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← The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Christleton

2024-12-31-accounts

PARISH OF ST JAMES, CHRISTLETON

ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

of the PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL for the Parish of Christleton for the year ended 31 December 2024

and Agenda for Annual Meetings 11 May 2025

Rector: The Reverend Dr Stefan Collier

Church: St James

St James’ Church, Pepper Street, Christleton, CH3 7AG Bankers: Santander

Charity Registration Number: 1133992

(Draft 7.1)

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CONTENTS:

Page:

REPORTS FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2024:

2

The Parish of St James, Christleton

(https://www.stjameschristleton.org.uk/)

AGENDA FOR ANNUAL MEETINGS 11 MAY 2025

Meeting of the Parishioners (Vestry Meeting): (10) To: Elect Churchwardens

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING (APCM) (Total = 67 mins)

Opening Prayers (3)

1. Apologies (1)

2. Minutes of Previous Meeting – 2024 (Available in the Annual Report) (5)

3. Matters Arising (10)

4. Reports (30)

5. Elections and Appointments (10)

6. Any Other Business (5)

7. Closing Prayers (3)

Jocelyn Platel, PCC Secretary

The above meeting(s) to be followed by a short PCC Meeting to appoint:

Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Standing Committee, ER Officer & confirm date of PCC Meeting

3

ROLES AND MEMBERSHIP OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL:

St James’ Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of working with the Rector in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church: pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It also has financial and maintenance responsibilities for St James.

Members of the PCC are either ex-officio, elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) or co-opted, in accordance with the Church Representation Rules.

Since the APCM of May 2024 the following have served as members of the PCC:

Rector(ex-officio) Revd Dr Stefan Collier
Assistant Curates(ex-officio) Revd Tina Lightfoot
Churchwardens (ex-officio)
Elected annuallyat Meetingof the Parishioners.		 Bettie Gilliatt
Mike Lightfoot
Deanery Synod Members:
This church may appoint up to 3 lay people as Lay
Deanery Synod representatives and they become
ex-officio on the PCC (if not already on PCC). They
are appointed for a three-year fixed term.
(Current fixed term: 2023-2026)		 Bettie Gilliatt
Jan Bowden
John Norbury
Elected PCC members:
This church may have 12 elected PCC members
based on our current Electoral Roll size.
Members are elected for a 3 year term, with a
maximum of two consecutive terms (ie: 6 years)
# Member will have completed 3 years at the
2025 APCM.		 Pat Bull (nee Powell) (elected: 2022) #
John Norbury (elected: 2022) #
Joce Platel (elected: 2023)
Alastair Holland (elected: 2023)
Lesley Morgan (elected: 2023)
Elizabeth McClure (elected: 2023)
Ann White (elected: 2023)
John Eccles (elected 2024)
Chris Platel (elected 2024)
Jan Bowden (elected 2024)
Two PCC positions are vacant
(prior to the 2025 APCM)
Co-opted PCC members:
(Co-opted by the PCC for 1 year)
Maximum of 2.		 None
PCC Appointments
PCC Treasurer(appointed annually) Elizabeth McClure
PCC Secretary (appointed annually) Jocelyn Platel
Electoral Roll Officer(appointed annually) MarjKeech
Parish SafeguardingOfficer(appointed annually) Ann White
Licenced Lay Workers
Pastoral Worker LesleyMorgan
Parish Appointments
Employed Director of Music Bob Jones
Parish Administrator MarjKeech

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MINUTES OF 2024 ANNUAL MEETINGS HELD AT 12.00 PM ON 5TH MAY 2024

14 people attended the meetings.

MEETING OF THE PARISHIONERS (Vestry Meeting)

Nominations had been received for Bettie Gilliatt (Proposed by Liz McClure and seconded by Sheena Cumiskey) and Mike Lightfoot (Proposed by Janet Milton and seconded by Joy Verrier). No other nominations had been received and therefore these two Churchwardens were elected unanimously without the need for a vote. Stefan thanked Bettie and Mike for their tremendous work during the past year not only for their welcoming presence in church, but also for looking after the fabric of the building and the maintenance of the churchyard. Gill Hibbert commented that visiting so many other parishes had increased her awareness of the responsibility and the enormous amount of work the job entailed. The meeting closed.

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING (APCM)

Stefan advised that Information Packs had been available containing the agenda, previous minutes, reports etc.

Stefan offered Opening Prayers.

1: Apologies: Apologies received from: Brian and Elizabeth Inall, Carl and Sheena Cumiskey, Tina and Mike Lightfoot, Martin and Hazel Thompson, John and June Pearson, Tim and Suzanne Little.

2: Minutes of the Annual Meetings held on 23[rd] April 2023. These were approved as a true record to be signed by Stefan.

3: Matters Arising: There were none.

4: Reports:

“I won’t read to you my report, rather draw attention to how thankful I am for our desire to go on becoming a community of welcome, witness, and worship; that is be formed into the likeness of God who is a God of welcome, witness, and worship.

This is so very important. As is what I hope we are about to embark on this coming year. The development of St James Church. After almost 6 years we will finally hear whether we are to receive permission or not in about the next 6 months. If we do receive this permission, we need to raise of order an eye-watering 600K to make this dream a reality.

It sounds and feels impossible. But this is surely how Joseph felt left in a pit to die by his brothers. Surely how Elizabeth felt when told she was to bear a child at advanced age. How Jesus felt as he knelt down to pray in the garden of Gethsemane. How Paul and his companions felt on his missionary journeys in Asia. Their life's impossible. Indeed, they were. But not with God. With God, time and time again, the impossible is made possible. And so I believe it will be for us. God will make possible the impossible for this church community.

For sure, it will be so very hard and challenging. But I am confident because we are not committed to ourselves, because we are blessed with many people with many gifts. Because, when all is said and done, we desire to run, or walk purposively, the race of faith set before us. To hand on a community of welcome, witness, and worship to those who follow after us. The impossible will be made possible. Thank you for this confidence.

