2024-12-31-accounts

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kath

Parish of the

including the Financial Report presented on May 18th 2025

for the year ended 31st December 2024

Parish Information for the year 2024 ...................................................................................................................3 Rector’s Report ..............................................................................................................................................................4 Chair of the PCC report ...............................................................................................................................................4 Treasurer’s report.........................................................................................................................................................6 Deanery Synod report .................................................................................................................................................8 Church of St Gabriel ................................................................................................................................................... 10 Church of St James ..................................................................................................................................................... 15 Church of St Michael and All Angels.................................................................................................................... 18 Church of St Peter ...................................................................................................................................................... 24 Holy Trinity Church and Community Centre ...................................................................................................... 28 Safeguarding ................................................................................................................................................................ 31 Parish boundary ......................................................................................................................................................... 34 Social context and foundation of the Parish .................................................................................................... 35

Parish Information for the year 2024

Team Clergy

The Parish was in i nterregnum till the end of November.

Revd Dr Paul Monk (from 21 November 2024).

Revd Pat Lodge (retired OLM with PTO)

ALM Parish Bankers: Churches in the Parish

Correspondence address Council Members

Revd Sheila Cant (retired OLM with PTO till the end of June 2024) Cath Sheldon

HSBC Ashton-under-Lyne

Holy Trinity, St Gabriel, St James’s, St Michael and All Angels, and St Peter’s.

The Rectory, 2A Hutton Avenue, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 6QY

Ex officio: Clergy, Parish and Church Wardens, Parish Safeguarding Officer, Parish Treasurer, Parish Secretary.

Elected members: as below.

Parish Wardens Church Wardens

Tina Howarth and Les Smith

Holy Trinity Judith Hilton and Les Smith St Gabriel Sandra Kiy St James Tina Howarth St Michael Michael Winterbottom St Peter Phil Bowden and Carol Farnsworth Les Smith

Chair of PCC Les Smith Treasurer Jan Ratcliffe Secretary Revd Pat Lodge Elected Members Jamie Collins, Margaret Dunn, Elaine Gaskell, Jeff Glennon, Carole Hulse, Janet Kennerley, Maureen Leigh, Margaret Stanley, Peter Summers, Ruth Summers.

Safeguarding Officer Moira Wilson Electoral Roll Officer Deborah Brindle Committees/Groups Treasurers’ Group Registered Charity Number 1134826

Rector’s Report

I have been made extremely welcome since I joined the Parish of the Good Shepherd a few months ago, so my first, delightful, task is to offer my sincerest thanks. You have made a difficult transition easier than it might otherwise have been.

Change is never easy and most of us like the security of what we know and appreciate. We invest time and emotional energy into our churches because they matter. It now matters to me as well, so thank you for sharing something so precious. I am grateful.

Since I arrived, I have spent much time meeting local people, so a joy-laden process of getting to know people and becoming a part of their precious lives. I can therefore say with authority that the Parish of the Good Shepherd has a great many strengths but many, many challenges as well. All the churches in the parish follow that general trend.

The second challenge is to grow the congregations. We need to ‘future proof’ all aspects, which probably means new people, new styles, new ventures, and risks taken with courage and hope in a God of infinite love (1 John 4:16).

Our third challenge underpins all else: we must grow in spiritual depth. Our first two challenges are intended as means to that greater end. That’s why Jesus tells us to love God with everything and to love neighbour as self. If we genuinely do so, we invoke and invite the God who is love into everything we do. God Himself becomes the love we are to share. This is the ‘Seek ye first the Kingdom of God … ‘that Jesus commands; and, remember, if we genuinely do so, we should expect the rider, ‘… and all these things will be given unto us’.

I conclude by reiterating my thanks to those who lead, clear, clean, organise, and (in a thousand other ways) facilitate the Lord’s work in this special place.

And I pray for God’s blessing on each of us as we explore the lives of holiness that follow from walking close to Jesus.

Paul Monk Rector

Chair of the PCC report

January was the start of the third year of interregnum. Regular PCC meetings were held throughout the year in all the churches in the Parish thanks to Revd Phil Brierley, Revd Phil Miller, Revd Pat Lodge, Revd Sheila Cant and Cath Sheldon (ALM).

In the past year, we have faced significant challenges and changes taking place regarding the parish moving forward.

Two public meetings were held at Holy Trinity and St James’s regarding future of both churches. They were chaired by Rev. Alan Simpson and attended by the Archdeacon and Area Dean.

Following the meeting, a proposal a proposal was presented to the D.M.P.C. to start the closure procedures for Holy Trinity and St James church.

In line with the closure procedure, a due diligence inspection of both churches buildings and contents was carried out by Keri Deamer, one of the Church Commissioner’s Senior Building Inspector.

Following the inspection, a report from the Church Commissioners would be presented to the Diocese D.M.P.C.

We are still unaware of the contents of this report.

The Parish representatives, Sandra Kiy and Maureen Leigh as well as Les Smith, the Trustee, have held a number of meetings and correspondents with Bishop Mark regarding the appointment of a new incumbent.

Bishop Mark held a meeting with the PCC to discuss the Parish and vacancy. The Bishop pointed out that the Parish had changed significantly since the Parish Profile was last written.

However, he said that any applicant would be using the Parish Profile that had been written three years ago and so we couldn’t change it now but that we might wish our Parish representatives to include some of the current elements that concerned us in their questions at an interview. People were asked if there were particular things that they felt should be included.

Bishop Mark invited the Parish representatives to interview Revd Dr Paul Monk for the position of Team Rector. Following that interview, Revd Paul accepted the post.

A provisional date for his licencing to take place at the end of the year was proposed.

Revd Shelia Cant announced her retirement, her last service would take place on 30 June. We thank Revd Sheila for her hard work and dedication over the last three years and wish her enjoyable and a long well-earned retirement.

Despite a number of difficulties with auditing the annual accounts for 2023, the annual returns were completed and registered with the Diocese and Charities Commission on time.

The PCC members and treasurers attended a meeting with Carolyn McLaughlin from the Diocese to discuss/ review the Parish share, which resulted in a reassessment of the parish share.

