2023-12-31-accounts

THE PARISH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE

Annual Report

of the Parochial Church Council including the Financial Report for the year ended 31st December 2023

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The Parish of The Good Shepherd

Ashton-under-Lyne

	INDEX
			page
Parish Information				3
Acting Chair’s Report 2023			4	– 6
PCC Secretary’s Report		6 - 7
PCC Treasurer’s Report		7 – 10
Deanery Synod Report		10 - 11
Information from Individual Churches		12 - 36
(including fnancial reports)
Holy Trinity Report		37 -	40
Safeguarding Polices		41 -	43
Independent Examiners report				44
Accounts			45-54

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The Parish of The Good Shepherd

Ashton-under-Lyne

Report on the Year 2023

Team Clergy:

The Parish is in Interregnum with no Stipendiary clergy. Revd Pat Lodge (retired OLM with PtO) Revd Sheila Cant (retired OLM with PtO)

ALM:

Parish Bankers:

Cath Sheldon HSBC Ashton-under-Lyne

Churches in the Parish: Holy Trinity, St Gabriel, St James’, St Michael and All Angels, St Peter’s. Correspondence: The Vicarage, Union Street, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 9NQ Council Members: Clergy, Parish and Church Wardens, Parish Safeguarding Officer, Parish Treasurer, Parish Secretary, elected members as below. Parish Wardens: Tina Howarth and Les Smith Church Wardens Holy Trinity: Judith Hilton, Les Smith from May '17 St Gabriel: Sandra Kiy St James: Tina Howarth St Michael: Michael Winterbottom St Peter: Carol Farnsworth, Phil Bowden Chair of PCC: Les Smith Treasurer: Jan Ratcliffe Secretary: Revd Pat Lodge Elected Members: Janet Kennerley, Maureen Leigh, Gill Bradbury, Jeff Glennon, Peter Summers, Margaret Stanley, Elaine Gaskell, Jamie Collins, Carole Hulse

Safeguarding Officer: Moira Wilson

Electoral Roll Officer: Deborah Brindle Committees/Groups: Treasurers

Registered Charity Number: 1134826

Acting Chair’s Report:

2023 was the start of our second year of the interregnum. Now we have a better understanding regarding the procedure we need to follow, things have been a little clearer than 2022.

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Parish Vacancy

Over the year we have had many meetings and discussions with Archdeacon David Sharples and Area Dean Daniel Ramble to review the steps which need to be taken for the Parish to move forward in the future and attract a new incumbent. Two prospective priests have been interviewed, unfortunately neither were considered to be suitable. There have been. six other expressions of interest but no further action.

Parish Future

In February we held our Parish away day with Archdeacon David Sharples and Area Dean Daniel Ramble. Daniel based the day around the 3 Benedictine rules of Stability, Obedience and Transformation. It came as a genuine shock when St James’ explained that they were financially unlikely to be able to continue much after Christmas. Our day finished with a Eucharist that was new to us, and very moving and meaningful.

Reflections

A meeting was arranged for Sunday the 16th April at St Gabriel’s following the service to reflect on the away day. It was stressed, the Diocese does not have a plan or hidden agenda to close churches as far as the Parish of the Good Shepherd is concerned. The decision on the future of the Parish of the Good Shepherd is entirely the responsibility of the PCC. The Diocese will not become involved until the Parish instructs the PCC to contact the Diocese with a decision or resolution. It was explained Holy Trinity are holding negotiations with the Diocese to become a Community Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and therefore would not part of the discussion at this time whilst the negotiations are ongoings. The meeting would focus on the remaining churches in the Parish, St Gabriel’s, St James’s St. Michael’s and St Peter’s. It was discussed that it was more than likely that at least one of the remaining churches will have to close. As a Parish there is a need to think how best we can work out which church(s) will need to close.

Special PCC Meeting

A special PCC was held on the 2 August at St Gabriel facilitated by Rev Miles Howard, the Stipendiary priest from Christ Church Denton ‘to discuss the future and which of the 4 which church(s) should be closed (St Gabriel’s, St James’s Michael’s St, Peter’s). Each Church was given 10 minutes to represent their church and 10 minutes to answer questions. At the end of the presentation there was time for general discussion followed by a secret vote. The vote count was overseen by Rev. Miles Howarth.The result was 12 votes that St. James should close and 8 votes that St Michael’s should close. The result of the vote was sent to the Archdeacon, Area Dean and all PCC members. Following the meeting at St Gabriel’s on the 2nd August and the PCC decision to start the process to close St James’, the Area Dean Daniel Rambles, Rev Pat Lodge PCC Secretary, Jan Radcliffe Parish administrator, and myself have attended a number of meetings with St James’ DCC and church members.

Parish Share

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The PCC agreed after discussions with the church treasures that we could not afford to pay the Parish share of £42.604 in full. After further discussion it was agreed that we would endeavour to pay 30% of the full Parish share - £ 12,781 which was 30%. Each of the 4 churches would contribute equal amounts (25%) of this figure. (Holy Trinity bring a festival church is not included in these payments)

Trustees.

Over the year the PCC members have been reminded of their roles and responsibilities as Parish Trustees. DCC have NO legal standing. The PCC is the legal body responsible and answerable for all the 5 churches assets in terms of finances and fabric (buildings etc)

Insurance.

It had been previously identified that each church had insurance provided by the Ecclesiastical Insurance however the Parish did not have an overall insurance cover. Jan Ratcliffe, the parish administrator, contacted the Ecclesiastical Insurance company to rectify this oversight. The Ecclesiastic Insurance rectified this oversight and the policy covers the Parish of the Good Shepherd and the 5 churches.

Extra Ordinary PCC Meeting.

Archdeacon David Sharples requested that we arrange an extra ordinary meeting to ask the PCC for their agreement to close Holy Trinity to move forward the asset transfer of the building to the CIO forward. The following resolution was proposed.:

"The PCC of the Parish of the Good Shepherd passed a resolution on the 18th December 2023 to allow the Diocese to initiate the process, that may lead to the closure of Holy Trinity and the asset transfer of Holy Trinity Ashton to a Community Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and allow the building to be resurrected as a place licensed for Christian Worship”.

The resolution was unanimously agreed by the PCC members present. A public meeting to discuss the closure will be held in January.

Thank You’s

I, personally, and on the behalf of PCC, would like to offer our thanks and appreciation to Pat for the unfailing dedication help, time, effort and organisational skills she has provide in difficult and challenging circumstances over the last year to ensure the Parish has been able to carry on in a very trying and challenging year.

I would like to thank Pat, Sheila and Cath for organising and taking services through the year.

I would also like to thank Jan for the help and experiencing she has provided over the last year.

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Finally, I would like to thank the PCC members for their dedication and hard work to enable the Parish to function by adopting different ways to worship, meet and work together which hopefully will attract a priest to come into the Parish and enable us all to move forward in these difficult and changing times.

Les Smith

J.L. Smith

Acting PCC Chair

PCC Secretary’s Report 2023:

Several of our meetings over the year have been attended by the Area Dean who, during an interregnum, has the responsibility of being the Sequestrated Rector of the Parish.

Meetings have been held as follows:

Jan 11th– Zoom	March 7th
April 16th	April 26th
May	June 8th
August 2nd	Sept 20th
November 16th.	Dec 18th

2023 began with an Away-Day for the PCC plus any members of DCCs who wished to attend. The day was arranged by Archdeacon David and our Area Dean and the purpose was to bring the Parish closer together and help each of our churches to have a better understanding of each of the other churches and the difficulties that they were facing. The day was well attended and lunch was provided. The day was significant for the PCC as a whole in understanding the financial difficulties that St James’ was facing. It was certainly a shock to the other churches when St James’ said that they may have to close at Christmas as they were running out of money. The day closed with a new and very moving Eucharist service at which the Archdeacon presided.

At the PCC meeting following the Away-Day there was discussion about the future of the Parish and it was agreed that a Parish meeting should be held to discuss the difficulties faced by all our churches . with decreasing numbers and dwindling finances. The Parish meeting was called for April 16[th]

The Parish AGM took place at the end of May. As we are in interregnum the Parish Wardens remained the same as last year. The Treasurer and Secretary also agreed to continue in office as did the Electoral Roll officer and the Safeguarding Officer.

Between April 16[th] and mid July a data gathering exercise took place in each church, using a list of areas to consider given by the Archdeacon plus some that were more local to our Parish. Discussions 6

about the data took place at the meetings on the 26[th] April and the 8[th] June. At the meeting on June 8[th] a date was set for a PCC meeting for the presentation of each church’s position followed by a vote as to which church the PCC felt should be recommended for closure. That meeting was held on August 2[nd] and the Bishop and Archdeacon informed on August 3[rd] .

An Extraordinary Meeting was held on Dec 18[th ] . There were two recommendations to be discussed by the PCC. The first was for the closure of Holy Trinity Church so that it could then move forward to seek independent status as a Community Association operating as an asset transfer from Manchester Diocese. The second was for the recommended closure of St James’ to be put to the Ministry and Pastoral Committee at Manchester Diocese for the process to begin. Both recommendations were passed though there were 3 votes against the proposal for St James’.

At each meeting during the course of the year, each church has been asked to provide an up-to-date financial statement, a statement about its activities, both in ministry, social events and fund-raising work, and an update on our contributions to the Parish Share and Parish account.

Over the year, we have also discussed and monitored the transfer of the car park at St Michael’s from an in-house system to a national provider, including the arrangements for the redundancy of the car park staff, agreed on how we are celebrating major festivals, heard information on the work of CAP (Christians against Poverty), discussed the use of social media to promote our churches, had regular updates on the development of the Holy Trinity Community Association and, since August, regular updates on discussions regarding the proposed closure of St James’.