Finally. Thank you to the leaders of our PCC, and those on the margins of our community; critical as they are. Thank you to our excellent ministry team of Tina, Elizabeth, Gill, and Lesley. Thank you to Nikki and Ian and the bellringers collective, Maria, John, Marj, and Bob for their especial ministries among us without which our common life would suffer greatly. Thank you for the gift of what is coming. No less, than the Kingdom of God on earth as in heaven.”

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Gill Hibbert questioned Stefan as to whether he believed the church development was God’s will. Stefan shared how, prior to Christleton, he did not feel called to lead a major building project, so was surprised and frustrated (with God) when the PCC and others begun to discern this direction a few months post his arrival. He, but more importantly we, are confident this is a direction we are being asked to take for the future of the church and communities it serves. David Cummings reiterated that we need to make sure the church will serve the needs of future generations. Jan agreed that we need a space which will allow more creative things to take place like concerts and art exhibitions. Historically churches were used for those sorts of events. Although St James is a Butterfield church, the only one in Cheshire, the pews are not an essential feature, whereas, e.g., the polychromatic stonework is. Gill felt we need to sell this vision through our enthusiasm and positivity.

Treasurer’s Report – SC thanked Liz and John for all their hard work managing the church finances. Liz wished to highlight certain points:

6) On a positive note, Liz acknowledged the warmth, enthusiasm and support of the church community and the Friends. Anyone who would be willing to be a deputy treasurer would be warmly welcomed! Lesley felt we needed to make the wider congregation aware of the financial situation. There followed discussion of the whole issue of Communications which we are aware needs to improve in this fast-changing world but is a hard issue to solve. Gill H raised the use of the A41 but this does cost and, as it reaches beyond this parish, may raise objections from other churches. SC suggested that if we focus on the worship, welcome and witness (that is in the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ) then money will follow in response to our encountering Jesus. Dwelling too much on finances could paralyse us.

There was unanimous acceptance of the accounts (proposed by David C, seconded by Jan B).

5: Elections and Appointments:

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JP (proposed by Liz McClure, seconded by Pat Powell) was duly nominated as secretary.

LMC (proposed by Jocelyn Platel, seconded by Lesley Morgan) was duly nominated as treasurer.

There were two nominations for new members: John Eccles (proposed by Mike Lightfoot, seconded by Bettie Gilliatt); Chris Platel (proposed by Liz McClure, seconded by Bettie Gilliatt). Both were elected unanimously. As an elected member of Deanery Synod Jan Bowden becomes an ex-officio member of the PCC.

6: Any Other Business : David Cummings thanked Stefan for his spiritual leadership and guidance and for his love and commitment to the parish. Gill wanted to give grateful thanks to Tina and Elizabeth for all that they do including their preaching.

The meeting closed with prayers led by Stefan at 1.30pm.

REPORTS FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2024

RECTOR’S REPORT 2024:

Dear friends,

As ever, something of the joys and challenges of our blessed common life are reflected in the reports herein. Reports which witness to the loving service of so many dedicated volunteers who give of their time and talents for the flourishing of our parish communities. We give thanks for all of them and for the privilege of sharing life with the parish communities we serve.

We give thanks too, this year, for the work we have done in clarifying our parish vision, the seeds of which were recognisable almost 7 years ago, planted and are beginning to show signs of growth. A vision to be a community of worship, welcome, and witness as discovered and energised through our Holy Scriptures, as detailed for our meditation and guiding on page 3.

A corollary of our parish vision was turning all of our physical resources to its end, and as many people are aware, this led to us embarking on a church development project some 7 years ago. We’re pleased to share that after all these years, October 2024 saw us finally receive the necessary secular and church permissions for our church development project. This project will ensure we will continue to grow as a community of welcome, worship, and witness not just now but in the decades ahead.

The project has a story, and here it is after one of our grant applications. The story of providing inclusive, accessible, hospitable, and sustainable space and facilities to St James’ Church for up to 200 people in order to advance the Christian faith and participate more fully in God’s mission as described in the 5 marks of mission.

In the beginning, around 7 years ago, we asked the question what are we here for? We understood we are here to participate in God’s mission. We understood this mission concerned being and becoming a healthy church. However, a church health audit, analysis of attendance, worship and national census data, and financial analysis revealed the community was in poor health. It lacked an outward community focus, did not relate to around 80% of the demographic of the parish communities, and was in a weak, vulnerable financial position. Moreover, the church building was difficult to access and uncomfortable to use and did not have the facilities to better advance the Christian faith and further the Kingdom of God. We understood we were not being or becoming a healthy church community, with the building advancing the faith and Kingdom of God. We understood this needed to change and set priorities to be a learning, outward facing community whose building facilitated our participation in the five marks of mission.

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The next 1.5 years, self-funded, saw us undertake a feasibility study with Donald Insall Associates, pray, and reflect in order to better understand how we might improve our facilities for use by the church and its work in the communities it serves. The following 3 years, albeit it with the interruption of the pandemic, we entered into discussions with key stakeholders, including the church and local communities, English Heritage, Cheshire West and Chester Council, The Victorian Society, The Church Buildings Council, and the Diocesan Advisory Committee to shape the submission of a faculty, again self-funded, for permission to develop the building to provide facilities and space for the whole community.