On 21 November we welcomed Revd Dr Paul Monk and his family to the Parish at his Licencing Service at St Peter’s conducted by Bishop Mark Davies.

We look forward to work with Revd Paul and moving forward after a very challenging three year interregnum.

On behalf of the PCC church members, I would like to give special thanks to Revd Pat Lodge for all her dedication, help, wisdom and support over the last three years.

J.L. Smith Acting Chair

Treasurer’s report

1 Accounts

The fees owed to the diocese (for weddings and funerals) were paid each month.

The Sequestration claims made to the diocese for expenditure on our 2 empty vicarages were being made monthly until November 2024, when our Rector move into The Rectory, Hutton Avenue, and the diocese took over the responsibility for St James’ Vicarage.

The 2024 Parish Accounts were independently inspected and his report is attached.

2 Budget

Four churches pay equal amounts of £185.00 per month into the Central Account to cover general admin costs, ministry and vicarage expenses and the cost of employing the Parish Treasurer / Administrator.

All 4 churches paid their 25% in full for 2024.

Holy Trinity paid £90 per month.

Following the appointment of our new Rector, and the consequent changes in ministry and vicarage costs, this should be reviewed in April 2025.

3 Insurance

Ecclesiastical Insurance for our parish was renewed in October 2024 and the premium is paid monthly by direct from the Central Account.

All churches pay their monthly premiums into the Central Account via standing orders on the 1st of every month, to ensure that funds are available for payments.

4 Bank

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

5 Payroll

All salaries and payments to HMRC have been made on time.

The Accountancy People (AP) took over the responsibility for our payroll processing in October 2024 and have proved to be both professional and helpful.

All 3 cost centres have a buffer fund of 1 month’s wages, with more in the HTCCC cost centre, as they were accumulating funds to cover possible redundancy costs.

St Michael’s two employees were made redundant as from 28 January 2024.

Pensions

All payments to NEST were processed smoothly.

6 Parish Share

Wardens and Treasurers met at a Discussion and Agreement Meeting with Carolyn McGloughlin (Parish Support Officer – Finance) on 6 July 2024 and as a result our Parish Share allocation for 2024 was reduced from £42,522.54 to £14,000.00, on condition that we paid 75% by the end of September and 100% by 31 December 2024.

This was achieved and, as a goodwill gesture, we overpaid by £1,500, which will be credited to our PS for 2025.

Maureen Leigh (Church Treasurer at St Peter’s) worked long and hard on calculating what payments each church needed to make to meet these targets.

I wish to express my huge thanks to Maureen for carrying out this difficult task and to all Treasurers and Gift Aid Secretaries for all the work they did on this.

Jan Ratcliffe Administrator

Income	£	Expenditure
Parish Insurance	26,060.60	Administrator	4,800.00
Harvest	142.00	Harvest	233.99
Team Contribution – St James’s	2225.94	Clergy expenses	437.98
Team Contribution – Holy Trinity	1,080.00	Upkeep of services	1,058.58
Team Contribution – St Michael’s	2,285.12	Holy Trinity School	0.00
Team Contribution – St Gabriel’s	2,225.94	Holy Trinity Vicarage	0.00
Team Contribution – St Peter’s	2454.00	Rectory: St James’s	1,602.26
St James Vicarage costs – Reimbursements	1,676.45	Youth work	0.00
Donations	100	RRP/Magazine	295.34
RRP/Magazine	800.00	Church Admin	1,682.59
Transfer from wages account	0.00	Refunds to Churches	0.00
Hutton Ave Rectory – Reimbursements	716.22	Parish Insurance	26,687.80
Ministry	72.69	Parish Share	9,298.10
Parish Share	0.00
Fees	609.00
Total	49,141.62	Total	47,316.56
EXCESS INCOME OVER EXPENDITURE	1,825.62
Bank Reconciliation
Statement Balance at 31.12.24	6492.12
Add income	49,141.62
Less Expenditure	47,316.56
Accounts balance at 31.12.24	8,317.18
Statement balance at 31.12.24	8,317.18

Deanery Synod report

The Deanery Synod convened three times, on 8th February, 10th July, and 8th October.

At these meetings we had presentations from diocesan staff: on Focal Leadership, Building the Connection and Growing Churches for All Generations. Following the presentations, there were break-out groups giving members the opportunity to tell their stories, offer opinions and suggestions, and discuss issues arising.

Focal Leadership

Presentation from Kim Morgan-Jones (Head of Lay Development and Discipleship) and Beverley Angier (Focal Ministry Officer).

This was a promotional presentation on the role of Focal Leaders, encouraging parishes to identify those who could fulfil this important role.

Building the Connection

Presentation by Rick Otto, Diocesan Children’s Officer in July.

Rick spoke freely about children in our churches, and the importance of school connections. Regular presence in schools builds relationships and trust, plus helps children and families to recognise a friendly face when they go to church for the first time. Chat to mums at the gate, go into the staffroom and talk to teachers, play football with children, take part in music, drama etc.

Growing Churches for all Generations

The focus of the Diocese and our Deanery is Growing, Nurturing and Serving. Adaptability and Inclusivity are important on our journey, as is having a holistic approach to spiritual as well as numerical growth. The amended values now are:

Blessing Welcoming and cared-for through hospitality and support e.g. 270 additional members were invited in Saddleworth. 105 are still attending after 6 months, 45 of which joined Bible study groups.

Belonging Relationships built on love and respect with a sense of community e.g. doubled the amount of midweek services.

Believing Opportunities for spiritual growth through discipleship and faith exploration.

Becoming Growing into Christ-like individuals through mentoring and service e.g. one parish increased from 5 to 72 children every Sunday (42 families).

Updates on Mission Communities

Each meeting contained updates of the development progress of all MC’s in our deanery.

Some were working well, establishing services, regular activities and occasional events, where MCs worked together and the events held in one location. Others, by the end of the year, were

just beginning to explore how they can develop; whereas some have struggled to bond the MC and to encourage participation with churches other than their own.

Eco Church

Matt Carson, our Deanery Eco Champion works hard to help those starting out on this initiative and consequently many churches in our deanery have achieved their Bronze award and some their Silver.

Matt presents a report at every Deanery Synod.

