## Parish of St Mary Rawtenstall
Annual Report & Financial Statements For the year ended 31[st] December 2025
## **St. Mary’s Parish Church Rawtenstall – Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council for the Year Ended 31[st] December 2025**
## **Administrative Information**
St Mary’s is situated in Rawtenstall, Rossendale, Lancashire. It is part of the Diocese of Manchester within the Church of England.
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a charity registered with the Charity Commission. Registered Charity number 1134155.
PCC members who have served from the 1[st] January 2025 until the date of this report are:
_Team Vicar_ The Revd Samuel Hameem
_Associate Priest/_ The Revd Julie Barratt
_Focal Leader_
_Wardens_ Jean Lang Peter Terry
## _Representatives on the Deanery Synod_
Terry Bird Elizabeth Finn
## _Elected Members_
Margaret Ashton Chris Cottrell Anne Dean
Jay Dempsey Maureen Heys (deceased 11 March 2026) Brittany Kershaw Ann Laytham Ruth Metcalf Catherine Pedley
_Co-opted Members_
Paula Smithson
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## **P.C.C. VICE- CHAIR’S REPORT - Peter Terry**
A regular pattern for taking services here continues with support for us from Revd’ Janet O’Neill and Rev’d Laura Brinicombe in addition to Samuel and Julie. The average weekly attendance at our regular services was 46 adults with 8 in the Sunday School, 11 children were baptised, there were 3 funeral or thanksgiving services and 1 wedding. In addition, we hosted the Archdeacons Visitation, a Deanery Synod, a Confirmation service with Bishop Mattew and a VE Day Service. We also continued to support the Remembrance Sunday service in the Library Gardens and the annual Flag Civic Raising.
Samuel has continued to build his wider connections with the church and wider community, and in particular the day school and the ministers in other denominations with a presence in the town.
Julie has continued to be available to take monthly Communion services, and we remain very grateful that Julie has been able to work this round her caring responsibilities for David.
We have set out in the Wardens report the many thanks that are due to the lay members of our congregation who have ensured that the church has continued to offer weekly services, including Sunday School activities, as well as posting prayers and talks online, or physically distributing them to house-bound members. We are also grateful that the church has flowers and displays for weekly and special services and our thanks go to those who make that possible. It has also been encouraging to see good attendance at Make & Take once again and thanks are due to all those involved in those activities as well as the work Team St Mary’s having been doing, and in particular the continuingly popular monthly Soup & Sandwich lunches. We have been able to continue church parties, with more to come. Of course, all of this work is supported by prayer, both individual and collective, including the continuing work of the Prayer Chain.
As noted above, the Rossendale Team support individual churches and we see that both in support for services, including online services through the Team You Tube channel, as well as team-based prayer meetings and courses. The reality though, is that we will always be reliant on our lay team for some services, bible study groups and other outreach as we remain faithful and continue to serve God and our community in the best way we can.
## **CHURCH WARDENS’ REPORT - Jean Lang and Peter Terry**
## **Church Fabric**
The inspection of the electrical system and the lightning conductor was completed in 2023 in line with our insurers requirements. The fire alarm is tested and serviced twice a year, and a maintenance contract is in place. The boilers and heating system are serviced annually although there have been issues with the system more recently.
The architects completed the Quinquennial review during the latter part of 2023, and we now have a significant list of jobs, both large and small that we need to plan for and fund.
The major part of the work is the Tower. A specialist team looked at immediate safety issues with the tower, and there is work needed as a result, but the main project is a substantial undertaking. A message via the local authority that the clock faces were at risk of falling out led to the main door being taken out
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of action for a period of time but a more detailed survey of the faces confirmed that this was not an issue and the work on the clock faces can be programmed in with work on the remainder of the tower.
## **Graveyard**
The frequency of grass cutting by the Council in 2025 continues to be less than we would like, although it has improved, but Civic Pride do help to keep the area tidy and have planted a variety of flowers and shrubs in containers around the site. We are grateful for the good working relationship we have with them.
## **Working Parties**
From time to time volunteers from the congregation undertake extra cleaning and work in the church and churchyard. We continue to be grateful for their help. We will need more help as we tackle those issues in the Quinquennial report that we can undertake ourselves.
## **Church Finances**
The accounts for the year ended 31st December 2025 show a deficit of £487 in the year after the revaluation downwards of our endowment funds by £1,486. This means that the total funds of the church amounted to £79,239 at the balance sheet date.
