification of the PCC; the Committee did not meet during the year. At the 2025 APCM it was proposed and agreed that the Parish adopts the Parish Governance model rules as set out in the Church Representation Rules 2022 and any future amendments to those rules. These rules will replace all former Parish schemes and constitutions. This change will come into effect at the 2026 APCM. It is considered that all PCC members and any others who could be understood to be ‘managers’ in the activities and affairs of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St. Nicholas Church, Cramlington are deemed to be ‘fit and proper’ persons under the terms of the Finance Act 2010. ## **3 . Objectives and Activities** ## . The PCC is aware of the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit in ‘The Advancement of Religion for the Public Benefit’ and have regard to it in their administration of the Parish. The PCC believes that, by fulfilling its responsibility to work together with the incumbent and to co-operate in all matters of concern and importance for the promotion of the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical, it provides a benefit to the public by: Providing resources and facilities for public worship, pastoral care and spiritual, moral and intellectual development, both for its members and anyone who wishes to benefit from what the Church offers; Promoting Christian values, and service by members of the Church in the Parish to its community, to the benefit of individuals and society as a whole. ## **4 . Risk Assessment** ## . The PCC recognises that in relation to ‘Risk Assessment’, risk is defined as ‘the threat of any action or event which will adversely affect an organisation’s ability to achieve its objectives and execute its strategies’. It also accepts that the term ‘risk’ can include any circumstances that may, or do, have an adverse effect, and is wider than financial matters. ‘Risks’ relate not only to the negative consequences of a threat, but also to the impact of not taking advantage of opportunities. The PCC recognises it requires a practical Health and Safety Policy covering activities for both the church, its surrounding grounds and the Meeting Rooms. This is reviewed on a regular basis. Accident Books are maintained. Risk assessments are drawn up for for regular events and one-off activities; these are shared with those running or helping the events. The contents and obligations of the Equality Act 2010 and the Data Protection Acts 1988 and 2003 are known and complied with to the best of the PCC’s ability. The PCC is aware of its responsibilities in respect of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 in its requirement to carry out a fire assessment to identify any possible dangers and risks, to take action to minimise the risks and to create a plan to deal with any emergencies, and also to write up and keep a record of its findings and to review its assessment annually. The PCC has appointed the Churchwardens to be the responsible persons to put these things into operation. Parish Church of Cramlington PAGM Reports 12 April 2026 There is a Safeguarding Policy in place; the Safeguarding and DBS Officer is Lorraine Alexander. DBS checks have been carried out in respect of persons dealing regularly with young people and vulnerable adults. Whilst it is impossible to eliminate all risks and their consequences, efforts are constantly made to minimise such occurrences. ## **5. Electoral Roll Officers Report for 2025** From the 1st January 2025 till 31st December 2025, - As of 27th April 2025 the number of people on the Electoral Roll stood at **157** - Under Church of England rules, every six years a new Electoral Roll has to be taken. All existing names are removed and a new application form is required to be completed by anyone wanting to be registered on the Roll. - This has had the effect of removing those who no longer worshipping or wishing to be included on the new St Nicholas church Roll. - The new Roll came into effect on 27th April 2025 at the APCM. - As of 25th February 2026 the total on the Roll stands at 90 Paul Nicholls, Electoral Roll Officer. 25th February 2026 ## **6.Team Rector Report** (prepared by churchwarden) We have seen many changes over the last two years with the retirement of our Rector in October 2023 and then our team vicar Rev. David Gray in November 2024. This left just our valued retired PTO priest Rev. Linda Butler to shoulder much of the responsibility of our communion services. I give thanks for her continued ministry as she has helped to maintain the level of services we have been used to as much as possible. We would not have been able to without her. Thanks go to Rev. David for all that he did, and put in place before he left, so that we could function without a paid clerical lead once he had retired. He worked tirelessly during his last few months to ensure we had the right structures in place to continue our ministry as seamlessly as possible. Kit Tapscott stepped down as church warden last year, so we were pleased when the deputy warden at that time, Caroline Stanners, was willing to step into his role at short notice. She has been a valuable asset since, especially in her role as one of the two representatives (along with myself) responsible for interviewing and subsequently inviting the Rev. Brogan Hume to take up the position of our new rector. Her deliberation, questions and insight were most helpful in directing the course of the interview process. We continue to be blessed by our gifted preaching team with the aforementioned Rev. Linda as well as Readers Barry, John and Liz contributing greatly to our worship, Thanks to our other volunteers, those who dutifully turn up to welcome, sing/play in the band or lead musical worship at the 8am Sunday service, read, pray and