Thanks to Church Wardens, Jan and Les for their tremendous support again this year.

TREASURER’S REPORT FOR 2023 For APCM may 2024

1 Accounts

The main Parish Account remains stable with an average balance of approx. £6,000.

The Payroll Account has a surplus of 1 month’s funds for the Parish and HTCCC have sufficient funds to cover any possible redundancies.

The accounts for 2023 were inspected and agreed by Pete Summers.

Pete has now retired from this role and I wish to express my thanks for all his work and support over many years.

2 Budget

At the beginning of 2023, all Treasurers agreed that 4 churches would pay equal amounts of £185.00 per month into the Parish Main Account for 2023 contributions to cover general admin costs, ministry expenses and the cost of my employment.

I can confirm that all 4 churches paid their portion in full for 2023.

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Holy Trinity is paying £90 per month.

We continue to claim from the diocese for all expenses on both vicarages during our interregnum.

3 Bank

No issues with the Parish bank accounts. All accounts reconcile with the bank statements from HSBC.

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Payroll

The general payroll systems are working smoothly. All wage payments and payments to HMRC have been made on time.

During 2023, Easy Peasy ceased to trade and they transferred the management of our payroll to Certax – franchisee Tom Baker.

There were several hiccups but nothing major.

Pensions

All payments to NEST are going through smoothly.

5. Insurance

The Area Dean, Revd Daniel Ramble, recommended that we revise insurance cover to a single policy for the parish, rather than individual churches.

Following months of discussion and problems with Ecclesiastical, the parish insurance policy is now in place, effective from 11.10.23.

There were several issues of concern during this process, with Ecclesiastical not fulfilling the commitments they made during early negotiations, which resulted in a lot of work needed to calculate individual church premiums and managing payments for the first 4 months of the policy.

All churches are now paying standing orders for their monthly premiums to be paid into the Parish Main Account on the 1[st] of every month, to ensure that funds are available for payments. To date (04.04.24) Ecclesiastical have not been able to set up a direct debit for our monthly payments, so this is being done via Bank Transfer.

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Parish Share – as at 31.12.23 (statement dated 19.01.24)

£ Share Assessment 2023 42,604.38 Payments received 9,050.81 Gift Aid receipts 6,141.73 Total receipts 15,192.54

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Percentage Paid 35.7%

Unpaid Balance 27,411.84

Early in 2023, our churches agreed that they could only commit to paying 30% of the parish share this year, due to continuing decline in income.

The above figures show that this has been achieved by end January 2024, although there is some dispute on the accuracy of this data.

I wish to express my huge thanks to Maureen Leigh (Treasurer, St Peter’s) for carrying out the difficult task of calculating the balance due in January and to all Treasurers for all the work they did on this.

Jan Ratcliffe

	TREASURER'SREPORT 31.12.2023
INCOME Parish Insurance Harvest Team Contribution - St James Team Contribution - Holy Trinity Team Contribution - St Michaels Team Contribution - St Gabriels Team Contribution - St Peters St James vicarage costs - Reimbursements Donations RRP/Magazine Transfer from Youth Work Account Transfer from wages account Hutton Ave Vicarage - Reimbursements TOTAL		4144.13 183.00 2226.00 1080.00 2225.98 2226.04 2226.00 1478.59 107.74 0.00 0.00 0.00 570.31			2023 YTD £	EXPENDITURE Administrator Harvest Clergy Expenses Upkeep of Services Holy Trinity School Holy Trinity Vicarage St James Vicarage Hutton Avenue Vicarage Youth work RRP/Magazine Church Admin/Parish Insurance Refunds to Churches Parish Insurance TOTAL		2023 YTD £
								4800.00 157.82 1977.38 182.06 0.00 0.00 1613.44 681.16 0.00 143.25 2354.27 0.00 3996.98
			16467.79					15906.36
EXCESS INCOME OVER EXPENDITURE :				561.43
						Current Account Funds Available
Bank Reconciliation Statement Balance at 31.12.22 Add Income Less Expenditure Accounts Balance at 31.12.23 Statement Balance at 31.12.23		5930.69 16467.79 15906.36 6492.12 6492.12				Statement Balance as at 31.12.23		6,492.12
						Outstanding Items
						Payments due out Infinity Initiatives		92.00
						Revd Sheila Cant Dec Expenses		38.90
						Available		6,361.22
						NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS Sequestration Refunds due in at 31.12.23: November £163.15 December £187.83 Unclaimed Sequestration - EDF £187.29 St James' Vicarage Energy May '23

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Bank Accounts:	As At 31.12.23 Account No 6492.12 11469215 1362.99 71472992 171.72 11469223 43811.32 71525948 51,838.15
Current Account
Savings Account - Youth Worker
Savings Account
Wages Account
Total	51,838.15

DEANERY SYNOD REPORT FOR 2023

Deanery Synod met in February (Zoom), July (Oldham Parish Church) and October (Zoom)

Items discussed were: -

Update on Deanery Mission Action Plan

The Area Dean, Daniel Ramble, told of the initial progress being made by those Mission Communities that are up and running. As at 31.12.23, only Mission Communities 6 and 7 (both part of the old Ashton Deanery) have no MC leaders due to lack of clergy.

Revd John Evans – Deanery Transformation Support Oficer

John has been appointed to this role to support the Area Dean in implementing the transformation programme, working with and supporting parishes.

“Growing Good” Presentation

The Diocese are introducing several projects as part of the Transforming Manchester Diocese initiative. All are aimed at revitalising churches, congregations and stimulating growth and will concentrate on outreach/social aspects.

It was stressed that growth does not just mean more numbers in churches, but growth in knowledge, skills, projects and new forms of worship. A toolkit is available to help parishes.

Developing a Healthy Relationship between School and Churches

Rick Otto, Diocesan Children’s Officer, spoke of the importance of developing good and close relationships with our church schools.

Eco Church

Matt Carson, Deanery Eco Champion, gave updated info on the increasing number of churches registering for the scheme, attaining Bronze and a few attaining Silver.

He also related figures showing that Manchester Diocese has reduced the amount of carbon discharged into the atmosphere by their buildings (schools, churches, offices etc) from 4400 tonnes pa to 3500 tonnes pa. He encouraged everyone to use the Energy Footprint Tool (EFT)

Matt explained about Eco Stepping Stones, a three-part series from the Diocese of Manchester, which supports everyone to grow, nurture and serve across our churches and mission and communities. The

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resource gathers stories of eco-mission from across the diocese and enables you to grow your own eco mission where you are. Matt also reminded us that there is an ALM Elective on Ecology and Creation.

APCM’s and School Governors

Lay Chair, Liz Dent, emphasised that parishes need to elect Deanery Reps at their APCM’s and that those Reps must be committed to attend meetings.

She also stressed the importance of School Foundation Governors and encouraged people to volunteer for this role – if they have no school in their own parish they could be a Governor in a neighbouring parish.

Safeguarding

Lay Chair, Liz Dent, reminded everyone of the importance of safeguarding procedures, particularly when recruiting volunteers helping with children’s and vulnerable adults’ groups.

All churches should display a copy of the Safeguarding Handbook, and ensure that all recommendations are adhered to. She emphasised that DBS certificates are not transferrable – ie school teachers having DBS clearance for their work will still need to undergo a separate DBS check to work with children in churches.

Deanery Treasurer’s Report

Duncan Ross reported that, as at 31[st] December 2022, the Deanery had paid 69.4% of the required sum – payments made in January will be added to that.

He told the meeting that he would be stepping down from this role in May. In May, Jan Ratcliffe was appointed Deanery Treasurer and Budget Secretary.

She gave an update on the diocese’s parish share receipts which are causing real concern for the diocese. At 31.12.23, parishes in our deanery have paid just 64% of their PS, this compares to 69.9% paid in 2022. To help improve the situation, diocese finance officers are now meeting twice a year (May and Sept) with each deanery’s Archdeacon, Area Dean, Lay Chair and Deaner Budget Secretary to review parish share payments to date and discuss the issues that parishes are facing.

There is also now a Parish Support Officer for Finance who will be meeting with Mission Communities to forge links and hold Discussion and Agreement meetings with those parishes experiencing difficulties in fulfilling their PS commitments.

Further help with increasing giving within parishes can be sought from Paul Bailey, the Diocesan Giving Advisor.

There is now a Deanery bank account and all parishes were requested to contribute £30 to fund deanery expenses.

Jan Ratcliffe 02.03.24

Reports from Individual Churches

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St Gabriel’s:

DCC MEMBERSHIP

During the year, the following people served as members of the DCC

Revd Sheila Cant

Sandra Kiy (Churchwarden) Phillip Lee (Treasurer)

Deborah Brindle (Secretary)

The following are to serve until 2024: S Kenyon

The following to serve until 2026: Hazel Sugden, Mandy Hayes, Phillip Lee, Deborah Brindle, Carole Hulse

CLERGY

Since the departure of Rev Farnworth in December 2021, the Parish of the Good Shepherd has relied on the Revd Pat Lodge with the support of Revd Sheila Cant who since assigned to St Gabriel’s and has brought much needed inspiration and joy to our small community. Sheila helps with the Place of Welcome as well as taking on responsibility as a governor at Parochial school. We feel very privileged to have Sheila’s support at St Gabriel’s.

An advert for a new Priest in charge has been drawn up by the PCC, prior to which we had to update the

Parish Profile; Deborah collaborated with the individual churches and Revd Pat Lodge and produced a much

better version to use in the advert.

SERVICES

There has been 1 Baptism Eris Burns and 1 Funeral Geoff Hadfield.

With only two members of clergy, the churches have had to adapt; we have at least one joint service each month and a shared service with St James every month. Visiting clergy have helped ease the load for Revd Pat and Sheila, but it is thanks to Revd Pat that we have maintained some kind of normality.