This faculty describes the delivery of an open and flexible space throughout the nave with the replacement of the pews with chairs, an extension with toilets (including disabled access), kitchens and storage facilities, and a screen for the Lady Chapel to provide a church and community prayer and meeting place. Together, these building improvements create an accessible space for a large variety of worship, educational, and community events and activities for groups up to 200 persons - which the existing space does not have and creates significant barriers for use to participate in God’s mission. These changes allow us to offer more flexible and engaging worship, use the space for community exhibitions, events and activities which strengthen community partnerships, host faith nurture courses and other Christian learning programmes for the advancement of the Christian faith, and hospitality events, including a cafe, after the hospitality of Christ. Of the 21 needs already identified, each aligned with a mark of mission, 2/3 relate to worship, while the remaining third relate to worship and community purposes. Of these needs 70% are or have been undertaken, with 30% yet to be implemented. Of these 70% tried, 40% are considered non-viable on account of space limitations and 90% are of restricted viability for the same reason.

Our faculty was granted in Q4 of 2024, along with all relevant building permissions. The Chancellor’s judgement notes ‘[m]y own judgement on the material [faculty] s that the future flourishing of mission in the church and parish is likely to depend on it ’- this in good part why we dare to change our faith story. We also dare to change our faith story in response to our vocation to be God’s people in this place. The architect, and appointed project manager Tony Barton of Donald Insall Associates, estimates construction will take one year once all the funding is available, c. £600K. Funds will be raised in 2025 with matched community and grant support, £300K each. We aspire to deliver the project in 2026.

Looking back on 2024, our worshipping community grew around 3% in 2024 (when accounting for an 8% reduction due to death this growth is likely to be of order 10%) . Our pastoral offices, of funerals, baptisms, and marriages, serve over 2000 people, and through the year around 10000 people attended all services. At the same time, we fed around 500 people through our community lunches, collected around 1500 kg of food for our local food bank, and enjoy supportive, active partnerships with other local churches and schools. We have doubled our number of faith small groups, and regularly offer multiple Christian educational opportunities through the year, with the Rector giving lectures on science and religion at the Cathedral and other churches.

We are slowly becoming a healthy church community, but without improvements to our building we are at risk of perishing. We aspire to be a church which serves all in our communities, and whose building is at the heart of our communities, available to all people without distinction, and facilitates their flourishing. We aspire to increase the social and Christian value of St James, and our sharing in God’s mission will grow through adding direct economic value, the provision of community services, an increase in volunteer economic value and wellbeing, an increase in wellbeing to those who benefit from the community services provided, and additional wellbeing through advancement in the faith of people attending church services, learning programmes, and events. This increase in value facilitates our being and becoming a healthy - sustainable church community, and will be further protected through the use of a range of quantitative and qualitative data to measure the impact of the building improvements and, where required, make necessary changes to the partnerships further developed and activities offered.

This then is our story of late. The story that you the reader are part of. We now, together with God in Christ and through the power of his Holy Spirit, have especial responsibility for the future flourishing of God’s mission here in this place by finishing our story from which other stories of love will emerge. We now ask for your sacrificial financial support. We ask for God’s blessing that our story will glorify God and serve the common good now and in the decades to come.

With my love and prayers, Stefan, Rector, Christleton.

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CHURCHWARDENS’ REPORT:

The quinquennial inspection has been carried out by the church architects Donald Insall and the Church was commended as being in good condition overall. A recommendation was made that we ensure that the ground in proximity to the lower walls is kept weed-free. This is carried out regularly.

All the services, alarm, fire extinguishers, boilers have been carried out and the roof has been checked twice due to very wet weather and some high winds. Ridge tiles have been re-bedded, valleys cleared of debris and several slipped slates have been re-bedded.

It should be noted that the cost of checking the roof is quite substantial but is essential to ensure that it is in sound condition. During the inspection, the contractor noted that the wooden shingles on the tower looked very dry. The louvres on the windows (also wooden) were noted as possibly requiring attention in the near future.

The Church boilers are approaching ten years old and have caused a couple of problems over the year. Thought must be given to their possible replacement in a few years.

All portable electric appliances and cables were tested by the electrical contractor.

The lightning conductor underwent a regular inspection. As usual it was noted that the readings do not conform to the usual standard due to the substrata on which the Church is built. This is not possible to alter but the conductor is intact.

Martin Thompson has taken on the checking of the movement monitors in the Church (reminder that the monitor on the north wall of the chancel has been positioned upside down).

Recently it was noted that a small amount of mortar has fallen from the ceiling of the choir vestry (below the ringing chamber). This remains to be investigated.

Unfortunately, after eight years, the Community Payback team was unable to continue to help with the churchyard maintenance and the gap has been filled by the dedication of a band of volunteers who have regularly turned up on a Saturday morning (and often during the week) to keep the grounds in good order. However, in February we were informed that the Payback team would resume on a weekly basis. The monthly working parties of volunteers will continue.

Some damage was caused during the storms in January with one acer in a line of these trees coming down and causing some damage to a headstone in the northern section. The tree was sawn up and removed. Another small tree along the east boundary wall fell down and was despatched.

Measurements were also noted along the west boundary wall where the roots of some large mature yew trees are exposed, one in particular. They overlook a public footpath. The Payback team trimmed a large dead branch of a tree in the grounds of Christleton House – this hung over the footpath and onto a grave. The Tree Officer, Ruth Tothill and the owner of Christleton House were informed in case there might be any comeback.

Some trees in the copse, close to private properties, were regarded as too tall and unsafe and were felled but left on the ground to act as wildlife habitats.

Blackwells (monumental masons) conducted the regular (every four years) inspection of all the headstones in the churchyard and found only one which was found to be loose. This was repaired at no cost to the parish.

We would like to say a huge thank you to the worshipping and local community for all the help in grass cutting, strimming, and leaf clearing during the year. Without you life would be so much more difficult and expensive!

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The Churchwardens conducted an inspection of all the goods and ornaments. All items were accounted for with the exception of a wooden “alms bowl” of uncertain date which one of the churchwardens remembered from some years back but which has been missing. It has not been on the list in the Terrier.