Parish Share payments of £25,680 were made to the Diocese and we would like to thank everyone for their continued giving which allowed us to maintain this payment at the same level as last year. This represented payment of the Parish Share in full following the negotiations with the Diocese in the year, the result of which is Parish Share payments were agreed for the next three years at amounts less than the £28,000 we have paid in recent years.
£34,362 of the church funds relate to the capital value of legacy investments that provide an annual income to the church. £17,494 is the remaining balance of the legacy given to the church by the estate of Geoffrey Bradshaw and the new legacy gift received in 2021. The other main element of church funds is the gift aid due on the giving in 2025 amounting to £11,550.
Members of the congregation have continued to give towards the cost of our Family and Children’s Worker, that cost being shared with St Paul’s and until recently Goodshaw church.
Whilst the overall funds position is satisfactory, the church continues to face expenditure on the fabric of the building in 2026 and beyond. The urgent repairs to the clock tower together with expenditure necessary following the Quinquennial inspection will more than absorb the available cash funds unless other sources of funding for these repairs can be accessed. Add to this the funds needed to meet the annual running costs, which have increased substantially after our four year Gas contract expired in 2023,plus the demands of the parish share (albeit reduced) and it becomes clear that the level of giving from the congregation needs to be maintained, and hopefully increased, if we are to meet all our obligations in full.
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## **Worship**
The churchwardens would like to thank all those who helped in the day-to-day running of the church during the year. Thanks go to all those who have continued to provide input to our services, by writing and leading prayers, reading lessons, preparing and giving talks, providing music and the team on the technical desk. It is great to have the Sunday School come back into church at the end of each service to show and tell us what they have been up to. Also, thanks to those who have ensured the Mothers Union continues to meet regularly.
We also thank Claire for the work she has maintained with families, children and schools.
We would also like to thank all those members of our fellowship who have maintained contact, in various ways, with those less able to get out and about.
Thanks also go to Catherine who has taken on the lead in our Eco Church journey, including producing an Eco newsletter.
Finally, but not least, thanks to Chris for his work as treasure and his continued organisation of our Lent and Harvest Project collections.
## **Safeguarding**
We confirm that the PCC has complied with the duty under Section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016.
## **SECRETARY’S REPORT - Church Wardens**
Following the sudden and very sad death of Maureen Heys in March 2026, this section of the report has been pulled together by the Church wardens.
During 2025 the PCC met six times, under the chairmanship of Peter Terry (Vice Chair). All meetings were held in the foyer, although attendance by video link has been used by some PCC members when unable to attend in person. This hybrid method of meeting does not affect the PCC’s ability to discuss and make decisions on all matters affecting the church, both mundane and practical, pastoral and at times, spiritual. And, our Team Vicar, the Rev’d Samuel Hameem has been able to attend most of the meetings.
A new Mission Action plan was developed during 2025 and is agreed. A copy of the Plan is available at the back of church for perusal. Please read and prayerfully consider your own involvement. The future of the church family at St Mary’s is the responsibility of each and every one of us, as we work within the Rossendale Team Ministry. Our Focal Leader, Leadership team, Team Vicar and Parochial Church Council need our full support.
At the Annual Parochial Church meeting in 2025 two members were re-elected. Paula Smithson was coopted onto the PCC at its first meeting on 12[th] May 2025.
During 2025 the members of the PCC, as required by the Diocese, have continued to update their Safeguarding training.
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Since the last APCM Sunday worship has continued with talks provided in part by church members, and with twice monthly Holy Communion conducted principally by Rev’ds Samuel Hameem and Julie Barratt. Rev’d Laura Brinicombe also led and spoken at services prior to her leaving the Team in March this year.
The Team Rector, Rod Bevan, retired in September 2025 and along with other Team churches we are in the process of recruiting a replacement. The loss of Rod and Laura from the Team places an even greater burden on Samule and janet, as well as all the non-stipendiary and other lay leaders of the church.
The church’s online presence has continued, with talks and prayers published online and on social media. Bible Studies, Mothers’ Union and other non-worship meetings have continued, with social events organised for New Year and Harvest. Team St Mary’s have, along with their ongoing pastoral support, continued the monthly free lunch open to the community, with many regular, non-congregational, attendees.
Our Family and Community Worker, Claire Wood continued her work across the three churches of Goodshaw, Constable Lee and Rawtenstall especially her schools’ work.
The church building has regularly been used as a venue by outside organisations with concerts by Rotary, the Rossendale Male Voice Choir, the Scouts, N.S.P.C.C. and the Hospice Light up a Life, besides the ladies’ meetings for Renew.