lead the services, we have been able to maintain the continuity of expected service provision since we entered vacancy. Peter Maxwell, Danny Pritchard and I were able to complete the diocesan ALM (authorised lay ministry) ‘Leading Worship’ course last year so enabling us to continue with our model of lay people serving in this way. Thanks go too to all those others who serve in various different ways, often unseen and unsung; the bell ringers, flower arrangers, refreshments teams, caretakers of our grounds and Parish Church of Cramlington PAGM Reports 12 April 2026 gardens, vergers, organists and tech team. We couldn’t have functioned as seamlessly as we have without the very effective team we have become. At Harvest and Christmas we welcomed many local schools into church for their various services. It was lovely to hear how pleased they were to be able to come to such a ‘beautiful church setting’ for their celebrations. Their enthusiasm for the building and welcome has resulted in three separate requests for curriculum linked visits early in 2026. Due to the tweaking of our Thanksgiving and Baptism policy we welcomed four children into our church family through baptism last year and held three Thanksgiving services. One of the members of our congregation was also confirmed at Holy Trinity Church, Seghill. So although we have been in vacancy for well over a year the Lord has been gracious in allowing us to retain the skilled people and gifting needed for us to keep going and indeed growing. Our weekly statistics of service attendance show a definite progressive increase in numbers over the period. Dilys Nicholls (Church Warden) in place of the rector and on behalf of the team vicar. February 2026 ## **Ministry to Older People** Throughout this year a monthly service of the Word has continued to be provided in Northlea Court care home, with a typical congregation of around 15 to 20. In the course of the year a further such service has been established at Hartford Court (by Karin Graydon). It has been agreed that from February 2025 a similar service will also be provided at Astor Court care home. Memory Lane – the monthly session for those affected by dementia has continued, provided by six members of the parish. It offers song, recital, reminiscence and fellowship to those with dementia, those who care for them, and other interested members of the community. Attendance is around 18 to 22 at each session. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, around 22 members of the parish conducted Christmas carol services in eight elderly care homes and one sheltered housing scheme in the parish. This was very well received and appreciated. These activities, which aim to offer a message of Christian hope and love to older people, are in addition to the services provided by the pastoral care team and other members of the parish community. Tish and Mike Hughes Parish Church of Cramlington PAGM Reports 12 April 2026 ## Treasurer’s Report on the **2025** Financial Year, to the Annual Parish Church Meeting 2026 IMPORTANT - this is a summary of the key points from the accounts. Full details are contained in **The Financial Statement** which is included in this pack at Appendix A. It is The Financial Statement which is the formal account of the Parish’s finances in 2025. Additional details of financial activity are given in the tables in Appendix B. Note – Not all amounts and headings are included in this summary. For full details see the Financial Statement. Throughout this report, 2024 figures are shown after 2025 figures for comparison, like this - £1,200 `(£1,000)` . ## - Part One General Fund Our 2025 Parish Share was set at £56,000 `(£60,000.)` Our total income in 2025 was £73,359 which was a considerable drop on 2024 `(£84,837)` , which was itself a considerable drop on 2023 ( `£94,393)` . Importantly, the monthly income from Planned Giving (that is, Standing Orders PLANNED and Parish Giving Scheme (PGS) and, in the past, Blue Envelopes) rose slightly GIVING over the year. In terms of the both the number of regular donors and the amount received, November 2024 marked our lowest point with 38 regular donors giving £3,751. By December 2025, this had risen to 41 regular donors giving £4,254. Although this might seem a small change, after 12 years of relentless and accelerating decline, it is a very welcome sign. It equates to just over an extra £6,000 a year. ( _Some of these donations are from a couple, so the number of donors is greater than the number of donations_ .) This is important, because most (78% ( `79%)` ) of our income comes from “planned giving” _and_ the associated Gift Aid. In 2025 this amounted to £47,993 `(£54,613` ) _plus_ Gift Aid £11,861 `£12,675)` . However, we still have a long way to go, the number of regular donors is still less than half what it was 10 years ago. Growth in numbers attending church leading to more people making a commitment to give regularly is the only way to improve matters. Let us pray that the shoots of growth we are beginning to see will continue and increase. **----- Start of picture text -----**
Number of Regular Donations
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
SO Envelope PGS
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The following chart shows all giving. It shows what a large part planned giving plays in our income. This is why the number of regular givers is so important. It also highlights the importance of Gift Aid to us. **----- Start of picture text -----**
All Giving over time
90,000
80,000
70,000
60,000
50,000
40,000
30,000
20,000
10,000
0
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
SO PGS Envelopes Gift Aid All One-off
POUNDS