The Churchwardens would like to extend their grateful thanks to the volunteers who perform the readings at services, perform sidespersons’ duties, meeting and greeting worshippers to the services and acting as stewards.

Mike Lightfoot & Bettie Gilliatt, Churchwardens

PARISH HALL:

Many thanks to Maria Norbury for looking after the smooth administration of the hall.

A major and expensive repair to the cooker was necessary due to damage of the glass top rendering it unsafe to use. It should be noted that the cooker top is for cooking and not for use as an extra shelf even though space is limited in the kitchen.

Some remedial work on the exterior boiler door was necessary (so far, no cost), although the boiler was fitted with a new expansion vessel (at less than three years old this is regarded as most unusual).

Following a complaint about one of the fire doors (found to be in working order) it was decided to check the fire doors monthly at the same time as the emergency lighting. May have to do a little remedial work on the main hall fire door.

The outside paintwork is scheduled to be done around the end of May (and weather permitting).

Ridge tiles were re-bedded and a slipped slate replaced during the Church roof inspection. Also a part of the guttering on the northside was repaired.

A new acoustics system is to be installed, provided by a private donation. This should address the problem of noise and particularly to anyone hard of hearing.

ADDENDUM. It should be noted that within the next few years the boilers will have to be replaced to comply with zero carbon. Other options will need to be considered e.g. solar panels (not necessarily on the building), small wind turbine, heat pumps, and possibly new systems not yet available. Planning for the future without fossil fuels will have to be addressed.

Grants are available for churches and religious buildings to help to reduce emissions.

Mike Lightfoot & Bettie Gilliatt, Churchwardens.

PARISH HALL BOOKINGS:

2024 has been a steady year in terms of maintaining the number of hours hired out to regular and occasional hirers. We have regular hirers each morning Tuesday to Saturday and each evening Monday to Thursday. We could do with more regular hirer hours during the daytime, but we do not receive many enquiries for regular hire slots. The feedback from hirers is that they like using our hall.

Maria Norbury, Bookings Secretary.

ELECTORAL ROLL:

Since the last Annual Report the overall number of names on the Electoral Roll (ER) has reduced from 182 to 151. The reduction of the numbers represents 6 people who have died and several names which were removed following the

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annual revision of the Roll last spring which saw those who had moved away from the parish or who did not attend services, removed from it. There have been 13 additions to the ER.

This year there has been a complete renewal of the Electoral Roll which we are obliged to do every 6 years. All members are removed from the Roll and are invited to re-apply.

Applications will have been accepted from the 9[th] March to the 13[th] April. At the time of writing the new Roll number is not known, but this will be available on the 14[th] April. Any members of our community who missed the deadline may still apply following the APCM. Those wishing to enrol should contact the Electoral Roll Officer or the Rector who will be happy to provide the information required. Application forms can be found at the back of church.

Marj Keech – Electoral Roll Officer.

ST JAMES’ CHURCH - END OF YEAR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDING 31 DEC 2024

Statement of Financial Activities

Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Endowment
funds
Total
funds
Prior year
total funds
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
Income from charitable activities
Other trading activities
Investments
Other income
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Expenditure on charitable activities
Other expenditure
Total expenditure
Net income / (expenditure) resources before transfer
Transfers
Gross transfers between funds - in
Gross transfers between funds - out
Other recognised gains / losses
Gains/losses on investment assets
Gains on revaluation, fixed assets, charity's own use
Net movement in funds		 17,316.50
-
-
17,316.50
3,034.08
147,838.14
9,026.75
-
156,864.89
136,247.09
12,690.00
-
-
12,690.00
12,286.00
3,062.50
-
-
3,062.50
3,238.95
3,078.83
628.20
-
3,707.03
4,428.30
183,985.97
9,654.95
-
193,640.92
159,234.42
1,416.71
-
-
1,416.71
898.25
142,247.39
5,054.97
-
147,302.36
154,920.24
9,955.58
490.00
-
10,445.58
21,811.27
153,619.68
5,544.97
-
159,164.65
177,629.76
30,366.29
4,109.98
-
34,476.27 (18,395.34)
138.20
-
-
138.20
8,957.31
-
(138.20)
-
(138.20)
(8,957.31)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
30,504.49
3,971.78
-
34,476.27 (18,395.34)

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Total funds brought forward 57,538.16 13,941.81 - 71,479.97 89,875.31
Total funds carried forward 88,042.65 17,913.59 - 105,956.24 71,479.97
Represented by
Unrestricted
General fund 22,120.84 - - 22,120.84 25,264.55
Designated
Audio-Visual project - - - - -
car park land trust - - - - -
choir 581.30 - - 581.30 581.30
hymnbooks - - - - -
legacy/church development 65,577.50 - - 65,577.50 31,427.50
parish hall refurbishment (1,613.99) - - (1,613.99) (1,112.19)
rectory decorating - - - - -
window protection 1,377.00 - - 1,377.00 1,377.00
Restricted
Agency collection - - - - -
bellringers - 1,744.22 - 1,744.22 1,744.22
car park - - - - -
chancel - 3,000.00 - 3,000.00 3,000.00
charitable - 96.70 - 96.70 96.70
churchyard - (487.32) - (487.32) 667.65
Egerton - - - - -
Friends of St James - 5,601.95 - 5,601.95 475.20
heating/boiler - - - - -
legacy / church development restricted - - - - -
parish hall refurbishment - - - - -
PH refurb restricted - - - - -
rector D prof - - - - -
restoration - 5,363.53 - 5,363.53 5,363.53
sunday school/messy church - 2,594.51 - 2,594.51 2,594.51
Total funds 88,042.65 17,913.59 - 105,956.24 71,479.97