The church family at St Mary’s has continued to worship and fellowship together, and a heartfelt thanks must be given to all those people who have worked, and continue to work so hard, in all aspects of life at St Mary’s, and to everyone who has contributed in any way, great or small to the spreading of the good news of the Gospel of Christ.
The PCC look forward to continuing to work within the Rossendale Team, and to spreading the message of Christ Jesus with the church family at St Mary’s, and to the community of Rawtenstall and Rossendale.
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## **ELECTORAL ROLL – Nigel Bond**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
PRESENTATION OF THE ELECTORAL ROLL
TO ST. MARY'S ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
To be held on 10th May 2026
16 - 39 40 - 59 60 and
yrs yrs over TOTAL
Men 1 9 12 22
Women 1 15 23 39
TOTAL 2 24 35 61
The total number of members for April 2026 is 61
100.0% Electoral Roll Completed Application Forms 61
Members are resident in the parish 28
Members live outside the parish 33
Nigel Bond Electoral Roll Officer
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **SAFEGUARDING CO-ORDINATOR’ REPORT – Vicky Rhodes**
Safeguarding is the responsibility of all members of the church. Our Parish follows and implements the Manchester Diocese and Church of England policies and practice for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
All Safeguarding Practice guidance is now accessed via the Church of England Safeguarding e-manual. - Safeguarding e manual | The Church of England
PCC trustee members are subject to a DBS check where parishes undertake regulated activities with children or vulnerable adults. All our PCC members have a DBS Certificate. We renew DBS checks every 3 years and due to Data Protection laws, all our completed documentation of applicants that have applied and been processed through the Thirtyone:eight systems and are kept securely on church premises.
The Church of England online safe church training courses are a requirement for all PCC members and others who wish to work with our children, young adults and vulnerable adults. The Online Training is an important part of keeping church members up to date with the latest safeguarding knowledge and training must be completed by each DBS certificate member dependent on their role and renewed every three years. At the moment there are 19 active church members with DBS certificates.
The Safeguarding Online Parish Dashboard is being used and updated and reviewed by the PCC. In March 2026 I attended a diocese online Dashboard drop-in session which was useful & helpful.
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## **FAMILY AND COMMUNITY WORKER – Claire Wood**
The last 12 months have been busy with events at the 3 churches proving popular with families, although it is difficult to preempt how many will attend, which can affect planning. For example, a very wet day may deter some people but mean an ideal time for others to get out of the house to join us for our Make and Take afternoons. Similar issues with attendance have been felt by St Paul’s and St Mary and All Saint’s Churches, which is reassuring and indicates that whilst some families want regular events and the routine this provides, others have different commitments and can only attend on an ad hoc basis.
The Big Church Party was great fun, with 25 children and adults enjoying the party games and hot dogs, along with the powerful message delivered by Jay. There were some new children who came along having seen the banner displayed outside church. The party bags were well received and any leftover party favours and treats were enjoyed by the children at Sunday School.
The primary schools have been more supportive in sharing details of these events but other avenues for how we advertise have changed, for example Rawtenstall Library no longer allowing posters to be displayed. Facebook continues to be a reliable avenue for promoting what we offer, along with word of mouth. It feels important not to focus too much on numbers of people through the doors, but more on being encouraged by all the positive comments we receive by whoever attends at any given time.
St Mary’s Primary School have visited the church for events such as Harvest and Christmas and these are always well attended and enjoyed by families. This year we were able to hold a Year 6 “It’s Your Move” day, also joined by children from Balladen and St Paul’s School with helpers from Alder Grange who shared their experience of moving from Year 6 to Year 7. The event was led by helpers from both St Mary’s and Kay Street Baptist Church, and a good example of how well we work together to support children in our community.
Balladen School suggested more church events throughout the year would support their children in getting used to the church environment, so that their Year 6 event is less daunting for them. The strengthening relationship with Balladen School is very encouraging, with some staff and children having also begun to join us at other events and me being asked to go in to help with some RE lessons. Bibles have been issued to a number of children from the Year 2 and Year 6 classes at the 3 primary schools, and funded by ourselves, St Paul’s Church, Kay Street Baptist and Longholme Methodist churches.
In February we were able to welcome students from Belmont School into church, giving them the opportunity to have a look around, ask questions about the bulding and about how we worship, followed by time writing prayers. Youth work across Rossendale is also developing, with a team of people from various churches now meeting regularly to plan monthly youth worship, rotating around the churches to share the workload and be accessible to everyone.