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_“One-off donations” includes one-off donations, plate collections, contactless, website, PGS QR Code, Text._ ## MONEY IN Our total General Fund **income** during 2025 was £73,359 `£84,837` ). The _main_ elements of this were: - planned giving (envelopes, PGS & Standing Orders) – £47,993 `(£54,613)` - Gift Aid reclaimed from HMRC - £11,861 `(£12,675)` - Collections, one-offs and all e-donations - £8,724 `(£10,755` ) - PCC fees for weddings & funerals - £1,460 `(£3,497)` - Rent from church buildings – £1,880 `(£2,513)` To look at this another way, for every £100 of General Fund income in 2025, - £64 `(£64)` came from Standing Orders or Parish Giving Scheme - £12 `(£13)` came from open plate, contactless & one-off donations - £16 `(£15)` came from Gift Aid - £2 `(£4)` came from Weddings and funerals - £2 `(£3)` came from the letting of church buildings - £5 `(£1)` came from other sources (including Sequestration Fund) _(Figures are rounded to nearest £1 and therefore may not sum exactly)_ ## SPENDING ## Our **expenditure** during 2025 was £87,485 ( `£92,051).` The main elements of this were: - Parish Share - £56,000 `(£60,000)` - Cost of church activities – £1,245 ( `£1,511)` - Clergy expenses _(including Housing)_ & other staff costs – £3,102 ( `£3,715` - St Nicholas Building running costs - £13,022 ( `£20,851)` - St Nicholas’ Hall & meeting rooms’ running costs - £794 ( `£1,035` ) - Children’s work - £433 ( `£159)` - Money given to charities* - £0 ( `£0)` - All other costs - £201 `(£241)` - _*(this refers to money given from general fund and does not include collections made specifically for particular charities.)_ - Again, looking at it another way, for every £100 of General Fund spending - £75 `(£69)` - Parish Share - £17 `(£24)` - running St Nicholas’ building - £4 `(£4)` – clergy expenses (including housing) - £2 `(£2)` – church services and activities - £1 ( `£1)` - running costs of Hall and meeting rooms - £1 ( `£1)` - Children’s work - £0 ( `£2)` – other costs _(Figures are rounded to nearest £1 and therefore may not sum exactly)_ ## - Part Two Main Restricted Funds ## ALAN LOWTHER BUILDING FUND The money was left by the late Alan Lowther to be spent on the St Nicholas’ church building. Balance at start of year = £70,763 - Income - £944 `(£1,047)` - Expenditure – £955 `(£5,502)` - Balance at year end = £70,751 The Parish operates a Food bank, which is affiliated to the Trussell FOODBANK Trust, generally responding to referrals from nominated referrers including Social Services, doctors, Job Centre, Citizens’ Advice, schools etc. The Food bank provided 1643 parcels during 2025 `(1568).` The Food Bank receives significant donations of food (and other items) from Asda, Marks & Spencer, Greggs, Sainsbury’s and Aldi, as well as generous donations from local businesses and individuals, for which we’re very grateful. We have regular monthly donations from individuals to the Foodbank with an average monthly value of £418. During the year, we also received financial support from a wide range of organisations including Proctor & Gamble, Lakes & Dales Co-op, Cramlington Learning Village, TK Maxx, Sterling Pharma, Cramlington Working Men’s Club, Cramlington Women’s Institute, Trussell Trust, Sainsbury’s along with many others far too numerous to mention. Balance at start of year = £55,601 - Income - £23,466 `(£30,436)` - Expenditure – £18,416 `(£22,865)` Balance at year end = £60,650 We lease the Hope Centre building from the Northumberland _CPSM_ County Council (NCC) as home to Cramlington Parish Social Ministries (CPSM). Although there is no rent, we pay running costs and, like everyone else, we have experienced a significant rise in fuel costs in recent years. We are very grateful for the help and support of various organisations and individuals who have supported the Hope Centre during the year. Balance at start of year = £21,701 - Income - £7,378 `(£6,016)` - Expenditure – £9,939 `£8,544)` - Balance at year end - £19,141 ## _YOUTH WORK_ There has been no Youth Worker or Youth work during 2025 and we are no longer receiving regular donations to this fund, though the funds we hold do attract some interest. Balance at start of year = £9,434. - Income - £127 `(£111)` - Expenditure – £0 `(£0)` Balance at year end = £9,561. ## _TOWER FUND_ During 2024, we began to raise money specifically for the anticipated cost of the major works needed to the tower and roof. Balance at start of year = £2,276 - Income – £6,602 `(£2,395)` - Expenditure – £1,263 `(£119)` - Balance at year end - £7,615 _Note - There are a number of other small restricted funds not itemised here. Full details are contained in the documents in Appendices A and B._ 2025 has been a challenging year with the fall in overall General CONCLUSION Fund income, but there were some positives. Because of lower spending in other areas, and a lower Share than 2024, we once again managed to pay our Share in full. The even more significant good news is a halt to the decline in the number of regular givers and the amount they give. It is still early days and there is a long way to go, even just to reverse the decline seen over the last 10 years, but since the low point in November 2024, we have seen a slow, but sustained, improvement. Ultimately, the only solution is to create the conditions where the congregation grows and attracts significant numbers of new regular donors and I pray that we will be able to accelerate this journey in 2026 under God’s hand and Brogan’s leadership. God is good! John Brierley Honorary Parish Treasurer January 2025 ## **8.Church Warden report year 2025** - **The Roof.