Key services have been at the forefront and Revd Pat has ensured that each church has held one of these services.

Electoral Roll

The number of members on the Electoral Roll of St Gabriel’s is 21

Financial Report:

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In 2023 St Gabriel’s income exceeded its expenditure by £2,225 (2022: excess expenditure - £2,480)

Items of note were: -

Actual giving of £4,630 was marginally down on the 2022 £4,836. Church rental income received of £8,075 was 14% up on the £7,053 generated in 2022.

Parish Share

The Parish Share paid for 2023 was £2,828 consisting of direct payments and gift aid income tax receipts, this represented 30% of the level assessed by Manchester Diocese.

The Good Shepherd Parish Share due for 2024 has been assessed at £42,523. It has been proposed that the overall aim should be to pay the full amount, St Gabriel’s 25% share being £10,631.

Utilisation of Resources and the Future

As the financial accounts reveal, regular usage of the church by community groups remains critical to the financial wellbeing of St Gabriel’s particular during the ongoing impact from rising costs. There is also a need to ensure the fabric of the building is well and regularly maintained which will necessitate the continued use of our capital reserves.

Independent Examiner’s Report

Samantha L Knott MAAT has certified that the accounts for 2023 give a true and fair view of the transactions for the financial year.

CHURCHWARDEN’S REPORT

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who attends St Gabriel’s for the contributions

they make and for the help that they give in the general running of the church and at special events. Deborah has continued to provide excellent support with the Gift Aid payments and other paperwork. Sheila Kenyon, Christine Etchells and Carole Hulse have also been a great support in helping to set up for services. Thanks also go to Martyn Moorhouse who continues to fix minor problems and carry out general maintenance. Mandy continues to inspire us all with her ideas, planning and hard work in the Community Garden. Rev Sheila has been a

great asset to the church, leading us with enthusiasm and energy and inspiring us not only in our faith but also in our ambition to keep St Gabriel’s church as an important part of the community in which we operate.

We are still dealing with a long-term interregnum and are left with many concerns about our future, along with the other churches in our Parish. We know that it will be a future which will see less clergy and more lay people having to take more responsibilities, which is daunting to say the least. Within the team, Pat Lodge has admirably led the group of churchwardens within the Parish and the PCC to address the future and regular meetings continue to be held. Our search has still not been productive. Many churches are in a similar situation sadly so it will not be easy to find somebody to take on the role in the present climate. The rota which had to be put in place, with a united service and a shared service every month continues and

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we are grateful for retired clergy coming in to help us out with other services. Being a churchwarden is not easy in these circumstances; we are a small team but an amazing one – the sharing of ideas and concerns is comforting – I couldn’t do this without all the support – so thank you.

I continue to serve as the Foundation Governor at Parochial School, maintaining good links with them and it is good to have them visiting the church regularly for activities at the Place of Welcome and in the Community Garden.

JUNIOR CHURCH

We have only been able to put a table at the back of church for children to sit at to do simple activities, colouring etc. The children don’t come regularly but seem happy when they do.

CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE, VULNERABLE ADULTS AND SAFEGUARDING

St. Gabriel’s Church shares the commitment regarding safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. By following the Parish/Diocesan guidelines and procedures, and by being aware of our role and the possibilities of child abuse and neglect, we aim to create a safe environment. The ‘Safeguarding Handbook’ of policy and procedures and the Safe Church Policy and document should be adhered to at all times. It is everybody’s responsibility to make sure they are familiar with it. Information is located in the vestry and on the notice board.

St Gabriel’s church follows the Parish and diocesan DBS guidelines. The safeguarding statement provides the foundation for everyone to understand the shared responsibility for safeguarding our children, young people and vulnerable adults. It is of paramount importance and its effectiveness depends on our awareness and support.

USE of BUILDING and MAINTENANCE

Use of the church building by regular groups is set out below: Monday morning – Place of Welcome

Monday evening – Pilates

Tuesday evening - Clubbercise

Wednesday evening – Exercise & Fitness

Thursday afternoon/evening – Baker School of Dance

Friday morning – Home Schooling (left after Christmas 2023)

Friday evening – Clubbercise

Saturday morning – Slimming World

Saturday afternoon - Baker School of Dance

Once a month on Wednesday mornings it has also been used by Guardian Angels

The Place of Welcome, held in the church on Monday mornings continues to be of great value to members of our church and the local community who suffer from social isolation or

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loneliness. Numbers have continued to grow and we have also gained more volunteers. We now have use of the New Life Church minibus as well as the St John’s Church minibus to transport people to and from the sessions, which is wonderful. The Community Garden plans have come together though we were hampered this year by a sewerage problem. Although it took 7 months to resolve, United Utilities sorted it completely free of charge which was a relief! The reception class children from Parochial School have been visiting every two weeks and love. We completed the raised vegetable beds and enjoyed our first produce from them. The patio is planned for and looks likely to be completed in the Spring. The Food Pantry at the back of church is well used and we have used Fairshare to get extra supplies – not too successful initially but we now have a good contact to use every two weeks.

BUILDING AND GROUNDS MAINTENANCE REPORT

Huw Edwards, a professional gardener, continues to mow the grass in church free of charge

which is

wonderful. We eventually received to faculty and Tameside Planning permission for the disabled path to be completely restructured and the work for that is currently taking place. We have fortunately had no other major issues other than the massive sewerage issue mentioned above.

FUNDRAISING/FUNDING

In July a Summer Fair was held to raise funds for the Community Garden Project. This was a successful event with people renting stalls and a large raffle etc. Many people in the community enjoyed seeing the garden plans developing well whilst enjoying the bouncy castle though the weather wasn’t great.

In November a Christmas Fair was held in the Church which was very well attended and raised over £1400 for church funds. Again 12 people bought stalls for the afternoon and we provided hot meat and potato pie/cheese and onion pie for lunch. The Christmas raffle in itself brought in £800 which was fantastic.

At Christmas, 16 Reverse Advent Calendar boxes were donated once again to Infinity Initiatives. We are very grateful to members of the congregation and in the local community who collected items during Advent to provide Christmas treats for families in crisis. Harvest donations were once again sent to Infinity Initiatives and foods brought into church were put in our own Food Pantry this year.

In order to support the Place of Welcome and the Community Garden, Sandra has continued to apply for grants. This year we got 10 grants, amounting to £8860 for the Place of Welcome, used for special events, equipment, food resources, exercise and massage services and to go towards the heating costs. We also got 5 grants for the Community Garden amounting to

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£19,540 which included a large one of £15000 from the Green Spaces Fund. Sandra aims to continue to apply for grants in the future as these are very much needed.

CHAIRS REPORT

As the Parish of The Good Shepherd has continued in interregnum for the whole of 2023, I have been delighted to support St Gabriel’s and the Parish as an Associate Priest. Sunday services continue, with new faces of all ages. There is always a sense of worship and deep shared faith in each service. Young children are now part of the service sharing their activities based on the service theme, and also assisting occasionally with prayers and interactive sermons. We have had a candle based Maundy Thursday service and a craft based Crib Service

I continue to be wonderfully encouraged by the sense of faith, service and community outreach which exudes from all in our congregation. It is encouraging to see so many of St Gabriel’s folk joining services at other worship centres in the Parish, and to hear of the willingness to join together as a united Parish especially during the last year when the decision to close one of the worship centres had to be made.

Pastoral care is maintained with all those unable to worship in person by many of the church family. Thank you so much for keeping in touch and calling round to check in with folk. Thank you also for your care for me and my family.

The Place of Welcome continues to provide a safe social space for many in the community with numbers growing. I really enjoy my chats with folk and am frequently approached to give guidance and pastoral care for folk who are grieving or have family issues. This has resulted in some new members of the Sunday congregation. The addition of the monthly lunches has brought a new challenge and one that all have enjoyed, custard being the highlight for many. Becoming a Warm Welcome Space and having a Food Pantry has also attracted others to come along and share food and friendship. Parochial school has also visited and will continue to extend their links with St Gabriels in the coming year

The community garden is amazing and now has a special garden and trail for Maximous Mouse, the toy mouse who visits all my school activities. Thank to Mandy for her enthusiasm and joining in with my off the wall ideas! This is bringing school children and new members of the local community into the church environment.

My school visits encompass fortnightly assemblies, school services held in St Michaels church and regular in class RE sessions to explore the Bible and Holy Communion. It is positive that

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Sandra Kiy and I are governors at Parochial School and that a faith link if maintained with the school families.

The generosity of the church family seems endless with harvest, advent collections supporting Infinity Initiatives and Pauline Town.

We continue to face a difficult future trying to sustain worship services at St Gabriel’s and at the Parish’s other worship centres. My prayer is for your faithfulness to God to continue and for all to embrace the changes ahead with a positive mind and willing heart.

Stay safe, stay calm, God loves us.

Rev. Sheila

St James’ AGM April 2024

Due to the news of being told St James was closing, the morale of everyone involved with St James was down, no work to the fabric of church was carried out, apart from grass being cut and general cleaning and tidying.

Before the start of the Christmas 2023 season, (again due to misinformation) four of the regular

weekly ‘User’ Groups ceased to use the church community room for their meeting activities, and left the church. Three groups sought alternative meeting venues elsewhere and the brownie unit closed permanently .

Fundraising Events held during 2023/2024

• Summer brass band concert ,

• heritage weekend ,

• rock and roll afternoon

• Explorers (Scouting) helped to organise a Macmillian coffee morning after the harvest service

• Scarecrow festival held over the Remembrance weekend,

• Christingle service

• Christmas brass band concert

• Mothering Sunday service 2024 (bacon butties being served before the service.)