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## **DEANERY SYNOD – Terry Bird**
The Bury and Rossendale Deanery consists of ordained ministers and lay representatives appointed by PCCs, There are 5 meetings a year and there is always an opportunity to share good news, help and advice. The recurring agenda items are Worship (first on the agenda after Welcome!), Ecochurch, Secretary's report and Treasurer's report. There is usually one special item led by a guest speaker. In 2025 the special items were: 1. The January meeting item was led by Bishop Matthew and Helen Platts.They dealt with the Manchester Diocesan Strategy and Vision, including Growing Our Churches, Growing Younger, Church Planting (not flowers! - that comes under Ecochurch!) and Parish Renewal. Helpful discussions and examples followed. 2. The February meeting was a special conference dealing with developing strategies for increasing youth involvement in our churches. 3. The May meeting item was led by Rev Phil Cansdale, the Diocesan Director of Mission and Ministry. There was an exploration of the “Dry Bones” passage in Ezekiel. Thoughts were shared on how “dry” we felt our bones were as individuals and churches. He then talked about Growing Younger, A Quiet Revival, More Than Sunday and gave numerous encouraging examples from churches in the Diocese under those headings. 4.The September meeting item was led by Canon Anne Edwards, the Senior Chaplain to the Bishop of Manchester. She gave a detailed presentation about Clergy and Lay Wellbeing. This was a very timely reminder about just how much work is done by Rev Samuel, Rev Julie and our lay leaders (Peter, Jean, Maureen (sadly no longer with us) and Clare. This was brought to the PCC and a unanimous resolution was passed acknowledging the need for us to keep these people in mind. We should be praying about this regularly. 5.The November meeting was held here at St Mary's. An update report was given by the Chair on Ecochurch and the special item was the important issue of Safeguarding given by Abby Cleophane-Wilson, the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer
## **ACTIVITIES FOR WOMEN**
## **RENEW: for women – Suzanne Moriarty**
There is a core team of about ten ladies on the Renew Team, not all from St. Mary’s but from a variety of churches in the local area.
We aim to give a word in season to ‘strengthen and refresh the weary ones’ through the Name and Spirit of Jesus. (Isaiah 50:4)
We held three Renew meetings in 2025.
March Renew was called ‘Don’t Look Back’ and was led by Bishop Jill Duff. A massive 250 ladies attended!
The speaker for the June meeting was Jayne Haworth from Goodshaw Baptist who talked about how God has ‘sheltered her under His wings’ throughout the trials she has had to face.
October’s Renew hosted the first ever male speaker, Howard Thomas who runs Ark Ministries in Fuengirola, Spain. He talked about how God wants to heal today and he prayed for our healing.
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Approximate numbers are 220 at each event.
Renew is going from strength to strength and we are grateful to God for bringing along the ladies each time!
We continue to pray that God encourages each lady who comes along.
## **ST MARY’S MOTHERS UNION – Jean Lang, Anne Johnstone, Maureen Heys, Anne Dean.**
St Mary’s Mothers’ Union usually meet on the third Monday of the month in the foyer.
This year we have 15 members
The meetings start with prayer and singing. We have a Communion service each April and enjoy a variety of speakers throughout the year.
We enjoy a summer and winter meal out.
In November we usually make craft items to be sold at the Scout Christmas Fair.
Following a talk from Louise Cooper we coordinated the donation of Christmas gifts to the charity Kids in Rossendale and sold homemade jams to give the proceeds to them.
## **ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE**
## **SUNDAY SCHOOL – Jacqueline Dungworth**
We've had a good year with babies and dad's joining with us in the back.
They've all taken part in the stories and parties especially Adam and his pizza party dance.
No hiding under a bushel there as he and Ben and Frederick made excellent Kings in the nativity.
We've heard bible stories and modern-day Christian stories.
Can't forget cakes and crafts.
Great big thank you for all your support.
In no particular order Jacqueline, Janet, Suzanne and Nick.
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## **MAKE and TAKE – Jean Lang**
A free afternoon of Bible based crafts with stories and songs for primary school children
There are various crafts and refreshments the sessions are held at church festivals
Mothering Sunday / Easter Pentecost Harvest Nativity Christmas Eve
Thanks for everyone involved Jacqueline, Claire, Catherine, Rosemary, Paula, Sue, Bobbi
## **St MARY’S SCHOOL GOVERNORS – Elizabeth Finn**
During the last academic year, the partnership between St Mary’s CE Primary School and St Mary’s Church has remained strong. Clergy have continued to visit school each week to lead worship linked to the school’s value for the term - for example, peace and forgiveness. This regular involvement has had a positive impact on both pupils and staff, helping to ensure that positive relationships remain central to the school’s ethos.