** With the diocese saying we needed to secure the services of one of their architects, before we could begin work on the church and tower roof we employed Peter Nugent. He came and inspected the roof and tower and told us we needed much more doing than the Quinquennial had highlighted. Subsequently a new tender for the work was sent out. Of three builders approached for this only one (which we had already identified as being the one we thought best to do the work) was interested and sent a revised quote. With VAT added the new cost is now nearer £130,000. Much more than the original £68,000. We have now started to look at ways to fund this extra amount. A grants group has been set up to look at and see how to approach funding bodies. Our own fundraising efforts are ongoing. The faculty (permission from the diocese to do work on the church building) for the roof works was granted in November. We now have two years to get the work completed before we will need a new faculty. - **New Incumbent.** Our advert for a new incumbent was published twice last year, The first time we had no real applications for the post. The second advert produced a candidate for interview and we are pleased to say that we now have a new incumbent Brogan Hume who takes up his appointment at the end of March. He is to be installed in church at 3pm on Sunday 29[th] March 2026 - **The heating system** within church has been a problem on and off throughout the year. We have had multiple issues with different parts of the system needing to be replaced, as the boiler is getting older. We invited a different heating firm to look at the system after the last service proved unsuccessful; they knew more about the particular type of boiler so were able to fix it. We then invited them to look at the heat pumps for the under floor heating. The engineer eventually came in December. He stated that he thinks they need further investigation to see if flushing, stripping and replacing of parts will solve the problem. Only one of the heat pumps was working properly and then that one broke down as well so, there is now no heating from the floor. The engineer was contacted again in January 2026 and the work is ongoing. - **Church inspection** We successfully passed the Archdeacon’s visit in July to inspect the log books, records, fabric, inventory of church items and upkeep of the building and insurance provision/security of the church. - **Twyford Rectory.** With the rectory being empty one of the neighbours very kindly agreed to keep the lawns cut and the beds clear of weeds for us over the spring and summer period. This was an enormous job and our thanks got to them for their efforts with this. The door lock to the back of the garage had seized up and was no longer operational. This was replaced. One of the hirers of the Twyford meeting room finished their hire last year so there is now only two remaining groups. - **Church Parish Centre** Two people requested to hire the centre for their activities, One was for a Pilates class, which did take place for a short time but was unprofitable for the hirer so she pulled out after two months, the other did not materialise; probably because the costs were too high. Dilys, Kit and Caroline Parish Church of Cramlington PAGM Reports 12 April 2026 ## **9. PCC Secretary's report for 2025** During the year the PCC had six regular meetings, which take place every other month, and one extra meeting The APCM took place in April with an additional Extraordinary General Meeting in June to elect a churchwarden. The regular meetings all included reports on finance, safeguarding/ accessibility and the Hope Centre, for which there is information in other reports. Deanery Synod reports were received as and when the meetings took place. All of these reports are sent round by email before the meeting to allow time for reading and consideration. Where practical, any items requiring a decision between meetings are handled via email and then recorded at the next PCC meeting rather than calling an extra meeting. Regular other items on the agenda for 2025 included the roof repairs and the funding of them; the progress with the vacancy and the problems with the church heating. Significant issues are summarised as follows: ## **January** - presentation of the baptism policy used in Prudhoe to help with decisions on our procedures - support of PCC was agreed for those currently wanting to undertake Authorised Lay Ministry training - APCM arrangements ## **March** - preparation for the APCM including the reports received and annual accounts. It was proposed, and agreed, that a motion be put to the APCM to adopt the Church Representation rules and to declare any previous constitutions void; ## **May** - appointment of Treasurer, Secretary, lay vice-chair and standing committee - a reminder of the training needed for new members (given by PSO) and policies were shared with new members and reviewed in line with PSO recommendation - review of Home Communion approvals ## **July** - - update on Baptism policy and numbers - agreement of change to interview panel for the vacancy following the change of churchwarden ## **September** - discussion on the offer to be made for 2026 Parish Share - agreement to progress the application for a faculty for the repairs to the roof ## **October** (additional meeting) - progress with heating repairs and grant applications for the repairs - agreement that there should be no charge for organisations hiring the church for a service (such as a carol service). This does not apply to any other functions or events. ## **November** - presentation from the grants group about sources of funding for the roof repairs Parish Church of Cramlington PAGM Reports 12 April 2026 ## **Annual Parish Meeting** This meeting took place in church on 27 April 2025. As well as the elections needed the following proposal was made and agreed “The APCM adopt the Parish Governance model rules as set out in the Church Representation Rules 2022 and any future amendments to those rules. These rules will replace all former Parish schemes and constitutions.” It was agreed that to do so would be clearer, simpler, more