The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Ann, Rainhill Year Ended December 2024 o<mU St Ann's Church RAINHILL The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Ann, Rainhill Charity Number 1134065 Annual Report and Financial Statements Year ended 31ST December 2024
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Ann, Rainhill Year Ended December 2024 REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Trustees Revd Dr. A.R. Conant- Incumbent & Chairman Revd D Halliwell- Curate (until 30 September 2024) Miss. R. J. Oxley- Churchwarden Mr. M Hardman - Churchwarden (from 12th May 2024) Mr. l. Corcoran- Assistant Churchwarden (from 12th May 24) Mr lan Douglas Hayhurst - Assistant Churchwarden (from 12th May 24) Mrs. S. Jones- Secretary Mr B, Bolton Maggs - Deanery Representative Mrs. C. Walpole- Deanery Representative Mrs. J. Gorbutt- PCC & Children and Vulnerable Persons Co-ordinator Mrs. M. Lutner (until 12th May 2024) Mrs. D. Corcoran PCC Member and Co-opted Deanery Representative Miss A. Jones (until 12th May 2024) Mrs. J. Turner Mr M. French (from 12th May 2024) Mrs M. Nicholson (from 12th May 2024) Mrs C. Gibson (from 12th May 2024) Mrs A. Williams (from 12° May 2024)
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Ann, Rainhill Year Ended December 2024 Principal address St. Annes Vicarage View Road Rainhill Prescot Merseyside L35 OLE Bankers HSBC, St Helens Registered Charity Number 1134065 Independent Examiner M R Heaton FCCA FCIE DChA KM Chartered Accountants 1 $1 Floor, Block C The Wharf Manchester Road Burnley BB11 1JG
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Ann, Rainhill Year Ended December 2024 Trustees Annual Report The Trustees present their report and financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31st December 2024. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in notes to the accounts and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland published on 16 July 2014 (as amended by Update Bulletin 1 published on 2 February 2016). OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Objectives and alms The general functions of the PCC are stated within Section 2 of the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956. At St Ann, Rainhill we have a mission that states our aims as a church are Connecting with God, one another, and serving our wider community. When planning our activities for the year, following prayerful discernment the PCC gave due consideration to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit and, in particular the specific guidance to charities concerned with the advancement of religion. Our commitment to follow the diocesan Rule of Life (where we are called to Pray, Read and Learn and sent to Tell, Serve and Give} continued to be our driving vision. Our objectives for 2024 were to provide public benefits.. to this aim a variety of different styles of worship service were provided both in our main church building and in our community centre {St Anns Millennium Centre) to facilitate public worship for as wide a cross-section of our community as possible. This brings our community in but we also aim to reach out and go out to our community in acts of service and love, to share the Good News of Jesus in word and deed. Events and Highlights of the Year Worship has continued to be led by our clergy team, the Vicar Revd Dr Alan Conant, our curate Revd David Halliwell, supported by several retired clergy, Bishop Geoff Pearson, Revd Julia Jesson, Revd Ossie Jesson supported by our churchwardens, verger and sides people, choir, intercessors, musicians, people to operate the sound-desk and organ and prepare PowerPoints and many others. More volunteers are always needed. In September, we said farewell to our curate Revd David Halliwell who moved to take up his new post as team Rector in Liverpool. David has been a well-liked and gifted curate, and we wish him well in his new role. We are a diverse community made up of11 different and overlapping worshipping congregations. A strength is that we can hold a community of different ages and traditions within the ministry here. On Sunday morning at 8'.30am there is a service following the Book of Common Prayer attended by an average of 13 adults. Then at 10'.30am a service follows Common Worship (Platform 1, attended by an average of 50 adults) while Platform 2 meets at the same time in St Anns Millennium Centre122 adults & 12 children). Stanley Bear Club meets on a Monday in church for under 5s with their parentslcarers (24 adults and 17 children}. Then on the 151 Sunday of the month we gather for our All Together for Worship Service {85 adults & 25 children}- There is a midweek service on Thursdays at 9.'30am attended by an average of 11 adults. Communion is taken out to 25 people at home and to 6 Nursing Homes in the area. There were 44 baptisms including one adult and 6 confirmations in 2024 and there were 29 funerals and 3 weddings. Across the year several discipleship groups and study groups have met. Two home groups are led by Jean Pearson and Julia Jesson. A small group at Reeve Court also meet, led by Paula Bolton Maggs and Pam Samson. Groups have continued to explore Women of the Bible and to study Acts. The Start course has been run over the course of 2024 for new enquirers. Through Stanley Bear Club. we help families discover faith with their children through Bible stories, prayer and songs. The team led by Margaret Lutner and Rachel Oxley continues to be strengthened with hard working volunteers. Our ecumenical links continue to remain a valued part of our community, this year's Lent Lunches, which raise money for Christian Aid were hosted by St Bartholomew's RC Church and led by clergy from St Barts and other churches in Rainhill. Revd Andy Moffoot, from St James, Methodists, led a service during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and Revd David led a service in St James. The walk of witness on Good Friday was a busy event walking from St Anns