The school has also continued to attend St Mary’s Church for key services throughout the year, including Harvest, Christingle, and Easter. In addition, pupils in Years 4 to 6 have taken part in Easter-focused workshops delivered by the clergy, further enriching their understanding and engagement.
Governance at St Mary’s School remains robust, supported by myself, Manchester Diocese Governor Nigel Bond and Reverend Samuel Foundation Governors who contribute proactively and positively to termly meetings. Their involvement ensures that the school’s Christian distinctiveness continues to be a priority. We are also supported by our new Parent Governor Emma Okafar, a regular worshiper along with her family at St Mary’s. One of this year’s key improvement focuses has been to further develop Christian spirituality across the curriculum. Through ongoing staff CPD and presentations at governors’ meetings, the school has strengthened its ability to articulate and evidence this work across a wide range of areas. Unfortunately, the Head of Governors has stepped down, having served 25 years as a Governor and we are now looking for someone to step into this vital role.
Collective Worship continues to be delivered to a high standard, supported by ongoing CPD provided by the Diocese. Looking ahead, a key development priority for the coming term is to increase pupil involvement in the planning and delivery of Collective Worship, further embedding their voice and leadership within the school’s.
## **PASTORAL ACTIVITIES**
## **PRAYER CHAIN – Ann Laytham**
The number of requests for prayer to the 26 members of the Prayer Chain has again risen. Many of the requests are for people affected by illness or bereavement, most of whom are church members or their
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families , or for people known to them who have given their permission.
We prayed for regular church activities like Soup and Sandwich and Renew and prayed for God’s blessing on the VE Day events and Big Church Party and on the school leaver events held in church. We asked for God’s presence and blessing on all the community events and concerts hosted at St Mary’s and on those attending.
In June we took part in the 24 hours of prayer session that was part of Thy Kingdom Come, the global prayer movement.
We received many messages of thanks for prayer and we gave thanks that so many of our prayers were answered.
## **FLOWERS FOR THE HOLY TABLE - Susan Halliwell**
Flowers for the Holy Table have been provided weekly by members of the congregation and distributed to members of our fellowship suffering ill health, bereavement or for a special occasion.
Thanks are extended to all those involved in this ministry whether supplying flowers, taking out to the membership or organising the rota.
If you would like to provide flowers for this ministry there is a list at the back of church for names and dates or speak to Anne Johnstone.
## **TEAM ST MARY’S (Pastoral Support Group) – Julie Barratt**
Team St Mary’s has had another successful year. We have had 4 new members, and the WhatsApp group now totals 30.
During 2025 the work of the group continued, practical help such as lifts being given, and contact maintained with those members of the congregation unable to attend in person. The talks and prayers are still distributed weekly to the one remaining non-attendee, and thanks to those who continue this work. Support within the group itself has deepened and Team members have continued to help at and organise church events, regularly providing assistance to outside users of the church, especially with refreshments.
‘Team St Mary’s’ members organised delivery of ‘encouragement’ bags at Easter and Christmas to those elderly, unable to attend church or unwell. We also distributed invitations for events at Easter, Christmas, and Harvest with daffodils taken out to some of those not able to attend the Mothering Sunday service. Our aim is to maintain contact with people who have a connection to the church, and to provide encouragement and fellowship when gifts are delivered or received.
Social events, such as the VE Day Party and Harvest Supper, have been led by members of the Team and were well-attended and enjoyed by the congregation and friends. Team members were also instrumental in providing tea and coffee in support of the Civic Pride Bank Holiday Tea Party event, the Hospice Light Up
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A Life event and several concerts at Christmas and during the year, plus Rossendale Team events. A new event supported by the Team was Civic Pride’s Open Garden Weekend when Team volunteers provided refreshments and also enabled St Mary’s church to be open for the weekend. Members are also involved in Make and Take and other activities with the life of the Church.
During the year a small number of our members have continued to provide the monthly Soup and Sandwich lunch, open to anyone, and the number of customers averages between thirty and forty, on a regular basis with one notable exception of 51 customers. The food is offered free, however donations are shared between the church, to cover expenses, and RAFT (the food bank). We see several ‘regulars’ each month being a mix of congregation members and people from the local community. Our aim is to provide a warm space and company and we’ve received feedback regarding the warmth of welcome. The helpers themselves have enjoyed increased fellowship during these times too.