The fire extinguishers were checked in December 2023.

Tina Church warden

St James’ on Sunday Afternoon Report for AGM from 2023

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We have continued to hold services on the 2[nd] , 4[th] and 5[th] Sundays of the month during 2023. We hold a special service which is open to the Parish on Good Friday and in 2023 was very well attended, focusing on a wide range of footwear to show the wide range of people who walked with Jesus on his journey to the Cross and who continue to follow him in their lives today. Families are always encouraged to attend Parish-wide services for major festivals, too.

The service on the 2[nd] Sunday of the month is Eucharistic and the majority of children are admitted to Communion. The children help with the administration by presenting the Chalice.

The 4[th] and 5[th] Sundays of the month use a liturgy that is primarily based on a Service of the Word. In all our services both adults and children contribute by reading from the Bible and leading intercessions, as well as leading some other elements of the service.

All our services include a craft activity of some sort, linked as closely as possible to the service theme, which follows the standard Lectionary. Huge thanks to Bonnie, who’s artistic ingenuity provides great fun and satisfaction for everyone, by designing something that we can all create to take home to further reflect on the theme each week.

Over the year we have learned a number of worship songs to extend our range of hymns. The children really enjoy My Lighthouse with actions!

We always enjoy some food together at the end of our service and thanks to those who regularly bring a contribution.

Sadly, our numbers have not returned to what they were before the pandemic, though we have a steady attendance of 6 children and 9 adults. It was lovely to welcome a new family towards the end of 2023 and they have continued to attend.

A huge ‘thank you’ to Aaron, who opens up, closes and sets up for every service for us and thanks, too, to our families who are so wonderfully faithful in their attendance at our services. New families from across the Parish are always welcome to join us.

Revd Pat Lodge

REPORT TO ST JAMES APM FROM ST JAMES BROWNIES APRIL 2024

The highlight of the year was being able to take the girls experience camp for the first time. We spent a weekend in July at Waddow (near Clitheroe) for an Adventure camp much enjoyed by both brownies and guiders.

During the year the brownies have earned many badges and enjoyed varied activities at the meetings. These activities are as diverse as painting, yoga, baking and acting out plays.

Like every other organisation the brownie unit funds have been depleted. Hopefully in the future we may be able to improve our financial situation.

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In December the brownies enjoyed a visit to the Panto at Guide Bridge Theatre.

It was with great sadness that on 20[th] December 2023 1[st] Ashton (St James) brownies held their final meeting before the unit was permanently closed. The guiders found this a tough decision to make. There were many reasons for taking this decision, 1) the uncertainty of future of St James Church, due to the proposed closure of the church. 2) Ruth wanted to retire from her role as Brownie Leader, after giving 50 years of service to St James Brownies, Shalina and Samantha wished to finish their leadership roles to give more time to their careers and family life, Helen had taken up a guiding role nearer to her home in Ramsbottom.

St James brownies wish to thank the Church for the facilities they enjoy in the church building.

As a leader I wish to thank Helen, Shalina and Alina (brownie guiders) and Samantha (Unit Helper) for their commitment to encourage the girls to achieve their best in guiding activities.

3rd Ashton report for CHURCH APM APRIL 2024

The group is running well numbers been up and down. We had our a g m last July which Mark Howarth gave a presentation for his king scout award, in august mark went to the 25th world scout jamboree to South Korea an experience like no other but he had a brilliant time itinerary was changed a number of times due to poor sanitation and lack of food but still had a great time. The group has done a number of sleep overs and various badges. They joined in with harvest parade, remembrance , christingle service , Mothering Sunday . The group sang carols at kings field nursing home and went to the panto at hurst cross community centre. In February mark gave another presentation and this completed his kings scout award he has his confirmation letter just waiting for certificates and badges well done, and has been chosen to go to Madagascar next august for an expedition.

I would like to thank all the leaders, helpers and board members for the support Tina 3rd Ashton group Scout Leader

Financial Report for 2023

Parish Share

For the 4th consecutive year, we were unable to pay the full Parish share. We paid 30%, amounting to £2827.48, £1136.46 payable in January 2024, offset by the Diocese retaining the £1691.02 gift aid refund. The amount is lower than in previous years as it was agreed the 4 Churches in the Parish pay 25% each; in the past, St James has paid up to 36%. There has been no indication from Manchester Diocese on the amount the Parish will need to pay in 2024, but if 100%, then St James will have to pay about £10000, which will be unaffordable unless we get some grants or additional income from somewhere.

Income

General Giving

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	2023 Total	2023 Equivalent per week	2022 Total	2022 Equivalent per week	2021 Total	2021 Equivalent per week
Direct Giving	£6342	£122	£6369	£122	£7756	£149
Tax reclaimed on Giving	£1691	£32	£1668	£32	£3799	£73
Total	£8033	£154	£8037	£154	£11555	£222

We continue to be indebted to the generosity of members who pay by standing order, giving over £300 a month to Church funds. We are still struggling with congregation numbers, which means weekly collections are still down on pre Covid Sundays, but have been steady compared with 2022. However, we still need to look for more ways of increasing our regular income with costs increasing significantly.

Fund raising and letting income

Fund raising and letting income
	2023	2022	2021
Fund raising/Donations	£4614	£3843	£2759
Lettings	£3042	£3109	£1104
Total	£7756	£6952	£3863

We continued to have a number of fundraising events during 2024, which included a scarecrow festival and 2 brass band concerts. We also have been indebted to Tameside College for hiring the Church twice a week since September which has helped the Church be financially viable. However, we have lost 4 groups who have been using the Church for many years, including the Art Group, Brownies, the AA, and the NA; this is because of the threat of the Church closing made by the Diocese and the PCC.

Hidden within the income figures are the following items.

	2023 £	2022 £	2021 £
Fairs including Christmas	0	0	423
Market Stall	0	248	156
Weekly Coffee/Tea Money	64	126	134
Easy Fundraising/CAF	18	34	70

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Harvest Appeal	10	138	196
Sponsored Events/Raffles	0	280	0
Other Events	2702	2557	672
Funerals, Weddings, etc	3042	1317	787
Face Masks	0	0	169

Not included in the above figures are various restricted donations and grants.

Expenditure

Expenditure
	2023 £	2022 £	2021 £
Insurance Costs	2977	2768	2745
Heating (including outstanding at year end)	6011	3602	3807
Lighting (including outstanding at year end)	1917	2144	1190
Water	448	340	306
General Maintenance	222	635	297
Electrical work	0	207	120
Major repairs/Replacements	0	0	6965

The Church is facing some large increases in costs, particularly energy costs, with insurance and water rates also showing significant increases. This is why the Church is facing a period of uncertainty, with the threat of closure. The Church has managed to stay open during a difficult 12 months, but as the months pass, and with major repair work needed to the fabric of the Church, we face a bleak future financially. There have been major issues with gas contracts and the Church has had little help from neither the Parish nor Manchester Diocese, whether financially or morally.

Peter G Summers Treasurer (March 2024)

St Michael’s AGM April 2024

Electoral Roll Report:

The number on the Electoral Roll in 2019 was 36. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic and the fact that the Electoral Roll Officer, who was also the Safeguarding Officer, had to step down for sad personal circumstances, this has not been updated since then.

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Although there should almost certainly have been removals and additions, this remains something to be addressed in 2024.

Secretary’s Report:

This year we have had five regular meetings and one extraordinary meeting to discuss what potential St Michael’s has to contribute to the future life of the Parish. Attendance at all meetings has been good, as has the commitment of everyone involved. The membership of the DCC is currently just 7 – far below the 16 we really should have. The DCC is functioning without a Rector, a second Warden, a Verger, an Electoral Roll officer, a Safeguarding Officer and a Sunday School leader. We can also now add Eco-champion to the list of unfilled rolls.

There continue to be many changes to time, place and frequency of services within the Parish. Another year of arranging for Clergy from across the Diocese to conduct services has remained one of the many challenges. We remain deeply indebted to Reverend Pat Lodge and Reverend Sheila Cant for their hard work and commitment to ensuring that the Parish remains viable and for their major contribution to determining future change. I again have to pay tribute to Pat for taking on this mammoth task in her retirement.

This year has been dominated by lack of finance, the practicalities of maintaining and sustaining our Church, our second full year of interregnum and the threat of closure. The lack of sufficient money has been a recurring theme in every AGM Secretary’s Report since 2017, which is as far back as my records go.

St Michael’s, like all the Churches in the Parish, is fragile. Small numbers in the congregation and the consequent shortage of volunteers, as well as our precarious financial situation, are reasons why we need to embrace change, especially as we move into Mission Community 6. In order to achieve this we very much need a new incumbent to lead us forward.

There are too few members of the DCC to take on all the duties and responsibilities involved in keeping the Church functioning efficiently. There have, however, been a number of new members of the congregation and an increase in the use of the Church for weddings. Facebook has also been a very positive way of giving St Michael’s a higher profile within the community.

There was a Retreat Day in February to look at possible ways forward. There was also a Parish-wide meeting in April to begin the process of determining what will happen next. As a result of these it was reluctantly decided by the PCC to find a way of closing one Church in the Parish, which will be a sad loss.

Another important issue, which had been a major concern this year, is the car park. Using a private company to manage the car park is our only hope of remaining solvent. We had to wait until March for planning permission from the Council to allow ParkingEye to take over the operating of the car park. The application for a Faculty

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from the Diocese proved more problematic and was finally approved in October. Meanwhile we have not been able to maximise income from the car park even though it is our only financial asset.

On a more positive note, the Friends of Ashton Parish Church continue to give muchwelcome financial support to help with some of the Church’s projects and to organise events which help to make the Church a welcoming part on the community. The organ music and choir at every Service remain a lovely feature of the Church. Many musical events have continued to flourish this year and attract interest in the Church.