Lay Chair

Liz Dent gives an informative report to every Deanery Synod and these can be on clergy appointments, safeguarding updates, training opportunities, events in the deanery and news from the diocese.

Deanery Finance

Deanery Synod proposed that each of our 47 parishes to voluntarily contribute £30 to the Deanery bank account to cover expenses such as room hire, purchase of equipment etc. Most, but not all, parishes have generously donated.

Parish Share payments from parishes are regularly monitored. The Parish Support Officer for Finance, Carolyn McGlaughlin, has met with parishes in the deanery to discuss re-assessment of their parish share quota and gained their commitment to pay agreed quotas in full. This has been a hugely successful exercise, as parishes now feel that their financial situations are understood and adjustments made where needed. The diocese has benefited from gaining accurate information on how much they can expect parish share income would be, helping with their cash flow predictions.

As at 31 December 2024, the parish share income for Oldham and Ashton Deanery was 96.9% of the quota expected after the adjustments.

Jan Ratcliffe Administrator

Church of St Gabriel

DCC MEMBERSHIP

During 2024 the following people served as members of the DCC

Revd Sheila Cant (ex officio)

Sandra Kiy (Churchwarden)

Phillip Lee (Treasurer)

Deborah Brindle (Secretary)

The following are to serve until 2026 Mandy Hayes, Phillip Lee, Deborah Brindle, Carole Hulse The following are to serve until 2027 Sheila Kenyon, Christine Etchells

During the year Hazel Sugden stepped down from the DCC due to moving away from the area, Hazel has been a valued member of St Gabriel’s for over 30 years and she will be greatly missed.

We welcomed Christine Etchells to the DCC in October. Christine has been helping at the Place of Welcome for a couple of years and had become more involved with events at St Gabriel’s so becoming a member of the DCC was only natural.

CLERGY REPORT

The year has brought great change to the Parish of the Good Shepherd, In September the Revd Dr Paul Monk was appointed as the Team Rector and his licensing took place in November. He joined us at an extremely busy time, and we are truly grateful to him for ‘taking us on’. Paul has been super busy and at St Gabriel’s has given us the boost we needed.

Sheila Cant retired in October which was a great loss as she had become not only a member of the Clergy but a member of St Gabriel’s, but looking after her mother is her main priority. Sheila still helps at the Place of Welcome most Mondays.

In December the Revd Pat Lodge retired. Since Revd Farnworth left in December 2021, Pat has been the spear head of the Parish, she has guided and managed the whole Team like a true leader.

SERVICES

There has been 1 baptism and 1 funeral.

Two retired members of clergy have generously helped up during the interregnum, but until recently there has been no Rector or full-time staff. Visiting clergy have helped ease the load for Revd Pat and Revd Sheila, but it is thanks to Revd Pat that we have maintained some kind of normality. Churches have therefore had to adapt; we have at least one joint service each month and a shared service with St James’s every month.

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

In 2024 St Gabriel’s expenditure exceeded its income by £8,136. This was entirely due to essential outside building work being undertaken.

Items of note were:

The actual giving of £4,112 was 11.1% down on 2023 £4,630, which continued the trend of recent years.
Church letting income received of £9,015 was 11.5% up on the £8,075 generated in 2023.

Income		Expenses
Envelopes & s/o covenanted	£2,335.05	Parish share payments	£3,071.13
Gift Aid claims	£679.26	Gift Aid to Parish share	£679.26
Envelopes uncovenanted	£916.00	Utilities and cleaning	£4,785.32
Plate collections	£861.36	Team Clergy Expenses	£333.84
Letting Income	£9,015.00	Team Upkeep of Services	£44.52
Fundraising	£1,985.50	Team Property expenses	£356.16
Fees	£362.00	Team Admin Position	£1,068.48
Interest & Dividends	£176.63	Team Miscellaneous	£422.94
PoW Energy Grant	£294.00	Insurance	£847.18
		Services upkeep	£1,134.20
		Diocesan fees	£158.00
		Outside building work	£10,567.61
		Internal maintenance	£1,292.60
Total Income	£16,624.80	Total Expenditure	£24,761.24
Bank balance 01.01.24	£39,174.95	Bank Balance 31.12.24	£31,038.51
	£55,799.75		£55,799.75
Excess of expenditure over	income		£8,136.44
Church Balance Sheet at 31 December 2024		2024	2023
Unrestricted church funds in main account		£27,534.07	£35,847.14
Unrestricted Church funds	in CCLA investment	account £3,504.44	£3,327.81
Total bank funds as at 31 December 2024		£31,038.51	£39,174.95

Parish Share

The Parish Share paid for 2024 was £3,750 consisting of direct payments and gift aid income tax receipts, this represented 110% of the level assessed by Manchester Diocese.

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 bank reserves.

Independent Examiner’s Report

Samantha L Knott MAAT certified that the accounts for 2024 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 work hard as our secretary and provides 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 and in helping with general church building ideas.

Revd 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. It was with sadness that we said goodbye to her as a member of our clergy in October but we are delighted that she continues to volunteer at our Place of Welcome and to support us with our fundraising events.

Within the team, Pat Lodge admirably led the group of churchwardens within the Parish and the PCC to address the future and regular meetings were held throughout the year, dealing with many difficult and contentious issues. Pat’s determination to do her best for the Parish has been admirable and it was with great sadness that we said goodbye to her in December.

At last, after dealing with a long-term interregnum, we have been blessed with the arrival of Revd Dr Paul Monk. Paul has already started to have an impact on the way we function at St Gabriel’s and we are already enjoying new service formats and sharing new ideas for worship in the future. The rota which had to be put in place during the interregnum, with a united service and a shared service every month has continued since Paul’s arrival to allow him to get to know all the members of our congregations, with retired clergy, Revd Philip Miller and Revd Philip Brierley coming in to help us out with other services.

Being a churchwarden has not been easy in the circumstances we have been in for most of the year; but our small but amazing team at St Gabriel’s has been brilliant and I have never felt unsupported.

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

It is with great relief and excitement that I conclude this year’s report: Paul’s arrival has given me hope, inspiration and a wonderful feeling of shared responsibility and, for that, I am extremely grateful.