Moving into 2026 we continue to seek God’s will for the Team, both for the pastoral support, and on the social side. We look forward to continuing to work with the church leadership and the wider Rossendale Team in this aim.
A massive thank you to all the ‘Team’ who’ve helped make everything happen, those fully active, and those vitally supporting us through prayer and encouragement.
A special mention in remembrance of Maureen Heys for her incredible hard work and the care and love she showed to all involved whether Team members or “customers”. Her organisational skills, her baking gifts, her care, her energy and her humour will be sadly missed as we move on in 2026, mourning her loss. Team St Mary’s will go on but will not be the same without her.
## **SMALL (House) GROUPS**
## **TUESDAY AFTERNOON – Jean Lang**
The groups meet in the foyer on alternate Tuesday 1pm until 2pm This year we have completed our Study of J. Johns the Lord’s Prayer then a Study on Angels and the 23rd Psalm. We discuss how the readings can tell us God's will and how we can apply it to our lives.
## **TUESDAY EVENING GROUP – MATTHEW TAYLOR**
The group originally started life as the ‘Lent 2025 course’ group.
When that course came to an end, the group decided to continue - albeit now as a regular Bible study group.
Whilst meetings originally took place every Tuesday, owing to the fact that most attendees worked during the day, meetings were later re-scheduled to instead take place fortnightly. This has largely remained the case since.
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Since the conclusion of the 2025 Lent course, the group has studied various passages from Scripture with the assistance of commentaries to aid discussion. To date, the group has studied the book of James, has started a commentary about ‘Christian Community’, before temporarily shelving this book until the 2026 Lent course is completed.
The group meets in the Church foyer, and is typically comprised of four individuals (including Maureen Heys, before she sadly passed away), though is likely to expand over the coming weeks.
The modest size of the group usually ensures a more personal, intimate discussion as opposed to that found in a larger group setting.
This has been noted by the group’s members, who have discussed the growing fellowship in the group.
## **WEDNESDAY GROUP – Nigel Bond**
Our house group meeting are compassionate and friendship based, our aim is a deeper level of fellowship. A core of the group come to all the meetings, whilst others come when convenient. Members of our group share many interests and ministries.
Our house group was established in 2017 as we studied the purpose driven life, What on Earth am I here for? over the past nine years we have regularly held meetings at our house. Since last year’s report we have continued to meet once a month, on a Monday at 10 am. Our meetings are founded on prayer, fellowship and studying the bible.
In December we held an afternoon tea, which has now become a tradition. The friendship and fellowship of the Group continues, this being an important part of each meeting.
The Group joined in the weekly meetings for the Lent Course in 2025. We have continued and the majority of our group joined the 2026 Lent Course.
Sue and I will continue to host and lead meetings throughout 2026 serving the needs of our group
## **LENT COURSE - Peter**
Following the success of the 2025 Lent course, the 2026 course based on Matthew’s Jesus, was very well attended including attendees from other churches, with an active discussion and sharing amongst those who came along. Thanks to those who took the lead in each of the weeks of the course.
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## **Independent Examiner's Report to the PCC of St Mary's Church, Rawtenstall, Parochial Church Council**
I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025 which are set out on pages 16 to 22.
## Respective responsibilities of the PCC and Independent Examiner
As members of the charity, the members of the PCC you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. You consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
- examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
- follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners section 145(5){b) of the 2011 Act; and
- state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
## Basis of Independent Examiner's Statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission.;
An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the management committee concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in a full audit and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts.
## Independent Examiner's Statement
In connection with my examination, no matters have come to my attention.