After this very difficult year we need to be thinking about the way forward. We need fresh ideas and aspirations, but most of all we must pray that this period of interregnum will soon end and that we will have a new incumbent to guide us forward.

Belle Kasprzyk

DCC Secretary

Treasurer’s Report:

2023 was a year of mixed fortunes for St Michael's. Up until the end of September the overspend was about £1, 000 per month, giving a predicted overspend of about £10,000. However, in October, with Tameside Council increasing its car parking charges, more people started to use the Church car park and we ended up with an overspend of £7,850.14 with a balance in the current account at the year end to carry forward of £12,606.95.

The car park this year made £31,544.90 for the Church, with £26,000 being paid out in wages to the car park staff. It reasonable to expect therefore, going forward into 2024 and with the car park having been handed over to a private company, ParkingEye, to manage that the full amount of the car park takings will be for the Church.

A SumUp card machine was also introduced into Church thanks to Michael Winterbottom, our Church Warden, and this realised the substantial sum of £555 in the latter months of the year. This included the sum of £184 received over English Heritage weekend during September which went to the Friends of Ashton Parish Church, who organise the event. The rest was received during October, November and December. It has been used mainly for collections during services, which is really good to see, especially from the newest members of the congregation, who joined us during the latter part of the year. However, if Church members miss any services, the Church then misses out financially, whereas if they were to pay into the Church monthly on a Standing Order or via the Envelope Scheme, the Church is assured of a regular income. (Details of the Church account: name of is account St Michael and All Angels Church District Council; Sort code 01-00-39; Account Number 9594707). Also, if Church members are tax payers their regular donations to the Church can be Gift Aided and Elaine Gaskell, our Gift Aid secretary will gladly supply you with the

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relevant form. I feel it my duty as Church Treasurer to point out the advantages of paying into the Church regularly by Standing Order but please be reassured we are so grateful for any money donated to us, according to your means.

Within the main accounts, you will see a sheet entitled “Ashton Parish Church Legacies/Grants/In Memory”. There is quite a substantial amount of money appearing on these sheets and as Treasurer I have never been able to identify an account into which this money was paid or if such an account has now been closed. Nor do I know if it has been spent. I would be grateful to learn from members who have attended St Michael's for far longer than I have, where this money might be or for information about how it was spent for example on the Tower repair some years back.

The Accounts

You should have received 4 separate lots of figures electronically from Belle Kasprzyk. Secretary to the DCC – the main Church Accounts, independently examined and signed off by Pete Summers on 20[th] February 2024 and accepted by the DCC on 21[st] March 2024; a simplified Balance Sheet prepared by me, in accordance with the format agreed by the treasurers of the churches in the Parish of the Good Shepherd; a St Michael's Treasurer's Statement Year Ending 31[st] December 2023 and a Parish Share Information Sheet for 2023, prepared by Maureen Leigh, Treasurer at St Peter's, after speaking to the Diocese. NB It is the main 'official' account prepared by Pete Summers that will be collated with the other churches' figures by Pat Lodge and Les Smith to form the Parish of the Good Shepherd Account, which will then be forwarded to Jane Cooksey for audit. The figures I have submitted are, hopefully, to explain the main 'official' account prepared by Pete Summers which I find to be difficult to understand in places.

You will find differences between Pete's figures and mine. I needed to produce a Balance Sheet which would show an overspend of £7,850.14 on the current account – the same as shown on the Statement. This I have achieved by - in expenditure- under parish share, adding a cheque issued in January for £163.68 (money owed for Parish share in 2022) to the figure of £1608.66, supplied by Maureen Leigh; and under Income, by not adding the figure of £98.52 onto the Balance Sheet as 'Interest' (or Pete's entry as 'Dividends') as this money was not received into the current account; and under 'income' I have added the figure of £125 which was an unpresented cheque shown in the Spreadsheets as having been issued on both the 10[th] March 2023 and 7[th] May 2023. This was to the organist for playing at the RAF Cadet Service and a funeral. It was only cashed once. Therefore I have credited back to St Michael's the sum of £125. (There was a cheque issued on 7[th] May for £75 to the organist for a funeral but as this was for a long standing church member it was never cashed). Pete Summers, I note, within his accounts shows this as an unpresented cheque for £125.The bottom line for me, is that Pete Summers’ accounts balance and so do mine in accordance with all bank statements at my disposal.

Margaret Stanley

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Church Treasurer

==> picture [65 x 370] intentionally omitted <==

St Michael's Treasurer's Statement Year Ending 31

Total Assets year ending 31.12 .2023

Bank

Statements

Current Account as at 1.1.23

Deficit

Balance as at 31.12.2023:

Louisa Andrew

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Legacy

As At 1.1.2023 Interest: Balance as at 31.1.2023

Thanksgivin g Fund As At 1.1.2023 Interest: Balance as at 31.1.2023

CCLA

As At 1.1.2023 Interest Balance as at 31.12.2023: TOTAL FINANCIAL ASSETS AS AT 31.12.2023 £19,266.59

Church Warden’s Report:

The last 12 months has been a busy and challenging one in so many ways.

The Church and Parish remained in interregnum for the whole of the period of this report.

The Diocese finally granted the long-awaited faculty for the change of the Church Car Park into a privately run concern on the 12[th] October, planning permission having been granted by the local authority earlier in the year. I entered into discussions with ParkingEye who were to take over the running of the car park on our behalf. The placing of signage in line with the planning permission and the charges and finance

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generally were all discussed although overall ownership remains with St Michaels. The car park staff were informed of the impending redundancy according to the legal guidelines and the car park was due to go live early 2024.

Problems with the heating system continued and Luke Townley (Sidesman) and myself as Warden met with the Owner of Autem and their Chief Engineer for an in depth look at the on-going problems and we had an ‘open and frank discussion’ as they say! The problem was eventually identified as our old boiler and it was identified as the culprit, as it sometimes fails to fire. I spoke to the Area Dean about this and we are to investigate possible grants for a new boiler.

The West window was damaged in a storm and was beyond just making safe. Professional help had to be obtained and quotes obtained for restoration work, which proved harder than expected. It was then temporarily made safe. Luckily it was only a part of the window and repairs have now been ordered and a company retained to do the work.

Air Cadets

The Tameside Air Cadet Squadron continue their affiliation with the church, which has, I am pleased to report, only grown stronger and we are working on strengthening the ties still further. Their annual ‘Air Cadet Sunday’ is now a regular fixture in the church diary. Discussions are on-going with the Tameside Sea Cadets, where a similar arrangement is being investigated.

Card machine payments

We joined the modern age with the installation of card machine/reader for the church and we now have the ability to take electronic payments and use a QR code. The reader proved its worth at the Heritage Weekend.

The congregation has been gradually growing throughout the year. We had our first adult baptism at Christmas with others already in the pipeline.

The Heritage Weekend was a huge success and was busier than ever.

The Friends continue in their work for the Church and a number of donations were made during the year towards the upkeep of the church fabric.

No report would be complete without my thanking all the members of the congregation, many of whom work behind the scenes and do so much for our beloved Church – that must include the priests who come regularly to St Michael’s to celebrate our Sunday services, in particular Fr Philip Miller and the Rev’d Philip Brierley who continue to help us out and a huge thank you to Rev’d Pat Lodge and the Rev’d Sheila Cant who have helped us, and me personally, in more ways than I can list in this short report

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Thank you for your support without which I could not continue as your Warden nor our lovely church continue to grow and move forward.

Michael J. Winterbottom.

Church Warden,

Safeguarding Report:

We have been without a Safeguarding Officer for over a year now, since our last Safeguarding Officer had to step down due to sad personal circumstances. There are currently no volunteers to take on this roll and so the Parish Safeguarding Officer has been made aware of our situation and has agreed that we can contact her should any issues arise. Our Safeguarding Policies are displayed in Church and the DCC are fully aware of what needs to be done should there be any problems relating to Safeguarding.

Church Choir Report:

The choir was able to sing for all our Eucharist Services this past year, but we have had only four regular members in total. If two of them are absent it is hard to call the remaining two singers a choir, however well they sing and assist the congregation. As usual we were able to augment our numbers with tenors and basses for several Choral Evensongs and for the civic Carol Service. We were also able to use deputy organists on a few occasions. More singers (in all parts) are very much needed if the choir is to survive. Rehearsals are still currently on Wednesdays in Church from 7.15 to 8.15pm (moving to Thursdays in May, during the summer). That would be a good opportunity for people to try out their voices and become familiar with the wide range of wonderful traditional church music that we sing.

John Miles

Organist and Choir Master

Friends Report:

Last year there were 28 members, this year at the moment things are a little slower. We are always looking for new members.

Our annual lunch was held at the Heroes of Waterloo and everyone agreed that we should return there in 2024.

We visited Holy Trinity Church in Skipton for our summer outing with a tour of the Church and with time for lunch and a look round before our return home. Next year we are going to Haworth.

Heritage Weekend wasn't as busy as last year, when we had more visitors due to having the Book of Remembrance following the passing of our late Queen. It was, however, a successful and well attended event which generated much interest in our beautiful and historic Church.

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We received two generous bequests from former members of the Friends who were also long-standing members of our congregation.

One of the aims at the formation of the Friends of Ashton Parish Church was to help with the upkeep of the fabric of the Church. With the two bequests this year the Friends were able to pay for the gravestones on the north side of the Church, which were covered in algae and very dangerous, to be jet washed and made safe.

Thank you to all those who have supported the Friends this year.

Elaine Gaskell Treasurer

St Peter’s:

Wardens Report. 2023

We continue to welcome new members into to our church family, a number of them attended our Christmas eve service, it would appear they enjoyed the experience so much they decided to carry on coming.