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. I am very grateful to Sarah, Eris’s mum who has willingly and happily taken on the responsibility of helping the children on that back table.

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 this year is set out below:

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||| |---|---| |Monday morning|Place of Welcome| |Monday evening|Pilates| |Tuesday evening|Clubbercise| |Wednesday evening|Exercise & Fitness| |Thursday afternoon/evening Baker School of Dance| |Friday morning|Flexercise| |Friday evening|Clubbercise| |Saturday morning|Slimming World| |Saturday afternoon|Baker School of Dance|

----- End of picture text -----

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 loneliness. Numbers have continued to grow and we have also gained more volunteers. We continue to use the New Life Church minibus to transport people to and from the sessions, which is a big help.

The Community Garden is thriving. Our paths and patio were completed with a large grant from Greater Manchester Green Spaces and we held an official opening of the garden in July which was a great success and a very happy occasion. In September we were awarded a grade 5 ‘Outstanding’ award in the Britain in Bloom Northwest ‘In your Neighbourhood ‘competition. It was great to accompany Mandy and Sheila to collect the award.

The reception class children from Parochial School have been visiting every two weeks and love it and we have also made strong connections this year with Tameside College; the students in the carpentry department made beautiful planters for us and also built us a wonderful shed. We are planning to extend these connections in the year ahead with more departments becoming involved.

We have also been able to involve students from West Hill School in a new project, working alongside Groundwork Salford thanks to a generous grant from Tameside MBC.

The Food Pantry at the back of church continues to be well used and we now visit Fairshare in Openshaw every Friday afternoon to get extra supplies which is wonderful.

In November, St Gabriel’s Community Group was awarded ‘The King’s Award for Voluntary Service’ (KAVS) which was a great honour. It is good to know that what the group offers to the community in which we serve is valued and respected so highly.

BUILDING AND GROUNDS MAINTENANCE REPORT

Huw Edwards, a professional gardener, continues to mow the grass in church free of charge which is great. Many thanks indeed. Our disabled path and patio are complete and are a wonderful addition to our grounds. We are still awaiting the door at the disabled entrance; this was held up due to a few building issues.

FUNDRAISING/FUNDING

In September we held a Colours Fashion Show then in November, a Christmas Fair was held to raise funds for the Church and the Community Group. This was a successful event with people renting stalls and a large raffle, etc. Many people in the community enjoy these events and they are always well-supported.

Harvest donations were once sent to Pauline Town and foods brought into church were put in our own Food Pantry this year.

Sandra continues to apply for grants to keep our Community Group activities going. This year, we were busy spending the £15,000 Green Spaces grant from last year but also gained an extra £3,000 for the garden and £8,000 for the Place of Welcome and Food Pantry.

Church of St James

FINANCIAL REPORT

INANCIAL REPORT
INCOME	TOTAL	EXPENDITURE	TOTAL
Gift Aid Claims	£2,108.61	Utilities	£9,550.24
		(gas, elec., water, WiFi, alarm)
Envelopes & s/o covenanted	£4,154.50	Upkeep of services	£572.51
Envelopes & s/o uncovenanted	£588.56	Upkeep of services (Team)	£22.23
Church collections – cash	£3,128.81	Home mission	£89.20
Occasional Offices fees	–£37.00	Team: Clergy expenses	£356.10
Interest and dividends	£19.27	Team: PCC property	£356.10
Sundry donations	£4,138.30	Church insurance	£3,240.90
Restricted donations	£2.00	Gift Aid	£3,750.40
		(claims toward Parish Share)
Fundraising income	£5,558.17	Parish Share	£1,376.46
Transfers from investments	£1,087.00	Team admin. assistant	£912.75
Grants	£500.00	Miscellaneous (Team)	£578.76
Lettings etc.	£4,500.00	Routine maintenance	£1,721.00
Other income	£13.00	Transfer to deposit account	£3,930.00
Loan	£400.00	Verger and organist fees	£120.00
		Fund Raising Costs	£1,595.14
		Diocese Loan Repayment	£600.00
	£26,611.22	TOTAL EXPENDITURE	£28,771.79
TOTAL INCOME
Income over expense	–2,610.57
Balance brought over	8,719.20
Balance	6,105.63

Stephen Williamson has certified that the accounts for 2024 give a true and fair view of the transactions for the financial year.

CHURCH WARDEN’S REPORT

It has been quite a busy year, we have maintained the grounds around church grass cutting, kept the edges neat and pruned the blossom tree as it had a lot of dead wood. We have replaced the outside lighting over vestry door, porch door and disabled entrance to make it safe for access. The electricity which flared up on the quinquennial inspection in 2019 has been done and we have the reports. Painted white lines on the steps outside for safety on the dark nights. The

screens which separate church and community room have been repaired temporarily to open and shut easier. The floor in the community room has been repaired. The cellar door has been replaced with a new stronger one like before as the old one wasn’t safe to access the boiler to read the meter. Would like to thank Neil and Jeff for the hard work supporting me over the last 12 months on these jobs.

Tina Howarth Church Warden

ELECTORAL ROLL

The electoral roll currently contains 23 members. This roll will be compiled afresh in 2025. Ruth Summers Electoral Roll Officer

3rd ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE SCOUT GROUP

As many of you are aware, I only started as Lead Volunteer (Group Scout Leader) on a temporary basis in September last year. Because of this, I thought it best for the section leaders themselves to supply the information about their activities. From my perspective, 3rd Ashton has been developing well over at least the last 6 months or so. We have recruited 3 new team members and gained several youth members during the period. Thanks to Darren who has resigned from Cubs, and congratulations to Jade on the birth of her son. Because of the increase in rent, and other running costs, the group decided to increase subs; the youth members now pay £3-00 per week and hopefully this, combined with other fundraising events, will be enough to maintain the financial needs of the group. The leader team has been reorganised to take account of the fact that Jade is taking time off to look after her new baby, and has stepped back from running explorers.

I would like to thank all the leaders in the group for the support that they have given to me, and to also thank them on behalf of the youth members for the great job they are doing.