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Balance Sheet detailed

Class and code
Description		 As at
31/12/2024
As at
31/12/2023
Current assets
CA1
current account
CA2
savings account
CA3
CBF investment account
CA4
petty cash
Z05
Accounts Receivable
Total Current assets
Liabilities
6699
Agency collections
Z04
Accounts Payable
Total Liabilities
Net Asset surplus (deficit)
Reserves
Excess/(deficit) to date
Z01
Starting balances
Total Reserves
Represented by Funds
General (Unrestricted)
Designated
Restricted
Total		 11,122.31
12,598.36
-
-
84,594.75
51,659.69
-
-
12,450.83
7,412.70
108,167.89
71,670.75
-
(2,012.82)
2,211.65
2,203.60
2,211.65
190.78
105,956.24
71,479.97
34,476.27
29,593.81
71,479.97
41,886.16
105,956.24
71,479.97
22,120.84
25,264.55
65,921.81
32,273.61
17,913.59
13,941.81
105,956.24
71,479.97

Statement of Assets and Liabilities (by fund)

Balance Previous
balance
Cash At Bank And In Hand
CA1: current account
bellringers Restricted 1,744.02 1,744.02
charitable Restricted 96.70 96.70
churchyard Restricted (487.32) 667.65
Friends of St James Restricted 5,251.95 100.20

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legacy/church development Designated - 2,034.08
parish hall refurbishment Designated (1,613.99) (1,112.19)
window protection Designated 1,377.00 1,377.00
General fund Unrestricted 4,753.95 9,703.72
Agency collection Restricted - (2,012.82)
11,122.31 12,598.36
Cash At Bank And In Hand 11,122.31 12,598.36
Debtors
Z05: Accounts Receivable
Friends of St James Restricted 350.00 375.00
General fund Unrestricted 12,100.83 7,037.70
12,450.83 7,412.70
Debtors 12,450.83 7,412.70
Investments
CA3: CBF investment account
bellringers Restricted 0.20 0.20
chancel Restricted 3,000.00 3,000.00
choir Designated 581.30 581.30
legacy/church development Designated 65,577.50 29,393.42
restoration Restricted 5,363.53 5,363.53
sunday school/messy church Restricted 2,594.51 2,594.51
General fund Unrestricted 7,477.71 10,726.73
84,594.75 51,659.69
Investments 84,594.75 51,659.69
Agency Accounts
6699: Agency collections
Agency collection Restricted - (2,012.82)
- (2,012.82)
Agency Accounts - (2,012.82)
Creditors: Amounts Falling Due In One Year
Z04: Accounts Payable
General fund Unrestricted 2,211.65 2,203.60
2,211.65 2,203.60
Creditors: Amounts Falling Due In One Year 2,211.65 2,203.60
Grand Total 105,956.24 71,479.97

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Fund movement summary

Fund Opening Incoming Outgoing Transfers Gains/Losses Journals Closing
bells
Restricted 1,744.22 - - - - - 1,744.22
Sub-totals 1,744.22 - - - - - 1,744.22
chancel
Restricted 3,000.00 - - - - - 3,000.00
Sub-totals 3,000.00 - - - - - 3,000.00
charit
Restricted 96.70 - - - - - 96.70
Sub-totals 96.70 - - - - - 96.70
choir
Designated 581.30 - - - - - 581.30
Sub-totals 581.30 - - - - - 581.30
churchyd
Restricted 667.65 110.00 1,264.97 - - - (487.32)
Sub-totals 667.65 110.00 1,264.97 - - - (487.32)
FRIENDS
Restricted 475.20 8,916.75 3,790.00 - - - 5,601.95
Sub-totals 475.20 8,916.75 3,790.00 - - - 5,601.95
LCD
Designated 31,427.50 35,000.00 850.00 - - - 65,577.50
Sub-totals 31,427.50 35,000.00 850.00 - - - 65,577.50
PHRest
Designated (1,112.19) - 640.00 138.20 - - (1,613.99)
Restricted - 628.20 490.00 (138.20) - - -
Sub-totals (1,112.19) 628.20 1,130.00 - - - (1,613.99)
rest
Restricted 5,363.53 - - - - - 5,363.53
Sub-totals 5,363.53 - - - - - 5,363.53

15

ssmessy
Restricted 2,594.51 - - - - - 2,594.51
Sub-totals 2,594.51 - - - - - 2,594.51
windprot
Designated 1,377.00 - - - - - 1,377.00
Sub-totals 1,377.00 - - - - - 1,377.00
General
Unrestricted 25,264.55 148,985.97 152,129.68 - - - 22,120.84
Sub-totals 25,264.55 148,985.97 152,129.68 - - - 22,120.84
Totals 71,479.97 193,640.92 159,164.65 - - - 105,956.24

Analysis of income and expenditure

Total
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment
This year
Last year
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM:
Donations and legacies
IN10 - legacy
IN16 - mistaken entry
IN25 - luncheon club donations PH
Donations and legacies Totals
Income from charitable activities
IN01 - collections
IN02 - envelope scheme
IN03 - gift aid env
IN04 - funerals and weddings
IN07 - standing orders
IN08 - HMRC
IN14 - donations
IN20 - general exp reimbursement
Income from charitable activities Totals
Other trading activities
IN05 - parish hall
IN06 - parish magazine		 -
14,000.00
-
-
14,000.00
3,034.08
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,316.50
-
-
-
3,316.50
-

3,316.50
14,000.00
-
-
17,316.50
3,034.08
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,165.62
-
-
-
3,165.62
3,467.11
1,510.30
-
-
-
1,510.30
1,598.40
22,957.00
-
-
-
22,957.00
19,267.00
54,272.00
-
5,175.00
-
59,447.00
54,672.00
25,434.33
-
1,514.00
-
26,948.33
27,229.03
19,498.89
21,000.00
2,337.75
-
42,836.64
30,013.55
-
-
-
-
-
-