flexible and would more accurately reflect the make-up of the Parish following the closure of St Andrew's and St Peter's. ## **Extraordinary General Meeting** This took place on 29 June 2025 with one item on the agenda – the election of a new Churchwarden following the resignation of the previous warden. Marion Maxwell, PCC Secretary, January 2026 ## **10. Bedlington Deanery Synod Report 2025** Cramlington Parish Deanery Representatives: Dilys Nicholls, Anne Jones and Rachel Dawson. There were three meetings of the deanery synod last year. Two normal meetings and a deanery vision day ## **February meeting** The Archdeacon for our area came to give us the latest figures for the number of clergy in post and the situation with filling the vacant positions. As our funding for our diocese has gone down drastically since Covid it is no longer possible to fill all vacancies as before. Posts need to be cut down from 100 to 80. The number of stipendiary posts for our area was agreed in November by the general synod. Here at Cramlington we had been allocated at least one F/T post and the possibility of a P/T one. It remains to be seen if this can be funded though, with the other churches in vacancy also needing incumbents. The deanery development group will look at how our churches can come together to see what God is doing in our area and how we as a deanery and in our churches can join in with this. Our diocesan ‘Children and Youth’ team came to give us a talk about how important it is to integrate children and families into our church provision and services. They quoted Matthew 18:2-6 to say it is a Biblical directive not just a new initiative. The growing younger model needing to become more important in our parish vision and planning. ## **July meeting** We heard from Mrs Sharon Devlin Director of safeguarding for the diocese who told us three other people in Safeguarding lead roles had all taken up their new positions. This new team were trying to consolidate Leadership training to 1 session instead of 2 and taking advice from the National online sessions. They would be able to help any parish who needed advice regarding updating their own safeguarding procedures. The Area Dean talked about The Quiet Revival concept and asked members if they were experiencing this in their church? We then did an exercise called The Grand National; from the ‘Leading your Church into Growth’ material. This looked at the idea of encountering hurdles and Parish Church of Cramlington PAGM Reports 12 April 2026 what is the ‘Becher’s Brook’ in your church? There was a positive response with some discussion about how to create a culture of welcome in our churches. ## **Vision Day** This day, hosted at our church, was open to deanery representatives and anyone else who was interested in the vision plans of our deanery. Just over thirty people came. There were four sessions on offer; Children and Young People, Buildings, Canva design tool instruction and Project Development. As our Electoral Roll has reduced from over 160 members to just 88 on the last revision, we can only have two deanery representatives on the Synod next year. Dilys Nicholls ## **11 Hope Centre Report 2025** ## **Amalgamated Ministries** In 2025 Hope Centre building has been utilised as: A working base for Clergy; Training space for Church Officers, Ministries and Safeguarding; Cramlington Food bank, Cramlington Uniform and Baby Bank; Friendship in Grief; Knit and Natter, Hope Life Group and Art Group. Rooms have been leased to a Counselling Service and a Job Fayre venue for a department of Northumberland County Council. It is a busy and vibrant place to be. All groups have been well attended throughout the year. We provide range of services through our Food, Uniform and Baby banks to our church members as well as people in the community of Cramlington and surrounding towns and villages. The collaboration of The Food and Uniform banks with other charities, local churches, local businesses, schools, youth groups, service providers and networks has grown over the last year. This enables us to work together to support those in need, share resources and expertise, and reduce food and clothing waste. ## **Food bank** ## Volunteer recruitment and training - We have seen some changes in staffing during 2025, as some volunteers have retired or moved on and new volunteers have joined us. Staffing continues to be stable at forty three. Our session teams under the leadership of Session Leads and The Management Team has grown in knowledge and confidence providing consistent support for Foodbank clients. All volunteers are recruited and trained under The Church of England Safer Recruitment and Safeguarding policies and procedures. Volunteers are also trained in areas related to Health and Safety, Food Hygiene, First Aid and Electrical PAT Testing and signposting clients to support from services and agencies . ## Collaboration with other services - April 2025 saw the start of a joint project between the foodbank and referrers. The aim was to offer a joint service which would enable clients to quickly access support to relieve their financial crisis and as a result reduce the need for food parcels. This has been a great success. We now have strong communication with referrers to identify support for clients and the number of clients requiring 3+ parcels had reduced from a weekly average of twenty five to four. ## Policies practices and procedures Parish Church of Cramlington PAGM Reports 12 April 2026 - At the beginning of 2025, a rolling programme of review was introduced. All policies, practices and procedures are reviewed three times per year. ## Sustainability - During 2025 the demand for food parcels exceeded ‘in kind’ food donations. A range of campaigns through the year – Lent, Harvest and Christmas, strengthened by a