Beavers

We have gained new leaders since November. Since then, we have completed the following badges: book reader, builder, experiment, air activities, emergency aid level-1, swimmer level-1, digital citizen, collector, chef, and health and fitness. We have also completed all 4 sections of the you shape badge. We have also been working on our challenge badges. We have had 5 new beavers since September with one of our existing beavers nearly completing their bronze badge. We have 7 regular beavers each week.

Forthcoming events include a district sleepover at Gulliver’s World in July and a day of activities at Linnet Clough, which has been organised by them in June.

As a group, we have celebrated the North Tameside 50th anniversary camp, Mothering Sunday, crafts, Christmas panto, Christmas party, a visit to a care home and sang to the residents, Chinese New Year, a visit to Pauline Town, Remembrance Sunday, and making scarecrows.

Explorers

We have temporary leaders due to the main leader on maternity leave. Since April 2024 we have done the following badges:

You shape central and plan, chef, camper, creative arts, fundraising, global issues, international, air activities, emergency aid, hike, nights away, navigator and musician. We have also done young leader module and mission 1. We have awarded 100 badges since April 2024. We have two explorers due their platinum award to be presented at St George’s Day We have done the following events: church car wash, GCSE party, bushtucker trial, AirFix kits, monopoly run, Christmas pantomime, ‘North Tameside at 50’ camp and winter camp.

Scouts

In the last 12 months we have done the ‘North Tameside 50 years celebration’ camp, winter camp, monopoly run (we finished 5th), panto, cooked for parents, Chinese New Year, cooked on a BBQ, origami, scarecrow fest, made cards for Pauline Town and the care home, we said farewell to our leader, Jamie, and water-sports day.

We have completed the following badges: various challenge badges, chef, local knowledge, scientist, sport enthusiast, emergency aid, hikes, nights away, and time on the water. We have also two scouts completed their gold with two more due by St George’s Day. We also have the expedition camp to come.

Steve Longley Group Scout Leader

write this to make ourjoy complete. 1 John 1:1–4

Church of St Michael and All Angels

CHURCH WARDEN’S REPORT

The last 12 months have been a busy and challenging time for the church and parish in a number of respects.

Both the Church and parish remained in interregnum for much of the year but finally on November 21st the Revd Dr Paul Monk was Licensed by the Bishop of Middleton to the Parish of the Good Shepherd and a somewhat gruelling and very trying interregnum was finally at an end.

At this point in the report it would certainly be remiss of me not to point out that we as a parish and certainly St Michael’s itself only came out of that interregnum more or less intact mainly due to the unwavering dedication and hard work of our own clergy, especially the Revd Pat Lodge and Revd Sheila Cant and also the dedicated hard work of our visiting clergy, in particular Revd Philip Brierley and Fr Phillip Miller.

Our close connections to Parochial C of E Primary School were also kept alive and well thanks to Revd Sheila Cant. All the usual school services at church continued unbroken and the school is now safely in the care of our new Rector.

Not least in the efforts to secure the future of St Michael’s was the transfer of the Church Car Park into a privately run concern and in February 2024, the Car Park finally opened for business as a fully automated entity under the aegis of a private company, Parking Eye. After a few teething problems, mainly technical, it has quickly become fully operational, the financial benefits to the church have exceeded all expectations and have thankfully put St Michael’s on a sound financial footing.

On a not so rosy front is the church heating system, which has been a thorn in our side (once again) during the whole of 2024. The boiler was/is failing and with the advent of winter it was often cold, very cold, but we survived. I’m pleased to report that, in consultation with the Diocese and with Eric Entwistle Ltd. Plumbers and Heating Engineers of Uppermill, plans are now getting underway not only for a new boiler but for a totally new heating system. It looked at one point as if we might have to scaffold the whole of the tower in order to facilitate a new chimney flue. A way around this has now been found; I’m extremely pleased to report.

As reported in my ‘Wardens Report’ last year, at the end of September 2023 the West Window was damaged and made unsafe during a violent storm that hit the area. Although the glass in the window is not stained glass it is Victorian and required specialist attention. After a good deal of searching a company was finally found who could and would be willing to repair and restore the window. The process with insurance claims etc. meant that the work was not finally completed until early 2024. The result, however, was more than satisfactory.

As the Civic Church of Tameside our connections continued with a D Day service for the Borough on 9 June, Remembrance Sunday and the Civic Carol Service. We also hosted over 200 Air Cadets on 4th February in the Presence of the Lord Lieutenant for National Air Training Corps Sunday.

The gravestones on the North Side of church were cleaned and made safe by a professional company in November. It was decided that this will be done on a regular basis as a matter of Health and Safety.

No report would be complete without my thanking all the members of the congregation, not just those who take on roles within the church but also the very many who work behind the scenes and do so much for our beloved church.

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

Michael J. Winterbottom Church Warden

SECRETARY’S REPORT

2024 has been a year of changing fortunes. We began by continuing to be in a period of interregnum and with our financial situation causing serious concern, as it has done for a number of years. After many unforeseeable delays, ParkingEye were finally able to take over the running of the car park at the end of January, which has given us financial security at last. In addition, we now have a new rector. Revd Dr Paul Monk was Licensed to the Parish of the Good Shepherd on 21st November, which has been a blessing for the whole Parish.

This year the DCC has had just four meetings instead of the usual six. This has been due partly to the difficulty in finding an IT platform for meetings which is accessible to all members. Another reason was because it was felt that many decisions should be put on hold until a new rector was appointed. The commitment and hard work of everyone on the DCC has, however, never wavered.

DCC membership has increased from 7 members last year to 10 this year, and now we also have the welcome addition of our new Rector. Membership does, however, remain below the optimum number of 16. We are also still without a second warden, Safeguarding Officer, Sunday School leader, verger, eco champion and electoral roll officer. The congregation has, very pleasingly, expanded in both number and age profile and so we hope that more people will want to join the DCC, or simply take on new roles, in the coming year.

We have continued this year to have many changes to time of service, place of worship and configuration of congregations but, despite this, St Michael and All Angels has continued to grow and flourish. Arranging for Clergy from across the Diocese to conduct various services has been one of many challenges. Once again this year we are deeply indebted to Revd Pat Lodge and Revd Sheila Cant for their incredible hard work in ensuring that the Parish has remained viable and for their important contribution to determining future change – and especially for helping us to move forward with hope and determination.