126,838.14
21,000.00
9,026.75
- 156,864.89 136,247.09
12,420.00
-
-
-
12,420.00
12,016.00
-
-
-
-
-
-

16

IN19 - land rent
Other trading activities Totals
Investments
IN09 - investment acct interest
Investments Totals
Other income
IN11 - fundraising
IN12 - insurance repayment
IN13 - BT way payment
IN15 - rectory exp reimb
IN17 - clergy fee reimbursement
IN18 - church gas reimb
IN21 - VAT RECLAIM
IN22 - PH ELEC REIMB
IN23 - CH ELEC REIMB
IN24 - REIMB PH GAS
Other income Totals
Income and endowments Grand totals
EXPENDITURE ON:
Raising funds
EX11 - parish magazine
EX26 - f/r exp
Raising funds Totals
Expenditure on charitable activities
EX01 - Church gas
EX02 - Church electricity
EX03 - Church salaries
EX04 - church insurance
EX05 - church building maintenance
EX06 - churchyard maintenance
EX07 - clergy expenses
EX08 - weddings/funerals
EX12 - messy church
EX14 - parish share
EX15 - rectory expenses
EX19 - church water
EX20 - church gen expenses
EX21 - church fabric maintenance		 270.00
-
-
-
270.00
270.00

12,690.00
-
-
-
12,690.00
12,286.00
3,062.50
-
-
-
3,062.50
3,238.95

3,062.50
-
-
-
3,062.50
3,238.95
3,078.83
-
628.20
-
3,707.03
4,382.80
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
45.50
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

3,078.83
-
628.20
-
3,707.03
4,428.30

148,985.97
35,000.00
9,654.95
- 193,640.92 159,234.42
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,416.71
-
-
-
1,416.71
898.25

1,416.71
-
-
-
1,416.71
898.25
4,941.32
-
-
-
4,941.32
3,977.33
1,963.86
-
-
-
1,963.86
1,625.69
4,206.26
-
-
-
4,206.26
4,434.52
4,168.57
-
-
-
4,168.57
4,381.60
222.00
-
3,790.00
-
4,012.00
680.00
-
-
1,264.97
-
1,264.97
23,066.55
2,075.35
-
-
-
2,075.35
3,042.93
10,563.67
-
-
-
10,563.67
7,885.60
-
-
-
-
-
-
89,695.68
-
-
-
89,695.68
85,424.52
10,148.04
-
-
-
10,148.04
4,368.83
72.52
-
-
-
72.52
128.43
12,581.83
-
-
-
12,581.83
12,044.46
-
-
-
-
-
337.78

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EX22 - choir expenses
EX25 - AVproject
EX27 - luncheon club expenses
Expenditure on charitable activities Totals
Other expenditure
EX09 - parish hall salaries
EX10 - parish hall maintenance and refurbishmen
EX13 - car park maintenance
EX16 - parish hall gas
EX17 - parish hall electricity
EX18 - parish hall water
EX23 - parish hall general expenses
EX24 - church development
Other expenditure Totals
Expenditure Grand totals		 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,522.00
1,608.29
-
-
-
1,608.29
-

142,247.39
-
5,054.97
- 147,302.36 154,920.24
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
640.00
490.00
-
1,130.00
1,920.99
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,289.24
-
-
-
1,289.24
1,093.61
1,234.08
-
-
-
1,234.08
946.45
548.65
-
-
-
548.65
557.35
5,393.61
-
-
-
5,393.61
5,292.87
-
850.00
-
-
850.00
12,000.00

8,465.58
1,490.00
490.00
-
10,445.58
21,811.27

152,129.68
1,490.00
5,544.97
- 159,164.65 177,629.76

TREASURER’S ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2024:

These accounts are produced by the online version of Finance co-ordinator, Myfundaccounting, to which we have just transferred under the umbrella of the diocese in conjunction with 90 other parishes.

This is the first full year these have included accrual accounting, which is required for income over £250,000 which we hope to achieve during 2025 due to the church development.

This process apportions some income and expenditure around the year end to the relevant year and makes the accounts more exact than a pure receipts and payments account.

Overall picture, including all funds.

In this we have a surplus of £34,476.

This is a considerable improvement on last year when our expenditure on 2 capital projects and the architect’s fees took us into a deficit of £23,604.

This surplus is explained by donations for the church development, individual generous donations and also the receipt of 2 legacies, this latter totalling £14,000.

These numbers can be a bit misleading as they include both income and expenditure, also capital raising hence the large swing from 2023 to 2024. Our true trading position is more clearly illustrated by concentrating on the General Fund.

The general fund

This is our working business fund.

We have paid our parish share in full which we have done every year since Covid. The sum is £89,655 which is the highest in the Chester Deanery.

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We had an unexpected and exceptional debt on the account this year of approximately £6,000. This related to an error by the Council which for a number of years gave us an inappropriate single person discount on the rectory rates since Stefan took up residence.

Throughout the year we had hoped to show a small surplus. This charge took us to the wrong side of the line so we show a small deficit of £3,143 despite generous donations.

Specifically in the general fund:

The funerals and weddings net income is £12,394, an increase from £11,400. It is good that these services are offered to the people of our community.

Our standing orders are markedly increased from £54,600 to £59,300. We have 24 “friends” standing orders and 70 to the general fund. The response to our appeal this autumn to endeavour to have enough regular income to support paying the parish share has been very heartening.

Our digital giving is in fact reduced this year, sumup (our website giving) £625, £270 of which is from the pew QR codes, the contactless terminal accepting £1,730. This may be partly explained by the increase in standing orders.

PH income has increased leaving us with a surplus of £4,000, an increase from £2,800 cp last year. Many thanks are due to the hard work of Maria Norbury. Unfortunately, there are often significant expenses maintaining this property.

The Friends

They have funded the one significant capital expenditure on roof repairs for the church, £3,790. They continue to make steady progress and this year have had an income of £8,917.