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Ann, Rainhill Year Ended December 2024 to St Barts. Clergy from St Anns along with other churches in the area also support a regular Sunday afternoon service in Reeve court led by Pam Samson and David Monks. Schools Links. Our links with St Anns primary continue to flourish. Clergy lead weekly face to face assemblies and the whole school come into the main church building to celebrate Epiphany, Ash Wednesday, Easter, Ascension and Christmas as well as a service to mark the start of the new term where, a bequest enables the church to present each new starter with a Bible. The Thursday congregation welcomes Key Stage 2 children from one year group each half term for a joint communion seNice. Revd Alan led a Christmas service for Year 7 from Rainhill High School in church. SQUAD our biweekly group for our confirmation candidates met on Thursday. The school choir from St Anns again took part in our Carol Service. TnT. continues to be well-attended with 25-30 teenagers 'dropping in 'every Friday afternoon on their way home from Rainhill High School. There is an offer of free drink5, toast and biscuits (sometimes fruit!) while the young people relax and play table-top games- darts and a small billiard table are also popular. This year a 'hot seat, slot was introduced, where a local adult - post mistress, farmer, councillor, street pastor among others, were briefly interviewed and the team continue to look for opportunities to connect the young people with the Christian faith. Three lads have successfully completed their 3 months seNice with us towards their Duke of Edinburgh award. The Co-op continues its weekly support, and the team of helpers remain committed to service with a smile. Our Pastoral Services continue to share the joys and sorrows of life with our church and the wider community through our pastoral services. We have a small number of weddings and a high demand for baptisms. Pastoral and baptism teams have grown stronger over the last year and have improved our welcome to these services. Quarterly Baptism preparation mornings led by Revd David, Revd Julia Jesson and Revd Alan have been warmly welcomed by families as an opportunity to meet one another and the team and think about the promises they were making. This was only possible due to our wonderful baptism team. Funeral ministry in our Parish Church continues to be busy but has been particularly difficult as we have lost several members of our church community over the last year. All of this takes good administration and the appointment of Gill Crawford as Church Administrator has greatly reduced the clergy workload and made sure everything runs smoothly. St Anns continues to be part of St Helens Deanery and representatives attend Deanery Synod. Civic Services continue to grow year on year. On Remembrance Sunday we were joined by 303 adults and 200 children and a large number walked to, or joined us at the village War memorial for the laying of wreaths and act of remembrance. and gathering at the war memorial. It was a wonderful opportunity to welcome service veterans back into church with the musical assistsnce of the Parr Band. A short service to mark Merchant Seafarers Day is now a regular occurrence each September. Our parish magazine continues to provide a varied and interesting read and a vital source of connection for our community. Delphine Corcoran and Lynn Bishop have worked hard to make Sufe that the magazine continues to be edited to a high standard. The church Website and Facebook page have been supported and updated regularly by Revd Alan and Ben Bolton- Maggs. Although numbers are dwindling The Mother's Union (MUI continues to meet regularly organising interesting speakers praying for the community and the wider world. They continue to support many of their housebound members by serving afternoon tea and hot pot meals in church followed by communion. A new afternoon meeting time during the Winter months has made it easier to attend the meetings. Thanks to Kathy Swift and the committee who are sharing leadership beeen them. The Community Choir led a number of inspirational events across the year. In April they led an Evening of Songs and Readings around the theme of the Resurrection and in November sang 'The Inn Crowd,, a musical story based on the Inn keeper in the nativity. In December they led our regular Carol service and supported carol singing in several local NH. Thanks to Paula and Ben Bolton-maggs for all their hard work.