Fundraising Team, corporate collaboration and publicity through social media resulted in an increase in both monetary and food donations. This element of the Food bank continues to be under constant review. Financially, the foodbank is in a strong position. (See the Hope Centre/Foodbank element of the church accounts.) ## **Uniform and Baby bank** This ministry follows the same policies practices and procedures as the food bank. A member of Hope Centre Management team is responsible for this team and holds weekly update and review meetings. ## Volunteers Recruitment and Training This team has remained stable throughout 2025 and has access to the same training opportunities as the Food bank. ## Sustainability This service relies solely on the donation of school uniforms, baby clothing and baby equipment. The donations in 2025 were more than enough to satisfy need. There has been a noticeable increase in demand. The volunteers are knowledgeable about their service and customer requirements. During 2025 a review and re-organisation of stock took place. This ensured that the needs of clients are met. Lorraine Alexander on behalf of Hope Centre Management Team 7/2/26 ## **12. Parish Safeguarding Report 2025** As a Parish we pay ‘due regard ‘ to the Church of England guidance and requirements for safeguarding. ## **Safeguarding concerns** Safeguarding is everyone’s right and responsibility. Clergy, members of the Pastoral Team, FIG, Hope Centre Team (Food bank and Uniform bank ), Memory Lane, Friendship Friday, Little Fishes, the PCC and members of the parish have remained vigilant, ensuring those in our parish who may need support in any way have been and continue to be supported. There were three safeguarding concerns during 2025. Action was taken in line with the Church of England safeguarding guidance and requirements. ## **Risk Assessment** All buildings, groups, events and ministries have risk assessments. These are pertinent to the group aims, participants and venue. Risk assessments are reviewed on an annual basis, in line with National Safeguarding requirements. ## **Safer Recruitment** All paid officers and volunteers who work with Children, Young people or Vulnerable adults, as well as PCC members must go through the Church of England Safer Recruitment process which was updated in 2022. During 2025 the groups mentioned above have stayed the same as the previous year apart from the Food bank and PCC. A Baptism team was created in October 2025. All new members in the PCC , Baptism team and Foodbank have been safely recruited in accordance with the 2022 guidance. Parish Church of Cramlington PAGM Reports 12 April 2026 ## **Training and DBS Requirements** Both practical and theoretical training are crucial elements of the Safer Recruitment process. During 2025 new recruits have completed training relevant to their responsibilities as a volunteer. Those volunteers who have been volunteers for 3 years have refreshed their training at the required level. All clergy and volunteers are also in a 3 year cycle for DBS renewal. Newly appointed Food Bank volunteers have also completed Trussell Trust Training on Food bank practices and procedures, Lifting and Handling heavy goods. The foodbank also has three volunteers trained in working from heights, two in PAT electrical testing and two in Food Hygiene. A group of eleven church members and Food bank volunteers, completed Emergency First Aid at Work Training in October 2024.( see the list in church and foodbank) This is valid for 3 years. A change in requirement for Domestic Abuse training for specific groups came into place in January 2025. The Diocesan Training Officer delivered safeguarding training in our Parish in November 2025. ## **Safeguarding and Governance** An action plan for safeguarding is created annually. This plan is on line and called The Parish Dashboard; it is accessed, monitored and updated by the Diocese, PCC and PSO. This framework produces actions points and completion dates as well as accountability and transparency. This parish maintained the expected Level 3 through 2025 A sub committee of PCC members and the PSO conduct a review of safeguarding policies in April 2025. This is an annual review. The Hope Centre also adheres to these policies. Throughout 2025 a permanent reminder of safeguarding requirements was included in the weekly on line newsletters. A reminder of the parish Code of Conduct was also included in the newsletter, redistributed to Church Officers and Ministries. In Hope Centre safeguarding policies and procedures are reinforced on a regular basis. In both church and Hope Centre, safeguarding information is on permanent display in line with Church of England requirements. Report by Lorraine Alexander Parish Safeguarding, Recruitment and Training Officer (PSO) 7/2/26 Parish Church of Cramlington PAGM Reports 12 April 2026 ## **List of Appendices** ## Financial Statement 2025 Key Facts 2025 General Fund Monthly Activity Tracker 2025 General Fund Activity Chart 2025 General Fund Line Totals 2025 Restricted Funds Line Totals 2025 Month End Bank Balances 2025 Parish Church of Cramlington PAGM Reports 12 April 2026 ## **Parish of Cramlington** ## **Financial Statement for the year ended 31 December** ## 2025 Receipts and Payments Accounts |See explanatory
note number
**Voluntary receipts:**
Planned giving
i
Discretionary Giving
ii
Gift Aid recovered
iii
All other giving/income
1
**Activities for generating funds**
2
**Investment income**
3
**Church Activities**
Income from Trading
4
Asset sales
5
Other receipts
6
**Total receipts**
**Church activities:**
Parish Share
Clergy and staffing costs
iv
Diocesan Fees for Wedding & Funerals etc
Payments of fees & expenses to 3rd Parties
Youth Work
Food Bank
Hope Centre running costs
Cramlington Parish Social Ministries - other activities