Looking forward.

Our major expenditure is on the parish share.

Due to a re-banding exercise by the diocese where the 2021 census has been used, our allocated share for 2025 is 1.15 rather than 1.25.

The total annual payment is £84,995, a reduction of £4,660 from 2024 figure of £89,665.

The effect of this and taking into account the generous response of the congregation, means that for the first time in several years we hope to be able to pay the full share allocated to us each month rather than scraping it together and taking money out of reserves at the end of the year.

This is an immensely reassuring position in which to find ourselves as we begin the drive to fundraise for our church development which finally this autumn was given the go ahead by the diocese.

This will be an incredible opportunity for ourselves and the community to achieve this renewal project to restore the church to the hub of the community and improve its accessibility to and hospitality for everyone in the parish. May we all rise to the challenge!

Once again, I particularly thank the stewardship group for their support, in particular John Norbury, but also Nigel Seddon for his work on the gift aid claims, so essential for our work.

Elizabeth A McClure, PCC Treasurer.

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DEANERY SYNOD REPORT:

There have been three Deanery Synod meetings in 2024.

12[th] February. The meeting was held at St. Mark’s Church, Lache cum Saltney and introduced by Revd Hennie Johnston the vicar and Rural Dean.

St. Mark’s parish now only has one church – there used to be a church in Wales (St. Matthew’s which burnt down). Part of the parish is in Wales.

The parish is a mix of deprived and more affluent areas. The church has a Debt Advice Centre, a library and a doctor’s surgery.

The speaker was Dr Alan Dowen (lay chairman). We were asked to look into the Diocesan Vision and what it would mean for parishes. We looked at how parishes would manage if there were no clergy to run them. There are fewer stipendiary clergy now in the Diocese and this will have to be addressed in the future.

10[th] June. The meeting was held at St. John the Evangelist Ashton Heyes and introduced by Dr Alan Dowen.

Elections for people to stand for Diocesan Synod had been disappointing from the Laity side as there had only been two nominations for the six places, while there were nine nominations for Clergy.

St John the Evangelist includes Mouldsworth and Horton-cum-Peel and underwent major redevelopment in 2020 which was curtailed due to Covid. Pews were removed and the floor taken up. Diocese permission to remove the pews took 10 years but the church is now fully refurbished with toilets and a kitchen. It can function as a cafe-style church when required and is used as a community centre due to its new layout.

Jon Pocock, the speaker for the evening looked at the four main points of Diocese Vision Strategy:

  1. Looking to save the 1.5 million in our Diocese.

  2. Increasing Missional Outreach.

  3. Planting Missional Communities.

  4. Developing Missional Leadership.

7[th] October. The meeting was held at St. James’ Christleton.

The meeting was opened by Revd Hennie Johnston the Rural Dean. She thanked everyone for coming and The Revd Dr Stefan Collier for hosting. She mentioned that there is to be a Bishop’s visit for the Churches in the Chester Deanery.

Anne Stockdale, Safeguarding Officer for St. Michael’s Plas Newton warned of a scam regarding DBS’s.

Revd Stefan spoke on the subject of “The most boring Deanery Synod talk you will ever hear” – the Government of the Church of England. His talk included a quiz which enabled people to join in groups from different parishes – some knew a lot and some did not! Stefan presented some slides.

All meetings closed with prayer. A service of Holy Communion was held at the conclusion of this meeting.

Bettie Gilliatt

21

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL (PCC) REPORT:

The PCC has continued to meet regularly throughout 2024 as the leadership group of St James. As well as the existing Mission Groups of Stewardship, Faith and Worship, Communications and Partnerships, a new Church Development Group has been formed since the permission for the Church Development plan was given the go-ahead.

The Belt and Braces Group which the Partnerships Group set up has continued to flourish, meeting fortnightly at the ‘Stute’ for coffee and chat. Despite fewer collectors, the Christian Aid house to house collection raised £2,600 augmented by David Cummings’ talk on beautiful locations in his native Wales. The Summer Teas led by Churches Together in Christleton was well supported by the community raising just over £2000 for the Shropshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire Blood Bikes charity.

For the second year running the PCC ran a tombola stall at Christleton Village Fete thus contributing to a lively community event and raising money for village organisations. As a church we continue to explore ways of reaching out to the community.

Jocelyn Plate, PCC Secretary.

SAFEGUARDING REPORT:

In the past twelve months Safeguarding in the C of E has rarely been out of the headlines of the British Press. Unfortunately all too often not in a positive light. Evidence of past cases of abuse and victims of abuse speaking out as to how they have been treated. In addition some high profile individuals who have been ‘shielded’ from being exposed for the historic abuse they inflicted on vulnerable individuals. Whilst we acknowledge these past events, and the ongoing work to help those affected there are many nationwide initiatives ongoing to make our churches safer places for all.

I am reporting on Safeguarding at St James’, Christleton as Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO)

BUT

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

We are closely following the advice and guidelines as laid out in the ‘Safeguarding e-manual’ which is found on https://www.churchofengland.org .

In addition within the Safeguarding section there is House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Guidance and Safeguarding Code of Practice. There are now a wealth of resources and details of campaigns relating to Safeguarding on the website.

Parish records were transferred in January 2023 to a safeguarding web application. This application was designed by Rev. Dr. Stefan Collier, and the associated database contains all DBS and safeguarding records.

22

Foundation

Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse

Safer Recruitment and People Management

Modern-day Slavery and People Trafficking

and

Leadership Pathway

Ann White, Parish Safeguarding Officer and DBS Lead Recruiter.

FOODBANK REPORT:

PCC report 2025 on West Cheshire Foodbank for the year 2024

West Cheshire Foodbank is a project founded by local churches and community groups, working together to combat hunger in our local area. It is part of a nationwide network of 2,818 food banks in the UK.