It has been a year full of both positives and challenges. There have been some recurring issues such as the problems caused by the garage on Church Street (Autobody Styling Accident Repair Centre) and the very temperamental heating system! We also had to make two redundancies resulting from the change of management of the car park. Although this didn’t sit well with our

Christian ethos, we were very fortunate that both of those people understood and supported the need to keep the church financially viable. On a positive note, the revenue generated by the car park is making a real difference. The installation of a card reader and QR codes also help to boost income. The Friends of Ashton Parish Church continue to attract membership, organise social events, promote the heritage of the Church and to financially support a number of church projects. The choir, although small in number, adds significantly to the beauty of services at St Michael’s as well as to all Civic events held here. The additional musical events, many in collaboration with other choirs and groups, keep the music tradition of our church alive and flourishing.

It is with sadness that, after 4 years, I write my last annual report as DCC secretary. I feel that we are entering the new year on a much firmer footing than we have in recent times and so I am now stepping down as secretary. I am delighted that Sarah Peevers has kindly offered to take on this role and I wish her every success.

Last year I said in my report that it had been a particularly difficult year. This year, although not without its problems, has seen a real gaining of momentum and now, with God’s blessing and the guidance of our new Rector, we are in a more secure position to move forward with confidence and hope for the future.

Belle Kasprzyk Secretary

TREASURER’S REPORT

This year has been a better year for St Michael’s financially, in so far as we have finished the year with an underspend of £8,146.57 compared to previous years when we have been in an overspend position. This has been due in no small part to ParkingEye taking over the management of the car park for us, negating the need for us to employ car part attendants. However, having to pay out redundancy payments to the car park staff has meant that our savings have been considerably reduced.

The car park is now our major source of income: in 2024 it netted £32,000+. Therefore, looking forward and with no need to pay out wages to car park staff, the full amount earned by the car park next year, if usage continues as at present, should certainly be in excess of £30,000.

Turning to other sources of income, it should be noted that there has been a steady decline in other sources of income – Gift Aid Claims, Envelope and SO giving and collections at church services have all declined, in part it would appear, due to the lack of clergy when there were not regular services at St Michael’s each Sunday. Fees due to the Church for baptisms, weddings and funerals fell dramatically, perhaps following a national trend to have secular rather than church services for these events. Donations to the Church were also down last year. Finally, it should be noted that as a Church we have few fund-raising events compared to other churches in the Parish One church member very kindly donated a copy of a Lowry painting she had done to raise money for the Church and this raised £350 at National Heritage Weekend. Church tours have raised almost £200 but the only concert organised by a choir member sadly ran at a small loss.

INCOME	2024	2023	EXPENSES	2024	2023
Gift Aid Claims	£1,230.44	£1,606.08	Parish Share*	*£4,048.66	£3,375.00
Envs & SO Covenant	£4,197.39	£4,366.83	Gift Aid towards Share	£1.230.44
Non-Cov SO	£825.00		Utilities (oil, Electricity,	£5,478.80
			TalkTalk, Water)
Cash	£2,142.69	£1,950.08	Insurance	£9,871.98	£14,382.51
			Team Clergy Expenses	£342.72	£333.87
Fees	£1,386.00	£3,795.00	Team Upkeep of Services	£45.72	£4,229.77
Donations	£256.50	£1,615.40	Team Property Expenses	£365.60	£356.23
Bank Transfers	£3,921.27		Team Admin Assistant	£1,096.88
(Louisa Andrew
Fund, CCLA)
Car Park	£32,486.43	£31,544.90	Team Miscellaneous	£434.20	£4,229.77
Grants	£0.00		Upkeep of Services	£493.49
Ins Claims	£2,264.00		Diocesan Fees	£557.00	£1,575.00
Fundraising	£547.00		Fund Raising Costs	£362.00
Other	£100.00		Organist’s Wages	£2,225.04	£3,144.29
			Verger’s Fees	£40.00
			Car Park (wages January	£7,633.91	£26,000.00
			and redundancy payment)
			Minor Repairs	£5,760.44	£422.96
			Church Admin	£150.00	£44.98
			Donations (Harvest,	£320.00	£363.00
			National Churches Trust)
			Miscellaneous	£753.27	£561.68
Total Income	£49,356.72		Total Expenditure	£41,210.15	£53,183.55

NB These figures match exactly those on the Church’s Spreadsheets	NB These figures match exactly those on the Church’s Spreadsheets
therefore the 2024 underspend is	£8,146.57
Total Income	£49,356.72 Total Expenditure	£41,210.15
Balance at 1.1.2024	£12,606.95 Bank at 31.12.2024	£20,753.52
Total	£61,963.67

Includes figure for a cheque cashed on last year’s Parish Share and an amount owed for 2022.

Statement of Financial Assets as at 31.12.2024

Statement of Financial Assets as at 31.12.2024
Current Account
Opening Balance as at 01.01 2024	£12.606.95
Underspend	£8,146.57
Closing balance as at 31.12,2024		£20,753,52
CCLA Account
Opening Balance as at 01.01 2024	£3,172.81
Interest	£47.32
Withdrawn (to part-fund car park redundancies)	–£3,215.36
Closing balances 31.12.2024		£4.77
Thanksgiving Fund (Restricted account for bells and organ)
Opening Balance as at 01.01 2024	£2,786.11
Interest	£36.70
Closing balance as at 31.12,2024		£2,822.81
Louisa Andrew Fund
Opening Balance as at 01.01 2024	£704.37
Interest	£1.54
Withdrawal to part-fund car park redundancies	–£705.29
Closing Balance on 22.02.2024		£0.00
Total Financial Assets as at 31.12.2024		£23.581.10

Turning to Expenditure, in 2024 it was down by almost £8,000 because we were not paying out car park wages for 10 months of the year (the car park became operational at the end of February). However, this has been offset by a rise in other costs in line with the general rise in inflation, the cost of utility bills etc. We deliberately took out an excess on insurance last year to keep the cost of insurance payments down and paid more towards our Parish Share than previously, as agreed by the team treasurers. (Each church in the Parish paid the same amount last year but this is likely to change for 2025). We paid out more on church repairs in 2024, but Team Parish expenses were kept the same as 2023 and other church expenses (organist, verger, maintenance of church services and charitable donations remained comparable). I appreciate there are gaps in the figures for 2023. This is because that Balance Sheet was not prepared using the format now agreed by all the churches in the Parish.