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Ann, Rainhill Year Ended December 2024 The flower guild continues to fill the church building with wonderful, colourful, seasonal floral decorations. A high point of the year was the Flower Festival held in October opened by Sue Smith and well supported by the Rainhill community. Particular thanks to Jan Hardman for organising this along with our own flower guild and the wider community. Kathy Swift produces a wonderful seasonal wall display by the creche area. Rainhill Farmers Market is now finnly established as a community and village event. Joan Gorbutt and her brilliant Centre team give us gazebos across the car park, stalls inside and a cafe run by the church with some willing volunteers. Events in church, including a children's book sale, flower festival and Christmas Fair, helped boost the footfall. Storm Dorragh tried to stop us but failed. New stalls included honey and candles, recycling liquids, breakfast barms and doggie treats. Check out the website - rainhillfarmersmarket.co.uk St Ann's Millennium Centre, continues to thrive with many regular groups meeting and paty bookings. There is now an established team of Rebecca, (as Centre Administrator), Ray and Mark. Mark has been particularly useful with his DIY skills. Grateful thanks to the CMC Committee, for their continued hard work. Social Events. We have had a busy calendar of social events this year starting with our Christmas Meal in January, followed by a celebration of Rev David's 50th Birthday at the Blue Mango in February. A Beele Drive was held in March, then a quiz led by Ray Gorbutt was held in June. In September we held a Race Night and at the end of the month said farewell to Revd David at a packed bring and share lunch after the morning service. Many thanks to everyone involved in organising these events. Financial Report The role of Treasurer continues to be shared beeen Revd Alan and Rachel Oxley supported by members of the Finance Committee. The diocese have been supporting us as we use an online package 'MyFundAccounting to record income and expenditure. Gill Crawford has been invaluable in her work on this aspect of our finances. Many people now give through the Parish Giving Scheme (PGS) which has meant that most gift aid now appears as PGS giving. Paul and Lynn Bishop continue to process the other Gift Aid donations. We continue to be a generous congregation but our income stream has to adapt to an increasingly cashless economy. A previous PCC resolution continues to challenge us to look OUardS and to aim to donate 10 % of our open plate and gift aided giving to charitable Gau5es. We make a small regular donation to TEAR Fund (£180}. Other charities are supported by one off collections across the year often donated directly to the charities concerned without appearing in these accounts. Donations as a result of the Christingle Service raised £295 and donation boxes raised £602. A donation of £100 was made to Willowbrook from the Garden Trail. We continue to support St Helens Foodbank through donations of cash and non-perishable food collected in church and taken there by Hilary Jesse. The Toy Collection in Advent was very well supported reaching out to needy families here and in the wider community. Christmas Hampers were collected and distributed to 15 families in Rainhill. We joined with other churches in Rainhill over Lent for our Lent lunches which raised £710.40 for Christian Aid. The Mothers Union continues to support Ravenshead Foyer. Church buildings The fabric of our church building was regularly checked and maintsined by our wardens and assistant warden throughout the year. A Quinnquennial inspection in October helped us plan ahead to look after our main church building in the next few years. Perfomiance of Investments Continuing interest rate levels over the course of the year gave a potential boost to our investments in 2024, which we can draw upon if needed. PCC funds are invested in the Central Board of Finance of the Church of England Deposit Account and earn the highest rate of interest possible in the present economic climate.
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Ann, Rainhill Year Ended December 2024 FINANCIAL REVIEW Reserves policy The Parochial Church Council has a policy of maintaining reserves for emergencies which may arise, the income from such reserves being available for use in general funds The PCC a150 strives to maintain at least three months normal expenditure as an ongoing reserve in the general account. The PCC and Finance Committees monitor these funds. A Fabric Fund of £3098 (named the Heritage Fund) is held at present and a general reserve fund {Deposit Fund) stands at £46,402. In the present financial climate encouraging regular giving from a new generation will be challenging, however adopting electronic giving and the introduction of the Parish Giving Scheme has helped to move this foNard. Direct giving by members of the church still accounts for the majority of our income, and the income tax recovered through Gift Aid during the year has made a significant diffefence. A draft budget for 2025 has been submitted but control of finances will require prudent financial management and increased giving. An expansion of committed giving is being pursued by the PCC, as are other options utilising modern technology. FUTURE PLANS In 2025 we will continue.. to follow the dI0san Rule of Life where we are called to Pray, Read and Learn and sent to Tell, SeNe and Give. Pray, Read and Learn Continue regular public worship open to all. Continue the provision of sacred space for personal prayer and contemplation. The teaching of Christian faith and praxis through sermons and study groups. To build on, and develop, links with other churches in Rainhill and St Helens Deanery. Tell, SeNe and Give To host SeICe$ which are welcoming and inclusive for a wide age range and variety of traditions. To continue to develop our relationship with our church school and other schools in Rainhill To run discipleship courses for people exploring the Christian faith. Continue pastoral work including visiting the sick and bereaved. To continue to promote increases in giving throughout the year. To support other charities in the UK and overseas through our mission giving.
