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 be￿een 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 be￿een 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 OU￿ardS 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 dI0￿san 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 Se￿ICe$ 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 Re￿IPtS 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