St James’ Church became involved in the scheme in 2013 and has continued ever since. Donations of food are left in the box at the back of church, to which are attached details of the Bank the Food app. This is an innovative app, providing information from our local West Cheshire Food Bank about food items most urgently required.

The amount of food last year donated from St James’ was1845.62 Kgs - an increase of almost 200 Kgs on the previous year - for which I thank you, on behalf of the Foodbank and users.

However, food donations to our local Foodbank are down which means that currently food supplies are having to be purchased, which is clearly not sustainable. Thus, it would indeed be excellent if we, at St James Church, could make a substantial increase in the coming year, either through food or financial donations, as we hold in our hearts our fellow human beings, less fortunate and privileged than ourselves, in these very difficult times of hardship.

Chris Alderton

23

LUNCHEON CLUB REPORT:

I’m very tempted to say ‘See the reports for the last few years’, but the St James’ monthly Luncheon Club has been growing and developing through 2024 (and into 2025). Started in January 2014 it meets every 3rd Monday and gets around 50 diners, and sometimes 60. The themed Christmas and January lunches are particularly busy. Not only an increase in ‘guest’ numbers, but we also have a growing team of helpers – about 20 in total. This means the burden of catering and running the lunches, and complying with hygiene regulations, all of which is hard work, is spread around.

We get accolades from those who come - about how they’ve enjoyed the fantastic food, fun and the fellowship. The meals continue to be provided free and the diners’ generosity in optionally and anonymously donating money towards costs means that there is a surplus. In 2024 we made a total cash surplus of over £1,700, which the PCC retains. Card donations and gift aid reclaims make this even more.

For 2025 we look forward to the Parish Hall acoustics being improved in March which will enable easier conversations, especially for those who are a bit hard of hearing.

Thanks to all who help and all who come. This outreach and service to the community is a key mission of St James’ Church and we hope that our Luncheon Club continues well into the future.

Brian Inall

YOUTH WORK REPORT:

The youth ministry team met for a morning in the library at Chester Cathedral in January ’24 to review the past year and agree a way forward for our young families.

It was agreed that the provision of Sunday school running concurrent with the 10:30 service is not attracting young families, with none attending on many Sundays.

It was agreed a fresh approach was required and the following was decided:

Revd Tina Lightfoot, Assistant Curate.

24

ARK COMMUNITY BABY AND TODDLER GROUP - 2024

Ark meets every Friday morning in term time. Each week there are three leaders who set up, chat to carers, play with children, serve hot drinks and homemade cakes or biscuits to the adults, tell the story and lead the singing. The team of leaders meets during the preceding holiday to plan the whole term and decide what craft activities would be suitable. We have a team of 9 leaders who take it in turns on a rota as well as others who help with the baking and Victor and Ann who turn up every week to wash up and help with the clearing up. Kim sorts and provides the materials for each week’s craft activity.

The children range in age from babes in arms to rising 4 year olds and that varies considerably each week so we’re never sure whether the story and/or craft activity will be suitably age appropriate. So flexibility with our plans is essential!

As ever, if anyone would like to become involved and help with Ark then please do talk to me.

Elizabeth Inall

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP REPORT: (Nov 2022- end October 2023)

Following the constraints after the Covid 19 pandemic, and several other factors, the BSG team no longer exists in the way that things were envisaged and carried out between 1992-2020. David & Beryl now carry out administrative tasks with the support of Marj Keech & the Rector. Sympathy cards are sent out to families approximately 4 weeks after a funeral, and in September each year an invitation is sent out to the bereaved families to attend the annual All Souls Service at St James.

2023-24 There were 34 bereavements. Services at St James: 26 Services elsewhere: 8 Committal at St James: 19 Committal elsewhere: 15

2024-25 There are 9 bereavements to date. Services at St James: 9 Committal at St James: 5 Committal elsewhere: 4

Beryl & David Cummings

25

BELL RINGERS’ REPORT:

The Ringer’s AGM was held on 28-01-2025. The outcome of the leadership election was as follows.

Position Elected
Tower Captain Nikki Dromgoole
Deputy Tower Captain Ian Braithwaite
Treasurer Ian Braithwaite
Secretary Mary Cowen

During 2024 there has been an increase in the number of ringers for Sunday services up from 7.1 to 8.9 per service. This has enabled us to ring the full eight bells more times than 2023.

Safeguarding

The Tower Captain (TC) and deputy TC attended a Safeguarding for Leaders course at Diocesan House in Daresbury in November 2024. Now St. James’s tower is safeguarding compliant. Additionally, we have implemented the sign in book for every session, as recommended by the Diocesan safeguarding Officer.

Funds

For the bellringers account to remain in a positive position, the ringers have agreed on some cost cutting measures. Primarily, individuals will now pay for their own Chester Diocesan Guild of Church Bellringers membership. This is £12 per annum for each ringer. Given the number of ringers there are now, this will be a significant saving. Also, a donations box has been placed in the Ringing Chamber to encourage visiting ringers to contribute to funds.

Learning & Development

Extra teaching sessions have been scheduled during 2025. Our goal is to increase the number of methods that we can ring at Christleton and therefore remove the reliance on a few experienced ringers, to sustain the practice of bellringing at St. James. Additionally, one of our ringers has been successful in gaining a place on the Hereford Ringing course which offers a four-day intensive learning program for various methods.

Nikki Dromgoole, Tower Captain.

26

On behalf of the PCC

The Revd Dr Stefan Collier

(Chairman)

Jocelyn Platel (Hon Secretary)

St James’ Church, Pepper Street, Christleton. CH3 7AG

Telephone (Rector): 01244 335663 Telephone (Administrator): 07487 642912 Email: office@stjameschristleton.org.uk Website: https://www.stjameschristleton.org.uk Facebook: @stjameschristleton

27