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Ann. Rainhill Year Ended December 2024 STRUCTURE. GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document The charity is contro51ed by tts governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes an unincorporated charity. Recruitment and appointment of new trustees The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All church members are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the pcc. Organisational structure St Ann's Parochial Church Council is a body corporate and operates under the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956 and the Church Representation Rules. The PCC is a charity registered with the Charity Commission; Charity number 1134065. Other related trusts.. St Ann's Ecclesiastical Trust registered charity number 512365. The trustees are Revd Dr. Alan R. Conant, Mr. l. Corcoran and Mis5 R.J. Oxley St. Ann's Parish Charity (registered charity 701319), The trustees of which are the Parochlal Church Council, Is responslble for the Mlllennium Centre. The PCC operates th8 following seven Sub-committees: The Standing Committee, The Finance Committeo, Tho Socials and Fund-Raising Committee, The Millennium Centre Management Committee, The Pastoral Committee, The Fabrics Committee (included in Wardens meetlng) and The Communications Committee. The Standlng Committee whose membership comprises of the Revd Dr. Alan R. Conant, Reverend David Halliwell (until 301h September 2024), Messrs I Corcoran, M. Hardman, Mr lan Hayhurst (from 12th May 20241 Mrs S Jones, and Miss R. J. Oxley. It manages the Parish on behalf of the PCC between meetings and makes urgent decisions on behalf of PCC. The Wardens Committee (including the fabric of the bulldlng) Whose membership comprises Revd Dr Alan R. Conant, l. Corcoran, M. Hardman, l Hayhurst (from 121h May 2024) and Miss RJ Oxley. In addition to regular work and decisions of the wardens it makes recommendations to PCC regarding works required on fabric of Church buildings and programmes and controls works so that services and offices of the Church are not disrupted unnecessarily. The Flnance Committee Whose membership comprises Revd Dr Alan R. Conant, Messrs. l. Corcoran, M. Hardman and Miss RJ Oxley. The following were co-opted to the committee Messrs. W Arnold, Kevin Morton (from 23rd October 2024} and N Fagan (until 241h April 2024}. It produces financial plans and monitors income and expenditure plus highlighting source of funds available to PCC The Socials & Fund-Raising Committee. Whose membership comprises of Mrs. M. Lutner, Mrs D Corcoran, Miss A. Jones, Mr fvl French (from 12th May 2024), Miss R J Oxley, Miss Joanne Wood, Mrs Edna North (co-opted), Mrs Gill Norris and Mrs Diane Callon {co-optedl. It raises funds to provide an income for the Parochial Church Council which decides the allocation to the various funds. It also performs a social need by arranging events and activities to promote fellowship within the Church and to encourage others to join in. The Millennium Centre Management Committee. Whose members comprise Revd Dr Alan R. Conant, Mrs J Gorbutt (chair), Mrs S Jones, Mrs J Turner (Treasurer). It oversees day to day operation of the Millennium Centre which is a registered Charity in its own right. It also represents the PCC in this role and reports to PCC as the main trustee on a regular basis. The Pastoral Committee. Whose members comprise Revd Dr. A. R. Conant, Reverend David Halliwell, Miss R Oxley, Miss A Jones, Mrs M Lutner, Mrs Paula Bolton-maggs (co-opted), Mrs
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Ann, Rainhill Year Ended December 2024 Angela Williams, Mrs Marion Nicholson, Mrs Carol Walpole and Mrs Gill Norris (co-optedj. Considers the pastoral care of parishioners and others within the Parish. The new forms of worship are planned and run by dedicated groups: Platform 2.. Mrs P Bolton- Maggs, Mrs A Conant, Mrs J Turner, Mr B Bolton-maggs, Bishop G Pearson, Mrs J Pearson, Mrs R Pickles, Mr A Oldfi'eld, Ms J Wood. All Together for Worship.. - Revd Dr. A.R. Conant, Reverend D Halliwell (until 301h September 2024}, Miss A Jones, Mr B Bolton-maggs and Mrs P Bolton- Maggs, Miss K Swift and Mrs M Lutner. The baptism team Rachel Oxley, Diane Callon, Pat Cockshott, Mary Johnson & Gill Norris. The Communications Committee. Whose membership comprises, Revd Dr. A. R. Conant, Mrs D Corcoran, Mrs L Bishop, (co-opted}, Mr B Bolton-maggs and Mr lan Hayhurst. Related Parties The PCC receives income from the following.. St Ann's Church, Rainhill, John Swift Trust, an unregistered charity, constituted by a Trust Deed dated 19th May 2008. The capital balance of