Once more I am indebted to those who have helped me as treasurer – Elaine Gaskell for help in counting the money each week and to Pete Summers, Treasurer at St James, for examining the books once more. As I am retiring now from my role as treasurer, I wish my successor all the very best for the future.

Margaret Stanley Treasurer

FRIENDS OF ASHTON PARISH CHURCH REPORT

The Friends had a very good year with the membership increasing to 31 for 2024, as well as a young family joining us.

Our annual lunch was at the Heroes of Waterloo, and to accommodate those members who are working, it was held on a Saturday. There were 23 people dining and everyone enjoyed the meal.

Our summer outing was to Haworth and we could not have picked a wetter day for it! As people who have been to Haworth would know, apart from the Bronte Heritage there is not much else to do, so it was to coffee shops and hostelries that we fled. Unbeknown to us, the Parsonage closed on a Tuesday, so most of the shops were closed too.

In September we received a donation of £250 from the estate of Canon Albert Radcliffe to help his beloved congregation.

The Heritage Weekend was well attended and raised £288.28. The painting donated by Nicola Ward Tonkinson raised £350 when it was auctioned at the end of the weekend. This money went to Church funds.

One of our members kindly offered to donate the money for the Church to have a real Christmas tree this year. This attracted a lot of attention and pleasure over the Christmas period.

Elaine Gaskell Secretary to the Friends

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 Carol Service. We were also able to use deputy organists on a few occasions. Rehearsals are still currently held on Wednesdays in church from 7.15 to 8.15pm. That would be a good opportunity for people to try out their voices and to become familiar with the wide range of wonderful traditional church music that we sing.

John Miles Choirmaster and organist

Church of St Peter

WARDENS’ REPORT

In November St Peter’s hosted the licencing of the Parish of The Good Shepherd’s new incumbent, Revd Dr Paul Monk, this was a wonderful end to the year for all. I would like to thank Revd Pat Lodge, Revd Sheila Cant, Cath Sheldon our ALM plus Revd Philip Brierley and Revd Philip Miller, for all the help they have given to St. Peter’s over the last twelve months.

Paul is a like a breath of fresh air, and his knowledge and ability in applying for and getting grants is incredible. It reassuring to know that there is someone with experience on hand to help with the building concerns.

As a church, and with Revd Paul’s enthusiasm, there has been 3 Faculty applications applied for this year.

To replace the lights and sound system within church.
To put bespoke storage in the lounge, decorate the lounge and to get better lightening in the lounge.
To get a new alarm system fitted.

In June we celebrated our 200[th] anniversary with a lovely service led by Bishop Mark, past clergy came along to celebrate with us. The bells were rung by the bell ringers from different locations but mainly from Manchester Cathedral. St Peter’s school choir joined us in the celebration and sounded brilliant.

We ended the day with a Christian magic show led by Paul Brown (Magic Mayhem) who attended St Peter’s as a child and young adult.

We hosted a lovely musical evening that was organised by Maureen and the audience really enjoyed the musicians and the music.

Over the year we held various events to raise funds for the upkeep of the church.

The church still hosts the Bread and Butter Thing and we are often blessed with donations from this organisation of fruit and vegetables, we put these items out on a Sunday morning and encourage the congregation to help themselves to whatever they want, the food is available to everyone.

St Peter’s School and West End Academy have used the church throughout the year for services and to enrich their learning. We hope to build on these relationships further in the coming year.

The congregation has fluctuated, but personally I think this was because of the fact that the services were inconsistent, in that we alternated between the other churches in the team for the Sunday services. Though this was the only alternative due to the shortage of clergy, it did have a negative effect on our regular attendees at church.

Phil Bowden and Carol Farnsworth (Church Wardens)

ELECTORAL ROLL

The numbers of people attending St Peter’s Church over the past 6 years have fluctuated.

The past year has seen new members attending and a few leaving to take up new homes. We have also lost loyal members of the congregation who are now in the arms of our dear Lord.

The total number of members of St Peter’s congregation on the Electoral Roll is 31.

The full roll will be stored securely in accordance with GDPR rules; the roll will be displayed in church but with only the names visible.

Carol Farnsworth Electoral Office

FINANCIAL REPORT

I have examined the annual account records fir St Peter’s Church, Ashton, which are being kept in a neat and orderly manner to allow information to be easily accessed and understood.

INCOME	2024	EXPENSES	2024
Gift Aid Claims	2,382.71	Utilities	2,791.58
Envelopes and s/o covenanted	5,720.00	Minor Repairs	567.28
Envelopes and s/o uncovenanted	161.50	Upkeep of Services	44.52
Cash	4,307.73	Team clergy expenses	333.84
Fees	2,138.00	Team PCC Property	356.16
Interest & Dividends	0.00	Church Insurance	7,224.46
Donations (Misc)	166.00	Gift Aid Claims (towards Parish Share)	2,382.71
Donations (Organ)	403.00	Parish Share (Quota)	2,896.81
Donations (LED Bulbs)	50.00	Miscellaneous (Bibles, display stands)	163.56
Efforts	0.00	Miscellaneous (Team)	423.00
Parish of Good Shep (licensing)	546.70	Team Admin Assistant	1,068.48
Use of lounge/church	61.25	Organ Maintenance	768.00
Charity Appeals (Harvest)	60.00	General expenses	1,094.71
Utility Refunds (Electric and Gas)	0.00	Diocesan Fees	1,101.00
FAS repayments	580.00	Home Charities	60.00
Grant (Growth & Revitalisation	3,000.00	Verger Fees	240.00
		FAS payments	1,000
		Anniversary service (catering)	660.28
Total income	20,506.95	Total expenditure	23,176.39
Balance brought forward	5,498.43	Bank balance as at 21.12.2024	2,828.99
	26,005.38		26,005.38
Excess of income over expenditure	–2,669.44
Amount in CCLA account	12,147.00
Designated Alex Fund	397.25	held in main account
Designated FAS Fund	1,399.68	held in main account
Designated Organ Fund	0	held in main account

I have checked the relevant bank statements, receipts, income and expenditure details which are itemised in the balance sheets including the separate balances for the Church Restoration Fund and the CCLA account.