The junior church continues to entertain us with their wonderful individual interpretations of what the leaders have been teaching them, it is obvious that they are learning and listening to what they are being told.

St. Peter’s school held their Easter, Summer leavers, Harvest and Christmas services in church. These were well attended by parents of all faiths. They also held their version of a Christmas experience, this entailed different areas within the church signifying the journey Mary and Joseph had on their way to Bethlehem. Some of the children from the school took the parts of the characters, it was a brilliant adaptation. The school occasionally use the church to enhance the pupils R.E.

West End Primary Academy have also used the church to further their children’s understanding of a church and what happens within it. They are hoping to build on these links and use the church for other things.

We have had no significant work this year, we desperately need some repair work on the windows, also the balcony is still in need of clearing and cleaning, once this has been done there is a possibility we can hold bigger music events, apparently the acoustics in St. Peter’s are fantastic. The surveyor finally completed the quinquennial inspection,

As part of our fund raising attempts we held a Summer fair, we also had a Christmas fair that was well supported, and by renting out our tables, it enabled us to raise quite a sum of money to help in the running of the church. It also freed up some of our volunteers to work on the church stalls, i.e. Tombola, refreshments, Christmas goods, etc., one volunteer even offered to ride an exercise bike to try and raise sponsorship 29

funds for the purchase of new energy saving light bulbs. In addition to these events we also had a table top sale, this was very popular and increased our funds even more. A big thank you to all the people who donated food and prizes for these events.

There was also an El Salvadorian night organized by our El Salvadorian families, we sampled different types of their native food stuff, plus enjoyed being entertained by their national dances. This event also helped to raise money for the church, part of which we used to buy some much needed plastic chairs.

During the year, Tameside Music Service held 2 events, one being a “Choir Festival” day, and the other Brass and Carols concert they were both well attended, more so the brass and carol concert.

We had our Carol Service on December the 17[th] , what a superb evening of music and singing, the group of people who came forwards out of the congregation for rehearsals on the Sundays leading upto the carol service, did a fantastic job. Well done Maureen!

The church grounds are still in need of maintenance.

We would like to thank our A.L.M Cath, Reverends Pat and Sheila and our visiting clergy, Philip Brierly and Philip Miller for their support in helping us with services and baptisms, plus everything else behind the scenes.

Sunday School Report

Leaders: Janine Kelly Emma Collins Helper: Jamie Collins

Our Goals:

To nurture the moral and spiritual values of the Christian faith in children (and adults alike) so that they may differentiate right between wrong and develop and live by the principles of truthfulness and integrity.

Values:

We help to teach important values like love, kindness, honesty, and respect in their daily lives, helping them make moral and ethical decisions.

We Create a safe, friendly, and fun space to spend time learning about God.

About Sunday School:

We use games, crafts, books, and toys as part of our lessons. We give the children an opportunity each week to discuss and brainstorm regarding the lesson, creating a safe space to talk openly.

Ages of children attending ranges from 4-12, with between 6-10 attending on a regular basis.

These are some of the bible stories we have worked on:

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10[th] December 2023 Nativity Time!

A Star, A Stable and Me!

Our nativity involved the whole congregation using costumes and props. There was no time for a rehearsal, so we worked together as a team to make this an enjoyable and successful nativity, retelling the story of the birth of Christ.

20[th] December 2023

Nativity Crafts - Luke 2:1-20

The children worked together to create a masterpiece nativity which was then displayed in the church lounge for all to see. They used cotton wool and lollipop sticks to help create their characters, the animals and the stable.

14[th] January 2024 - Epiphany Party – Mathew 2:11

To continue our nativity story, we held an epiphany party. We played Hunt the Star, played Corners wearing Crowns and Star Relay. We invited the congregation to join in the celebrations and retold the story of the Magi visiting baby Jesus.

21 January 2024 – Its A Miracle! John 2: 1-11

We talked about how Jesus turned water into wine. We talked about how Jesus cares about us and how he helped the family at the wedding.

We shared stories of miracles and amazing things which make us gasp and smile such as rainbows, stars, clouds, the sun, and the moon. We made some paintings and pictures using magic!

11 February 2024 – Leadership

Today in Sunday School we talked about what it takes to be a good leader, and the qualities Jesus had to make him such a good leader and lead his disciples. We designed our own crests with examples of how to be a good leader. We talked about how we still follow Jesus today and the impact he has on our lives.

18 February 2024 Jesus in the Wilderness – Mark 1 9-15

Today we talked about Jesus going into the wilderness for 40 days. We talked about what he might have needed to survive and the dangers he encountered. We talked about how when we are faced with a problem as Jesus was in the wilderness, the bible can help us make wise choices.

25 February 2024

Jesus’ message to us!

Today the children designed social media posts to broadcast the good news of Jesus, what he sacrificed for us and what we can do to share his good news. These were shared on our church social media page every day to share the good news of the Parish of the Good Shepherd.

3 March 2024

The 10 Commandments

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We talked about the 10 commandments and how these are a bit like rules and instructions to help guide us and keep us safe. The children came up with some rules of their own and discussed rules they must follow at home and at school, and how sometimes these are broken and the consequences of this. The children designed pictures showing Gods Love and how we can share this to others.

Plans:

We look forward to continuing our spiritual learning and sharing Gods love.

Janine Kelly

Electoral Roll Report 2024

The Total number of members of this congregation is 39

The full list with complete contact details are kept secure and. away from public view as per current General Data Protection Regulations

The updated Roll is to be displayed on the notice board in the lounge

Carol Farnsworth

Electoral Roll Officer

The Bread and Butter Thing

The Bread and Butter Thing is still attending on Wednesday between 11.30 and 2.30pm.

The volunteers work hard filling the bags with food supplied even though the quality varies each week. The number of customers averages 50 even though the volunteers make up 65 sets of bags.

Carol Farnsworth

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Sha￿1 SL P•terf8 Church Incom• Gfft Aid Claim$ Envelope$ & ¢ovenantsd Envelopes uncovenanted Cash Fees Interest & Dividends Donations IFlowersj Donations Nergerl D£in8tions jmigej Donab"ons ILED Bulbs CCLA tra￿fer ne• She•t 31.1123 £1,663.50 Utilities (Gas, Ebc. Water. Wi-fl, ￿8MlI J £3,784.67 £5,085.00 Minor Repairs Iboilerl £96.00 £0.00 Upkeep of SeNices £307.32 £3.729.00 Tearn Cle¥gy expenses 4 £342.01 £1.624.00 Team PCC Propety 14 £356.14 £0.00 Chureh Insurance £7,138.28 £71.26 Gift Aid Claims jknvar¢s Paristt Sharal ,.A £1.663.50 £40.00 Parish Share (Quotal £20.00 Miscell8naoug jTeFrn + wl £73.03 Building Work £0.00 General Expens8Slugw.flm £1,91M.32 Diocesan F Partsh ofG¢)￿l Shep (EnW￿fj.r￿ £330.00 Horne Charibes (Harvest) Use of lovngelchurch £113.7S Organist Fees Charity Appeals (Harvest) £50.00 Verger Fees Organ Repair Fund £O.tIO'Team Admin Assistant FAS repayments Iprav Rsd Crossl.A £241.12 Tfan$fvr to CCLA account Ulilty Refunds IElectnc & Gasl A £806.64 FAS payments {prev Re¢1 Cross) 8equ$st ILLI £1,OlJQ.OO' £54S.41 £1.323.82 £868.00 £60.00 £0.00 i A É220.00 £1.011.39 A £4.000.IXI £2.341.12 Totsl In¢om¥ Bank balance fwd from 2022 T£i6.64i.51 -'Total Éxpendlture £23,927.66 Bank Balance 31.12.23 4 £S 498.43 £29 426.09 426. Amount In CCLA unt £14.536.041 I natèd Al•x F £397.26'1heldin m8in awunt) £1.819.68 (iwdin maln 8Gtxxu￿. h8s £2cicash ffoalj £LOO (hoidin main account) P rlsh Sha Insurance fo d Insurane totsl pald Quota decreased by £710.12 lapprox 6.26 %) ,Quots £10,851.00 &1.553.50 £9,097.$0 In8.Increased by £836.SOlapprox 13.3%) 'Insurance 87 47.138.28 10.41 £9 087.09 for2023 2021 £154.62., 2023 £97.78 Av¢r&g• w••kly •nvlDDj Averng• w•èkly ¢48h £126.54 £171.93 £220.46 £169.49 Glft Akl £21 ¢31L¢*tst- Page 1 33

Shee11 Petsls Fln nc Schemg Fun m)er INCOME EXPENDITURÉ 08.09.23 Repayment 09.10.23 Repaymént 06.11.23 Refund | 10.11.23 Repa nt Payment ', £ 1,000.00 ,,Paymont £ 300.00 iPayinont £ 900.00 Paymoni £ 100.00 ,'Payment 04.08.23 04.08.23 11.09.23 241.1 2thTotsl Ex.pfyndlture | £ 2,341.12 £ 919.68éBank 8alan¢o 31.12.23 ￿ i £ 1819.68 £ 4 160.80 Aj £ 4160.80 BIF Bank Balancè 31.12.22 aLLk 35

Sheet1 CCLA C8F Chu land De ft Fund INCOMÉ IEXPENDITURÉ 31.03.23 .Intèrest 22.05.23 Transf•rfram eurrnnt ¥¢ ', 30.06.23 Interest 30.09.23 '1nt•r•$t Transfér to church alc £4.OLiO.00 £93.232_ £141.55h. Total Exp•ndltur• Bank Balanc• 31.12.23i BIF Bank B*lan¢t 31.12.22 £11535. Pag8 1 36

Holy Trinity Church and Community Centre Report for 20023

Holy Trinity Development Group Report:

Archdeacon David Sharples, Rev Daniel Ramble, Rev Pat Lodge, Judith Hilton, Carl Kelsall, Les Smith, Lily Axworthy (Greater Rev Manchester Together who work closely with the Diocese)

January

It was investigated if it would be possible to vacate the church and find an alternative venue or place Mobile units in the grounds to accommodate the community centre.