Church running costs
7
Hall & rooms running costs
Mission giving and donation
Craft Club
Costs of trading
Repairs and redecorations
8
Payments to charities of money collected specifically for
them
Gifts to leavers (Voluntary collections)
Asset purchases
9
**Cost of generating funds**
10
**Governance costs**
11
**Total payments**
Sale of investments
Purchase of investments
Cash at bank and in hand at 1 Jan
Cash at bank and in hand at 31 Dec
See section
**Receipts**
**Payments**
**Net movement in funds**|Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
**2024**
Fund
Funds
Funds
**Total Funds**
£
£
£
£
47,993
5,076
53,068
61,569
8,047
1,974
10,021
8,152
11,861
2,036
13,897
14,988
666
4,273
4,940
8,495| |---|---| ||68,567
13,358
81,926
93,204| ||0
3,818
3,818
2,395
8
1,523
1,531
1,708
1880
0
1,880
2,386
0
0
0
0
4,903
20,317
25,220
30,519| ||6,783
20,317
27,100
32,905| ||**75,359**
**39,016**
**114,374**
**130,211.93**
56,000
0
56,000
60,000
3,102
8
3,110
3,715
0
2,480
2,480
5,455
0
1,586
1,586
2,719
0
0
0
0
0
12,416
12,416
17,865
0
9,918
9,918
8,502
0
20
20
42
14,767
1,266
16,032
27,438
815
0
815
1,153
79
0
79
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1,263
1,263
1,092
0
1,153
1,153
2,288
0
1,488
1,488
370
0
0
0
0| ||74,763
31,598
106,361
130,639| ||0
0
0
76
35
0
35
35| ||74,798
31,598
106,396
130,750
561
7,417
7,978
-538
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
88
161,898
161985
163,479| ||649
169,315
169,964
161,985| ||| 1 of 4 ## **Parish of Cramlington** ## **Financial Statement for the year ended 31 December** ## 2025 |**Cash funds**
Bank - Parish accounts
**Further Analysis of Receipts and Payments**
**Receipts**
**1 All other giving/income**
Other regular gifts
Donations, appeals, etc
Legacies
Recurring grants
Non-recurring one-off grants
Other funds generated
**2 Activities for generating funds**
Fund Raising Events
**3 Investment income**
Dividends
Trust Fund interest
Bank and building society interest
vi
Rent from lands or buildings
Rent from masts and other property
**4 Income from Trading**
Bookstall sales - trading
Parish Magazine sales
Magazine income - advertising
Church hall & rooms lettings - trading
Use of photocopier
Heavenly Delights Café
Other income from trading
**5 Asset sales**
Sales of fixed assets
**6 Other receipts**
PCC Fees for weddings and funerals etc
Diocesan Fees for weddings & funerals etc
vii
Insurance claims
Monetary donations to Foodbank
Cramlington Parish Social Ministries (exc Foodbank)
Craft Club
Sundry income for Mission
Sundry income
Voluntary collections for staff members leaving
Contribution towards staff expenses
**7 Church running costs**
Church running costs (Excluding utilities)
viii
Church utility costs
**8 Repairs and redecorations**
Church major repairs
Hall major repairs
New building costs
Upkeep of churchyard
Officiants' fees & expenses from 3rd parties|**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Total**
**2024**
**Fund**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Total Funds**
£
£
£
£
649
169,315
169,964
161,985| |---|---| ||| ||0
0
0
0
666
2,373
3,040
2,815
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1,900
1,900
5,681
0
0
0
0| ||666
4,273
4,940
8,495| ||0
3,818
3,818
2,395| ||0
3,818
3,818
2,395| ||0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
8
1,523
1,531
1,708
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0| ||8
1,523
1,531
1,708| ||0
0
0
13
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1,880
0
1,880
2,373
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0| ||1,880
0
1,880
2,386| ||0
0
0
0| ||1,460
0
1,460
3,497
0
2,278
2,278
5,382
0
1,453
1,453
2,400
0
0
0
0
0
14,822
14,822
15,386
0
150
150
580
0
1
1
251
0
0
0
257
3,443
126
3,569
1,382
0
1,488
1,488
370
0
0
0
59| ||4,903
20,317
25,220
29,563| ||6,034
1,266
7,299
12,964
8,733
0
8,733
14,550| ||14,767
1,266
16,032
27,514| ||0
1,263
1,263
1,092
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0| ||0
1,263
1,263
1,092| 2 of 4 ## **Parish of Cramlington** ## **Financial Statement for the year ended 31 December** ## 2025 |**arish of Cramlington**
**inancial Statement for the year ended 31 December**|2025| |---|---| |**9 Asset purchases**
Purchase of fixed assets
**10 Cost of generating funds**
Fund raising activities
Wedding deposits refunded
ix
Fees paid out for weddings and other activities
Investment management costs
Bookstall costs
**11 Governance costs**
Examination/audit fee/ex gratia
Refund of donations received in error|**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Total**
**2024**
**Fund**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Total Funds**
£
£
£
£
0
0
0
0| ||0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0| ||0
0
0
0| ||35
0
35
35| ## **The following notes form part of the financial statement.** - 1 The financial statements of the P.C.C. have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 using the Receipts & Payments basis. - 2 General funds represent the funds of the P.C.C. that are not subject to any special restrictions regarding their use and are available for application to the general purposes of the P.C.C. These include funds designated for a particular purpose by the P.C.C. - 3 These accounts include monetary transactions, assets and liabilities for which the P.C.C. can be held responsible. They do not include the accounts of other church groups that owe an affiliation to another body, nor those that are informal gatherings of church members. Subject to the above, receipts and payments include income as received and expenditure when irrevocably paid. - i Planned Giving includes donations received directly into our bank account and regular donation via the Parish Giving Scheme (PGS) Restricted Fund planned giving is made up of donations to the Food Bank and Cramlington Parish Social Ministries (CPSM) - Foodbank 5,015.50 CPSM 