- 1 which give me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
- to keep accounting records in accordance with s.130 of the 2011 Act; or
- to prepare accounts which accord with these accounting records have not been met; or
- 2 to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
## David Stott
Metcalfes Certified Accountant 3 St Mary's Place Bury Lancashire BL9 0DZ
8 April 2026
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## **Statement of Financial Activities**
## **For the Year Ended 31 December 2025**
|INCOME & ENDOWMENTS FROM
Note
Donations & Legacies
2a
Charitable activities
2b
Other trading activities
2d
Investments
2c
Other
2e
**TOTAL**
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds
3b
Charitable activities
3a
Other
3c
TOTAL
NET INCOMING /(EXPENDITURE
Transfers between funds
Gains/(losses) on investment
assets On revaluation
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
TOTAL FUNDS B/FWD AT 1 JANUARY
TOTAL FUNDS C/FWD AT 31 DECEMBER|Unrestricted
Funds
£
Restricted
Funds
£
Endowment
Funds
£
Total
2025
£
Funds
2024
£
55,581
12,668
0
68,249
73,226
0
0
0
0
0
2,617
0
0
2,617
2,660
1,157
0
188
1,345
1,475
2,261
0
0
2,261
1,068|
|---|---|
||61,616
12,668
188
74,472
78,429|
||0
0
0
0
0
61,098
12,375
0
73,473
81,038
0
0
0
0
0|
||61,098
12,375
0
73,473
81,038|
||518
293
188
999
(2,609)
0
(1,486)
(1,486)
800|
||518
293
(1,298)
(487)
(1,808)
32,078
8,268
39,380
79,726
81,534|
||32,596
8,561
38,082
79,239
79,726|
The notes form part of these accounts
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|**Balance sheet at 31 December 2025**
Note
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible
5a
Investments
5b
CURRENT ASSETS
Stock
Debtors
6
Investments
Cash at bank and in hand
LIABILITIES
Creditors - amounts falling due in one year
7
NET CURRENT ASSETS/(LIABILITIES)
**Total assets less current liabilities**
Creditors - amounts falling due after one year 7
TOTAL NET ASSETS
PARISH FUNDS
8&9
Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowment|Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowment
Funds
Funds
Funds
2025
2024
£
£
£
£
£
0
0
0
0
34,362
34,362
35,849|
|---|---|
||0
0
34,362
34,362
35,849|
||0
0
0
0
0
9,872
1,678
0
11,550
11,454
0
0
0
0
0
22,724
6,883
3,720
33,327
32,424|
||32,596
8,561
3,720
44,877
43,877|
||0
0
0
0
0|
||32,596
8,561
3,720
44,876
43,877|
||32,596
8,561
38,082
79,239
79,726|
||0
0
0
0
0|
||32,596
8,561
38,082
79,239
79,726|
||32,596
32,596
32,078
8,561
8,561
8,268
38,082
38,082
39,380|
||32,596
8,561
38,082
79,239
79,726|
Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 17th April 2026 and signed on its behalf by Peter Terry, Lay Chair and Jean Lang Church Warden. The notes form part of these accounts
17
## **Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended 31st December 2025**
|**Note**
**Cash flows from operating activities**
Net cash provided by operating activities
10
**Cash flows from investing activities**
10
**Cash flows from financing activities**
**Change in cash in reporting period**
**Cash at 1st January 2025**
**Cash at 31st December 2025**||**2025**
**£**
(444)
1,345
0
**902**
32,425
**33,327**||**2024**
**£**
(3,256)
1,475
0|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||**(1,781)**
34,206|
|||||**32,425**|
18
|**2**
**INCOME & ENDOWMENTS**
2a
**Donations & Legacies**
Planned giving:
Gift Aid donations
Tax recoverable
Family Worker
Other
Collections (open plate)
Gift Days
Legacies
Donations, appeals
Legacies
2b
**Charitable activities**
2c
**Income from investments**
Dividends and interest including
2d
**Income from church activities**
Hire of church
Fees
2e
**Other**
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES
**3**
**EXPENDITURE**
3a
Church activities
Missionary and charitable giving
Overseas:
CPAS
Crosslinks
Bible Society
Barnabus
CAP Debt Centre
Home
Student & Easter Gifts
Other
Evangelical Alliance|Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowment
Total Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
2025
2024
£
£
£
£
£
31,384
0
0
31,384
30,890
10,310
1,678
0
11,987
11,500
10,990
0
10,990
13,580
3,955
0
0
3,955
4,620
1,892
0
0
1,892
2,311
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2,194
7,231
0
0
7,231
7,340
809
0
0
809
790|
|---|---|
||55,581
12,668
0
68,249
73,225|
|||
||0
0
0
0
0|
||1,157
0
188
1,345
1,475|
||1,157
0
188
1,345
1,475|
||975
0
0
975
1,100
1,642
0
0
1,642
1,560|
||2,617
0
0
2,617
2,660|
||2,261
0
0
2,261
1,068|
||61,616
12,668
188
74,472
78,428|
||Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowment
Total Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
2025
2024
£
£
£
£
£
1,100
0
0
1,100
1,400
750
0
0
750
750
1,100
0
0
1,100
1,400
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
80
0
0
80
80
150
0
0
150
145
90
0
0
90
90|
||3,270
0
0
3,270
3,865|
19
|Ministry: Diocesan parish share
Other ministry costs
Church running and maintenance
Depreciation church equipment
Vicarage Costs
Family Worker
Fees Paid
General Expenses
3b
**Raising funds**
3c
**Other**
TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED
**4**
STAFF COSTS
4a
Wages and salaries|25,680
0
0
25,680
24,000
1,998
0
0
1,998
1,105
18,759
0
0
18,759
23,709
0
0
0
0
0
1,971
0
0
1,971
1,957
12,375
0
12,375
15,750
883
0
0
883
1,160
8,536
0
0
8,536
9,492|
|---|---|
||61,098
12,375
0
73,473
81,038|
||0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0|
||61,098
12,375
0
73,473
81,038|
||£14,103|
During the year the church employed two part time cleaners but no payments were large enough to attract social security costs.