It was agreed that, for a number of reasons, alternative accommodation or mobile units would not be a viable alternative - i.e. closing the church would likely generate large ongoing expenses to the Diocese, its listed status and clarity on a covenant which could make disposal of the building difficult. It would also cause a problem for the school renting part of the church yard as a MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) together with the school having access to the church for services 3-4 times per year and using the building as part of the school religious education programme.

Archdeacon David Sharples and Area Dean Daniel Ramble have been working with the Diocesan legal team (Donna Mayers) to investigating if there are any covenants on the building and grounds regarding Christian worship in the building and grounds.

Charitable Incorporated Organisation) (C.I.O)

Creating the CIO would make it possible to maintain the link between the Parish and the Community Centre.

The Parish of the Good Shepherd (Diocese representatives) would be a founding member of the CIO and have nomination rights to set numbers of Trustees.

An example of this may be that if there were to be up to 9 Trustees, the Diocese/Parish may nominate 3 trustees, and these 3 trustees are then responsible for nominating the remaining 6 trustees.

This would remove all responsibility of the CIO “Holy Trinity“ from the Parish of the Good Shepherd PCC.

This approach would also allow the project to continue to be an expression of the Christian mission in the local area and possibly retain part of the building as a consecrated area or being licenced for Christian Worship., and being available for the school to continue using the building

It would be possible for the CIO to be a foundation, meaning that only the Trustees have voting rights. It would be possible to include an objective relating to maintaining the heritage of the building for the future. It would reduce the possibility of previous mistakes and conflicts of interest being repeated.

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By creating a separate “CIO“ in corporate structure, this creates the opportunity for the assets, Holy Trinity Church “transferred a new CIO.

The priority for the new CIO will be putting together a plan for funding and undertaking the repair work to the building which will take place in a number of stages over circa 3-5 yrs.

The application to become a C.I.O has been submitted to the Charities Commission’ their decision may take up to six months.

January

Big Lottery Reaching Communities informed us we had been successful in our application for funding.

August

A meeting was held attended by Archdeacon David, Judith, Carl and Les with Steve Higgins a representative of a company specialising in assets transfers

The aim of the meeting was to discuss the church building being transferred to the C.I.O and to explore transferring the “Church Fabric” to the CIO, who would enter into a 15 or 25yr lease agreement.

From this meeting a presentation was prepare for Archdeacon David to present a proposal to explore the CIO/Asset transfer to September‘s Diocesan Mission And Pastoral Committee (DMPC)

September

Following the DMPC meeting Archdeacon David informed us that the Committee unanimously support the continued exploration of the proposal CIO/ Assets transfer.

As this is something which has never been done before the next steps have to be worked out with the Diocese and Church commissioners.

In August The Charities Commission accepted the application for Holy Trinity Community Centre to be registered as a Charities Incorporate Organisation (CIO) and they issued a charity registration number.

Once the CIO was registered, 3 Trustees had to be appointed to the Development Group, as that would protect and represent the Parish. The trustees would be John Leslie Smith, Judith Anne Hilton. Margaret Mary Dunn. (Parish Trustees and Community Centre Management). A further Trustee, Caroline Gregory from Ashton Together, was appointed to the Trustee and Management committee.

October

The Charites Commission informed us that Holy Trinity Community Centre had been registered as a Community Incorporate Organisation with its own Charity number.

Extra Ordinary PCC Meeting.

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Archdeacon David Sharples requested that we arrange an extra ordinary meeting to ask the PCC for their agreement to close Holy Trinity to move forward the asset transfer of the building to the CIO forward.

The following resolution was proposed.:

"The PCC of the Parish of the Good Shepherd passed a resolution on the 18th December 2023 to allow the Diocese to initiate the process, that may lead to the closure of Holy Trinity and the asset transfer of Holy Trinity Ashton to a Community Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and allow the building to be resurrected as a place licensed for Christian Worship”.

The resolution was unanimously agreed by the PCC members present.

A public meeting to discuss the closure will be held in January.

Community Centre Report:

Management Committee Members

Les Smith Acting Chair, Judith Hilton, Margaret Dunn. Shajeda Khanom, Joyce Bowerman, Caroline Gregory, Naila Sharif, Atta Ul-Rosool.

January 2023.

The first term of English for Speakers of Other languages (ESOL) thanks to a sub contract with Tameside College - the funding helps us sustain the centres running costs and the value of the contract is £25,000 per year.

We have partnered with Jigsaw Housing and the Community Gathering to deliver a pensioner’s party for 50 elderly residents, with entertainment being provided thanks to Holy Trinity School children, who sang Christmas songs.

We also launched our Warm Welcome in partnership with Jigsaw housing. The provision will run on Mondays from 9.30 till 4pm. This provides a breakfast and lunch for local residents, and will help with warmth, food and loneliness in the winter months. We also invite agencies into the centre to provide information Advice and Guidance.

A Hate Crime Awareness Week took place on from Monday the 6th of February in partnership with the Council’s Community Safety team.

We have applied to the Big Lotteries Reaching Communities programme as discussed at the last PCC meeting without receiving advice to make amendments on the application

The Big Lotteries are expected to make a decision Mid-January

The Church was used by Holy Trinity School for the Christmas nativity (2022), sadly this was in January not December due to the school boiler breakdown.

Easter, July end of term and Christmas 2023 - at each of these services 220 children and average 45 adults, school staff and parents attend.

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The bid submitted to the Henry Smith charity for £108,000 for the IAG (Tayyaba) worker for the next 3 years. This would free up some of the lottery funding which could then present an opportunity to create a paid role within the CIO to employ a Project Co-ordinator with a specific focus on the improvement and repairs of the building together with its long-term sustainability.

In conjunction with Jig Saw housing we to set up a Food Pantry as an extension to Coordinator with a specific focus on managing improvement and repairs, and looking for a long-term sustainability for the building.

March 2023

Unfortunately, we received motivation the above application had been unsuccessful

A number of other funding streams are being explored

An Iftar event was organised, prepared and served in the traditional Muslim manner by the centre staff and volunteers, and was attended by 100 people, including Archdeacon David, Area Dean Daniel, Ashton MP Angel Raynor, Tameside Lord Mayor and his Consort, 2 Local Councillors & police representatives.

To break the fast Daniel & the Iman offered prayer.

March 2023

The Big Lottery Reaching Communities (BLRC) grant had been successful the grant was for £308.000 for three years the centre had to provide £119,000 which gave the funding of £417,000 for three years. Judith Hilton & Les Smith signed the contract with the BLRC.

In August Mike McDonald who has been the caretaker/cleaner for 9 years retired. Following a meeting with the staff it was agreed that with reallocation of hours and duties, together with the reduction of sanitising etc to meet the covid requirements, Mikes duties would be covered by the present staff and therefore his post will not be filled.

the Monday Warm Welcome. The pantry will be run by the centre staff and volunteers. (Pay £4.50 and pick any 7 items from those available)

New business has been brought into the centre:

Throughout the year -

The Advice and information Office has been open Monday to Thursday 9.30-4.30pm

Day Time Activities: Drop-in Centre, Esol Classes, Neonatal Knitter, Sewing Group Arts and craft, Creative Drama, Dance and Exercise,

Night Activities: Monday, Wednesday, and occasional Friday, Youth Group.

Tuesday ,Thursday Marshall Arts

Saturday: Weight Watchers.

There have been a number of private bookings.

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J.L.Smith

Church Warden

March 2024.

The Parish of The Good Shepherd, Ashton-under-Lyne

Safeguarding Policy

Promoting a Safer Church

The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on May 23[rd] 2024

In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy our church is committed to:

• Promoting a safer environment and culture.

• Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the church.

• Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.

• Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons.

• Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons.

• Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others.

The Parish will:

• Create a safe and caring place for all.

• Have a named Parish Safeguarding Coordinator (PSC) to work with the incumbent and the PCC to implement policy and procedures.

• Safely recruit, train and support all those with any responsibility for children, young people and adults to have the confidence and skills to recognise and respond to abuse.

• Ensure that there is appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving children and adults undertaken in the name of the parish.

• Display in church premises and on the Parish website the details of who to contact if there are safeguarding concerns or support needs.

• Listen to and take seriously all those who disclose abuse.

• Take steps to protect children and adults when a safeguarding concern of any kind arises, following House of Bishops guidance, including notifying the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) and statutory agencies immediately.

• Offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, when or where it occurred.

• Care for and monitor any member of the church community who may pose a risk to children and adults whilst maintaining appropriate confidentiality and the safety of all parties.

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• Ensure that health and safety policy, procedures and risk assessments are in place and that these are reviewed annually.

• Review the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Practices at least annually.

Each person who works within this church community will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this church.

This church appoints Moira Wilson as the Parish Safeguarding Officer

Incumbent ................................................................................................ Churchwardens .............................................................................................................................................

..........

• Date: Policy Statement on Children and Young People In THE PARISH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

• This statement was agreed at the PCC meeting held on: May 23[rd] 2024 and will be reviewed each year

• As members of this church, we commit ourselves to the nurturing, protection and safekeeping of all, especially children and young people.

• It is the responsibility of each one of us to prevent the physical, sexual and emotional abuse of children and young people and to report any abuse discovered or suspected.

• We recognise that our work with children and young people is the responsibility of the whole Church.