60.00 - ii Discretionary Giving includes donations received through collections, card machines, website, PGS one-off & text giving. Restricted Fund discretionary giving is made up of donations to the Food Bank and CPSM Foodbank 14,808.82 CPSM 820.00 Collections in support of other charities 1,153.93 For 2025, "Collections made for specific charities" is included under restricted fund collections here, rather than as a line item under Other recipts. In this document, the 2024 figure has been presented in the same way to facilitate accurate comparison. - iii Gift Aid from restricted funds was claimed on donations to the Foodbank, CPSM and the Tower Fund as follows - Foodbank 1,610.85 CPSM 25.00 Tower Fund 399.67 - iv Money spent during a Vacancy on clergy housing and the expenses of clergy visiting to conduct services is paid initially by the Parish and refunded by the Diocese, through what is known as the sequestration Fund. In this account, expenditure in these categories is recorded under appropriate budget headings and the reimbursement received at year end is recorded as income under these same headings. The total amount reimbursed by the Diocese during 2025 was 2,864 - v For improved clarity, from 2025 the previous entry "Cramlington Parish Social Ministries" has been split to show Hope Centre running costs and other CPSM activity. The 2024 figure has been split on the same basis for comparitive purposes. - vi Interest received on Restricted Funds is allocated in relation to the Funds' respective balances. The amounts were allocated were as shown below- "Alan Lowther" Building Fund £944.16 Youth £126.72 Foodbank £117.28 CPSM £323.06 Tower Fund £11.39 3 of 4 ## **Parish of Cramlington Financial Statement for the year ended 31 December** ## 2025 - vii This line was previously labelled "3rd Party for fees & expenses". - viii From 2025, bank charges and interest have moved from a seprate line in Costs of Generating Funds and are now included in Church Running costs. In 2025 this cost was £75 (compared to £76 in 2024.) The 2024 total shown here now includes bank charges for comparative purposes. - ix Typically this would be where a supporter made a donation twice - for example during transition between payment methods. ## **Statement of Liabilities and Assets at 31st December** 2025 ||**Assets**|||| |---|---|---|---|---| ||||**£**|**£**| |**Real Estate and buildings**||||| |None.||||0| |**Moveable fixtures**||||| |IT Equipment (Including for Church, Foodbank & Hope Centre)||||2,550| |Non-IT equipment used in Foodbank (Eg, Fridges & Freezers)||||400| ||||Total|2,950| |**Cash**||||| |Cash at bank||||| |||||169,964| |||_Of which General Fund_|649|| |||_Of which Restricted Funds_|169,315|| |Gift Aid for the Year|as yet unclaimed (estimate)|||1,741| |||_Of which General Fund_|1,226|| |||_Of which Restricted Funds_|514|| ||||Total|174655| ||**Liabilities**|||| |Debts||||0| |Loans||||0| |Overdrafts||||0| |Unpaid paid bills & invoices||||0| |Committed funds not yet shown in accounts||||0| ||||Total|0| ## **Notes on theStatement of Assets and Liabilities** - 4 The church building and clergy housing are owned by the Diocesan Board of Finance, not the PCC. The Hope Centre uses a building on a rolling rent free short-term lease from Northumberland County Council. - 5 Assets recognised but not included in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities include movable equipment and furnishings which require a faculty for disposal. - 6 IT equipment is considered to have a useful life of 6 years and is depreciated on that basis. - 7 The Foodbank has a number of fridges & freezers which are depreciated over 9 years. **This Financial Statement and the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, including all associated notes, was approved by the Parochial Church Council on 16th March 2026 And signed on its behalf by Rachel Dawson (PCC Lay Chair)** 4 of 4 Independent Examiner's Report on the accounts to the trustees of The Parochial Church of Cramlington (Ecclesiastical Parish of St Nicholas Cramlington - Charity Number 11338481 of the Trust for the year ending 31 De￿rnber 2025. st The accounts are set out on p8ges 2 10 5. 1 re*POrt to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity 1.the Trust.) for the year ended 31 st December April 2025. As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with Charities Act 2011 {the 2011 Act) which requires an independent examination of the charity's accounts. It is my responsibility lo examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act to follow the procedures laid down in the gener81 Directions given by the commission under section 14515llbl of the 2011 Act to state whether particular matters have come to my 8ttention Basis of independent examinerfs 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 p￿sented with those records. 11 also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as Iruslee$ concerning any such matters. The procedures unclertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be requsred in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'lrue and fair view, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the next statement. Independent examlnerf$ statement In connection with my examination, no maller has come to my attenlton.. 111 which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements.. to keep accounting records in accordance wth section 130 of the 2011 Act and to prep8re 8ccounls which accord with the a¢￿UntIng records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charity Act have not been met,. or 12} to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order lo enable a proper understanding of the 8ccDunts to be re8ched Name.. Angela Sheret Address.. 78. Ringlet D Newcastle Great Park, Newcaslle-upon-Tyne, NE13 9ES Signed.. Date". 31st 2026