Together these employees relate to less than one full time employee.
On 1st December 2019 the church commenced the employment of a Family & Community Worker
- 4b Payments to PCC Members
Other than Verger Fees totaling £90 no payments or
expenses were paid to members of the PCC.
No payments were paid to persons closely connected to PCC members or to related parties.
|**5**
**FIXED ASSETS**
5a
**Tangible**
ACTUAL/DEEMED COST
At 1 January 2025
Disposal
Additions at cost
At 31 December 2025
DEPRECIATION
At 1 January 2025
Withdrawn on disposals
Charge for the year
At 31 December 2025|Moveable
furnishings
£
26,140
0
26,140
26,140
0
26,140|Total
£
26,140
0
26,140
26,140
0
26,140|
|---|---|---|
Moveable furnishings comprises the sound system, the chairs and the notice board.
20
|5b
**Investments**
£
Endowment Fund
Market value at 1 January 2025
35,849
Revaluation gain (loss)
(1,486)
34,362
Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowment
Total Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
2025
2024
£
£
£
£
£
**6**
**DEBTORS**
VAT Recoverable
Tax recoverable
9,872
1,678
11,550
11,453
9,872
1,678
0
11,550
12,281
**7**
**LIABILITIES**
Amounts falling due in one year
Accruals for utilities and other costs
-0
0
0
0
0
(0)
0
0
0
0
Amounts falling due after more than one year
0
0
0
0
0
~~0~~
~~0~~
~~0~~
~~0~~
~~0~~
**8**
**FUNDS**
The restricted fund comprises money donated to pay the Family and Childrens
worker. The endowment fund is the Lord, Pilling and Buckley Charity fund.
Funds Movement
Family Worker
£
2,024
£
Balance at 1 January 2025
8,268
8,848
Incoming resources
12,668
15,170
Transfer between funds
0
0
Resources expended
(12,375)
-15,750
Balance at 31 December 2025
8,561
8,268
**9**
**ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS**
**by fund**
Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowment
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
2024
£
£
£
£
Tangible fixed assets
0
0
0
0
Investment assets
34,363
35,849
Current assets
32,596
8,561
3,720
3,531
Liabilities
Amounts falling due in one year
(0)
0
0
0
Amounts falling due after one year
0
0
0
32,596
8,561
38,082
39,380|Unrestricted
Restricted
Funds
Funds
£
£
9,872
1,678|£
35,849
(1,486)
34,362
Endowment
Total Funds
Funds
2025
2024
£
£
£
11,550
11,453|
|---|---|---|
||9,872
1,678|0
11,550
12,281|
||-0
0
0
0
0||
||(0)
0
0
0
0||
||0
0
0
0
0||
||~~0~~
~~0~~
~~0~~
~~0~~
~~0~~||
£17,494 of the Unrestricted Funds represent a legacies received from former members of the church. Although the gifts are unrestricted the PCC have decided that where possible the money should be used only for projects that improve the facilities within the church building or in reaching out to the community in accordance with the church's development plan.
21
|**10**
**Cash Flows**
Net Income/(expenditure) for the year
Decrease/(Increase) in debtors
increase in creditors
Depreciation
Funds transferred out
**Net cash provided by operating activities**
Interest received
Purchase of fixed assets
**Net cash in investing activities**|This year
£
(349)
(96)
0
0
0
(444)
1,345
0
1,345|Last year
£
(4,084)
828
0
0
0
(3,256)|
|---|---|---|
|||1,475
0
1,475|
22