• Our church is committed to supporting, resourcing and training those who work with children and young people and to providing supervision.

• Our church is committed to following the policy and procedures published by the Diocese.

• The parish will adopt good practice guidelines.

• Each worker with children and young people must undertake diocesan Safeguarding training, know the guidelines and undertake to follow them. Each shall be given a copy of the Parish’s agreed procedures and good practice guidelines.

• As part of our commitment to children and young people, each DCC will appoint

• A Church Safeguarding Co-ordinator MOIRA WILSON is the Parish Safeguarding Officer  Children and young people are an important part of our Church today.

• They have much to give as well as to receive.

• We will listen to them.  As we nurture them in worship, learning, and in community life, we will respect the wishes and feelings of children and young people. The Church Safeguarding Officer will represent the concerns and views of children and young people at our meetings and to outside bodies.

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Incumbent............................................................................................

Churchwarden......................................................................................

Parish Safeguarding-Co-ordinator…………………………………………………………..……….. Policy Statement on the Safeguarding of Adults in the Church

This statement was adopted by THE PARISH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD at the Parochial Church Council meeting held on May 23[rd] 2024

and will be reviewed each year

1. We recognize that everyone has different levels of vulnerability and that each of us may be regarded as vulnerable at some time in our lives.

2. As members of this parish we commit ourselves to respectful pastoral care for all adults to whom we minister.

3. We commit ourselves to the safeguarding of people who may be vulnerable, ensuring their well-being in the life of this church.

4. We commit ourselves to promoting safe practice by those in positions of trust.

5. The parish commits itself to promoting the inclusion and empowerment of people who may be vulnerable.

6. It is the responsibility of each of us to prevent the physical, emotional, sexual, financial and spiritual abuse of vulnerable people and to report any such abuse that we discover or suspect.

7. We undertake to exercise proper care in the appointment and selection of those who will work with people who may be vulnerable.

8. The parish is committed to supporting, resourcing, training and regularly reviewing those who undertake work amongst people who may be vulnerable.

9. The parish adopts the guidelines of the Church of England and the Diocese.

10. Each person who works with vulnerable people will agree to abide by these recommendations and the guidelines established by this church.

The Parish appoints Moira Wilson as Safeguarding Coordinator Each church will appoint a Safeguarding Officer to represent the concerns and views of vulnerable people at our meetings and to outside bodies.

Incumbent............................................................................................

Churchwarden.......................................................................................

Parish Safeguarding-Co-ordinator………………………………….……………….

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Date.............................................................

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE PARISH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of The Parish of The Good Shepherd

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Parish of The Good Shepherd (the Trust) for the year ended 31 December 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the Trust 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 Trust's accounts carried out under Section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or

2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

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.

Jane Cooksey FCCA

Jane Cooksey Limited 15/16 Boarshurst Bus. Park, Boarshurst Lane, Greenfield Oldham Lancashire OL3 7ER

23 October 2024

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THE PARISH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Unrestricted fund Notes £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Income resources from Donors 148,672 Other trading activities 2 4,864 Investment income 3 62,181 Other income 39,392 Total 255,109 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 3,018 Charitable activities Activities relating directly to the work of the church 107,395 Staff Costs 155,341 Extraordinary expenses - Total 265,754 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (10,645) Transfers between funds 9 69,775 Net movement in funds 59,130 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 98,392 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 157,522	Restricted fund £ - - 74 - 74 - - - - - 74 (69,775) (69,701) 75,789 6,088	2023 Total funds £ 148,672 4,864 62,255 39,392 255,183 3,018 107,395 155,341 - 265,754 (10,571) - (10,571) 174,181 163,610	2022 Total funds £ 205,329 7,954 41,143 29,958 284,384 2,792 104,084 156,108 23,718 286,702 (2,318) - (2,318) 176,499 174,181

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THE PARISH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

BALANCE SHEET 31 DECEMBER 2023

Unrestricted fund Notes £ CURRENT ASSETS Cash at bank 164,580 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 8 (7,058) NET CURRENT ASSETS 157,522 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 157,522 NET ASSETS 157,522 FUNDS 9 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS	Restricted fund £ 7,140 (1,052) 6,088 6,088 6,088	2023 Total funds £ 171,720 (8,110) 163,610 163,610 163,610 157,522 6,088 163,610	2022 Total funds £ 184,783 (10,602) 174,181 174,181 174,181 98,392 75,789 174,181

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 23 October 2024 and were signed on its behalf by:

Trustee

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THE PARISH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) '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 (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount can be measured reliably.

Voluntary Income and Capital Resources

Collections are recognised when received by or on behalf of the PCC. Planned giving receivable under covenant is recognised only when received. Income tax recoverable on covenants or gift aid donation is recognised when the income is received. Grants and legacies to the PCC are accounted for as soon as the PCC is notified of its legal entitlement and the amount due.

Sale of books and magazines from the church bookstall are accounted for gross.

Other Ordinary Income

Rental income from the letting of church premises and other property is recognised when the rental is due.

Income from Investments

Dividends and interest are accounted for when receivable.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end date are noted as a commitment but not accrued as expenditure.

Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Fixtures and fittings

• 25% on cost

Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity.

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Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

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THE PARISH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Fund accounting

The accounts include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not included the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body, nor those that are informal gatherings of Church members.

2. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES

Magazines/Common worship Fees Fund raising activities INVESTMENT INCOME Rents from PCC property Deposit account interest	2023 £ - - 4,864 4,864 2023 £ 61,606 649 62,255	2022 £ 75 25 7,854 7,954 2022 £ 41,055 88 41,143

3. INVESTMENT INCOME

4. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 December 2023 nor for the year ended 31 December 2022.

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 December 2023 nor for the year ended 31 December 2022.

5. STAFF COSTS

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:

	2023	2022
Church Activities	9	11

No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.

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THE PARISH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

6. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES Unrestricted fund £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Income resources from Donors 198,965 Other trading activities 7,954 Investment income 41,143 Other income 29,958 Total 278,020 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 2,567 Charitable activities Activities relating directly to the work of the church 104,084 Staff Costs 156,108 Extraordinary expenses 23,718 Total 286,477 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (8,457) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 106,849 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 98,392 7. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS COST At 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2023	Restricted fund £ 6,364 - - - 6,364 225 - - - 225 6,139 69,650 75,789	Total funds £ 205,329 7,954 41,143 29,958 284,384 2,792 104,084 156,108 23,718 286,702 (2,318) 176,499 174,181 Fixtures and fittings £ 16,858

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DEPRECIATION

At 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2023 16,858 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 December 2023 - At 31 December 2022 -

56

THE PARISH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

8. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Taxation and social security Other creditors	2023 £ 1,633 6,477 8,110	2022 £ 1,543 9,059 10,602

9. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Restricted general fund TOTAL FUNDS Net movement in funds, included in the above are Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Restricted general fund TOTAL FUNDS Comparatives for movement in funds Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds	At 1.1.23 £ 98,392 75,789 174,181 as follows:	Net movement in funds £ (10,645) 74 (10,571) Incoming resources £ 255,109 74 255,183 At 1.1.22 £ 106,849	Transfers between At funds 31.12.23 £ £ 69,775 157,522 (69,775) 6,088 - 163,610 Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (265,754) (10,645) - 74 (265,754) (10,571) Net movement At in funds 31.12.22 £ £ (8,457) 98,392

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Restricted general fund

Restricted general fund 69,650 6,139 75,789 TOTAL FUNDS 176,499 (2,318) 174,181

58

THE PARISH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

9. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Restricted general fund TOTAL FUNDS	Incoming resources £ 278,020 6,364 284,384	Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (286,477) (8,457) (225) 6,139 (286,702) (2,318)

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:

Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Restricted general fund TOTAL FUNDS	At 1.1.22 £ 106,849 69,650 176,499	Net movement in funds £ (19,102) 6,213 (12,889)	Transfers between funds £ 69,775 (69,775) -	At 31.12.23 £ 157,522 6,088 163,610

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Restricted general fund TOTAL FUNDS	Incoming resources £ 533,129 6,438 539,567	Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (552,231) (19,102) (225) 6,213 (552,456) (12,889)

59

THE PARISH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

10. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 December 2023.

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THE PARISH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Income resources from Donors Covenants Income tax recoverable Uncovenanted Collections Grants and project income Donations, Appeals Legacies Other trading activities Magazines/Common worship Fees Fund raising activities Investment income Rents from PCC property Deposit account interest Other income Other income Total incoming resources EXPENDITURE Raising donations and legacies Cost of Fund-Raising events Charitable activities Wages Church Overseas Office costs Sundries Diocesan Quota Clergy Expenses Church running expenses Hall -running expenses Church Maintenance Upkeep of services Expenditure of Parish Magazine Support & Education costs	2023 £ 18,661 5,909 10,013 1,950 110,703 436 1,000 148,672 - - 4,864 4,864 61,606 649 62,255 39,392 255,183 3,018 155,341 948 631 - 10,435 1,919 46,113 31,181 5,819 4,703 143 4,373	2022 £ 28,224 7,843 7,800 7,154 151,090 3,218 - 205,329 75 25 7,854 7,954 41,055 88 41,143 29,958 284,384 2,792 161,146 390 639 3,176 10,505 783 42,290 16,790 3,043 2,864 163 14,052

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Carried forward 261,606 255,841 63

THE PARISH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Charitable activities Brought forward Salary of the Organists Verger and Choir Major works Home Missions & Secular charities Support costs Governance costs Accountancy and legal fees Total resources expended Net expenditure	2023 £ 261,606 220 - 50 261,876 860 265,754 (10,571)	2022 £ 255,841 3,090 23,718 1,011 283,660 250 286,702 (2,318)

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