the trust can at the discretion of the trustees, be used for the maintenance and upkeep of the fabric of St Ann's Church, Rainhill. Income derived from the capital sum invested can be used as a contribution towards PCC general purpose costs. No income was received from the Trust during the year. The trust is administered by Rev. Dr. Alan R. Conant, Rachel Oxley & lan Corcoran. St Ann's Ecclesiastical Charity, a charity, registered under charity number 512365 on 18th February 1982. The capital element of the trust is a permanent endowment and cannot be expended. Income derived from the capital sum invested can be used for the purpose of furthering the religious and other charitable work of the Church of England to St. Ann's ecclesiastical parish. No grants were received from the charity during the year. The trust is administered by the incumbent and churchwardens. Approved by order of the board of trustees on 15-05-2025 and signed on its behalf by A.R Conant- Trustee
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of the St Ann, Rainhill I report to the Charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31st December 2024. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 {'the Act'>. I report in respect of my examination of the charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5){b) of the Act. Independent examiner's statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe". (1) accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by Section 130 of the Act., or the accounts do not accord with those records. {21 I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. M R Heaton FCCA FCIE DChA KM Chartered Accountants 1st Floor, Block C, The Vvharf Burnley Lancashire BB11 1JG 10
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Ann, Rainhill Year Ended December 2024 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT Unrestricted Restricted Total funds Prior year tunds funds 2024 2023 Receipts Donazions and legacies Income from charitable activities Other trading activities Investments 113.581 8,405 12,568 19.716 154.270 113,581 8.405 12,568 19.729 154.283 93.212 22.286 6.336 3.329 125.163 13 13 Payments Raising funds Charitable actimties Other 1,000 164,398 62 165.460 11.190 1.000 164.398 62 165.460 11,177 990 177,880 53 178.923 53,760 Net Re¢eiptslPayments Reconciliarion of funds Balance broughi forward Net of receiprsllpayments) Balance carried forward 13 105,952 11,190 94.762 105.952 11.177 94.775 159,712 53,760 105,952 13 13 11
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Ann, Rainhill Year Ended December 2024 Statement of assets & liabilities 2024 2023 Fixed assets Tangible Assets 936.260.00 936,260.00 936.260.00 936.260.00 Current Bssets Cash At Bank And In Hand 94.775.00 94.775.00 105,952.00 105,952.00 Liabilities Creditors: Amounts Falling Due In One Year 887.00 887.00 6.812.00 6,812.00 2024 2023 Unrestricted Unrestricted - General Funds Designated Designated - Forget Me Not Designated - Heriiage Fund Designated - Sutton Rainhill Project Designated - Tower & 8ells Fund Restricted Restricted - 100 Club Restricted - Churchyard Fund Restricied - Flower Guild Restriczed - Friends Of The Choir Restricted - Platform 2 Restricted - The Bible Fund Fund Totals 46.402 48,821 1.366 3.098 23.000 4.340 1.366 130 23.000 4,221 1.600 253 1.942 1.570 8.624 2.581 94.775 1,765 241 2.578 1.773 12.260 2.986 99,141 12
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Ann, Rainhill Year Ended December 2024 These accounts on pages 11 to 12 were approved by the Trustees on 15-05-2025 and signed on their behalf by.. A.R Conant - Trustee 13
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Ann, Rainhill Year Ended December 2024 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Basis of preparation These accounts have been prepared on the ReIPtS and Payments basis in accordance with the Charities Act 2011. Fund Accounting (a) Unrestricted funds are those that can be expended at the discretion of the trustees in the furtherance of the objects of the charity Restricted funds are those that may only be used for specific purposes. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor. (b} Taxation The charity is not liable to tax on its charitable activities. The charity is not registered for VAT. Srrecoverable VAT is included in the expense to which it relates. Investments Investments are shown at market value at the balance sheet date. Realised and unrealised gains and losses on investments are included in the Ststement of Financial Activities. Transactions with trustees No remuneration nor expenses were paid to trustees or any persons connected with them during the year or previous year. 14