Finally, I can confirm the balance sheets are a true and accurate record of the church accounts and show the current financial position of St Peter’s Church, Ashton, for the year ending 31 December 2024.

Catherine Sheldon FMAAT CIPP (independent examiner)

THE CHURCH LADS’ AND CHURCH GIRLS’ BRIGADE

Company Name St Peter’s Ashton Under Lyne Company Number 2408 Battalion Tameside Diocese Manchester Regiment Manchester Officers Patricia Pye, Cath Sheldon, Victoria Taylor Correspondent Patricia Pye, 76 Grey Street, Stalybridge, Cheshire SK15 2NR (07712) 568 928 and tricia.g.pye@sky.com

Registered Helpers Michaela Higgins and John Iddon

Number of Members	Number of Members	March 2024	March 2024	March 2025	March 2025
Section		Lads	Girls	Lads	Girls
Martins	Reception – Year 2	1	2	0	1
Y Team	Year 3 – Year 5	0	3	0	4
JTC	Year 6 – Year 8	3	2	1	0
Seniors	Year 9 upwards	2	5	2	3
Total		6	12	3	8

St Peter’s CLCGB meets every Friday night 6.30 pm – 8.00 pm (term-time only) at St Peter’s C of E School. Subs are £1.50 per week.

Our Brigade Nights are varied and activities include: games, art and craft; badgework; band and drill. We celebrate achievements and present awards during the Church Parade service which is held every second Sunday of the month. Over the last 18 months the Senior members have been focusing on their Community Badges. Their chosen charity is The North West Air Ambulance Charity. They have planned a number of fundraising events which were well supported by friends, family and our Church family. The events were very successful and the leaders are very

proud of what they have achieved. So far, they have raised over £400.00 smashing the original target of £250.00 which they had set for themselves.

At St Peter’s our aim is to create an evening based around fun, faith and fellowship; members develop friendships not only in our Company but further afield within Tameside Battalion and Manchester Regiment. We meet with other Brigade companies for team games, band, sports and social events and parades.

The annual Manchester Regiment ‘outdoor activity week’, which takes place in Scotland, is very popular with the older members.

Annual Fees are paid to National Headquarters which covers insurance fees and events.

All Brigade Officers, Junior Leaders, Registered Helpers and members over 18 years have DBS clearance and have completed CLCGB mandatory training.

The training courses completed include: safeguarding; food hygiene; and first aid.

At the Annual Regimental Skills Day on 8 March 2025,

2 leaders and 1 Senior member completed First Aid training.
1 Senior member completed the Taking Groups Away Part-1 Qualification.

XXX Leader

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness,

faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:22–25

Holy Trinity Church and Community Centre

INTRODUCTION

We again acknowledge the support of the PCC in being the umbrella organisation that enables us to be ‘doers of the word’. This report provides an update on the work we have done in the past 12 months, shares the good news of the funding we have secured until 2026 and informs you of the vision for the future, a future that will hopefully secure the Church building as a vital community hub for many years to come.

The report includes a list of actives showcasing how much has been achieved and reminds the PCC of the context of the work we do to help the most difficult to reach in the most deprived area of Tameside and one of the most deprived areas in the county.

We remain committed to the empowerment of women who are difficult to reach and provide a centre for community cohesion. For us the work has strong links to the 5 Marks of Anglicism and aims to respond to human need in loving service, seek to transform unjust structures and challenge violence and promote justice and peace, to safeguard the creation.

2024 is Year Two of the People Place and Presence 2023/26 Project

Big Lotteries Reaching Communities are funding us for 3 years at £308,000 with (HTC) contribution of £119,000, giving a total investment of £427,000 for the People Place and Presence project that aims to empower local people, with a particular focus on women, who are considered most difficult to reach.

The People Place and Presence projects outcomes are to:

Improve health and well-being,
Increase learning opportunities,
Increase levels of confidence in women to pre-Covid levels,
Mitigate the impact of poverty and the cost-of-living crisis.
Promote a strong active and cohesive community
Improve services thanks to local people having more influence over service design and delivery,

COMMUNITY CENTRE ACTIVITIES JANUARY–DECEMBER

Regular ongoing room hire for local groups: Ashton Martial Arts, Lindley Educational Trust Youth Club, Lindley Educational Trust office hire, Neonatal Knitters, Weight Watchers, Khush Amdid exercise group.

Assistance, Information and Guidance provided by Tyababba Hussain to the community throughout the year.

ESOL Educational classes, including English pre-entry level class, funded by Tameside College. Classes Funded by Jigsaw Housing (Minaz Aslam, Neighbourhood Engagement Officer):

Sewing Classes and Royal Exchange Theatre Costume Design Class

Drama/ Creative Dance and Exercise

Warm Welcome (winter months only)

Weekly Food Distribution

Throughout the year regular management committee meeting have taken place.

Our outreach workers Hasna Khan and Razia Bibi have organized a number of community events, which have taken place throughout the year, e.g. gardening sessions, walking groups and litter picking.

January In order to start the asset transfer process, a public meeting was held on the 23 January 2024 chaired by Revd Alan Simpson to propose closing the church and transferring the responsibility of the building from the Parish of the Good Shepherd to Manchester Diocese.

The proposal was accepted by all present at the meeting.

Council for Social Aid’s grant of £15,000 was received.

February Archdeacon David Sharples announced he would retire at the end of March. He was thanked for all the hard work, assistance and guidance he had given us to start the asset transfer procedures.

A community Hate Crime meeting / training was held.

March Carl Kelsall, the project manager, was requested in line with the agreement made with the PCC to take volunteer redundancy at the end of August.

April A community Fire Safety training was held.

Liz Young, the Centre manager, announced her pregnancy and informed she would be taking 52week maternity leave, which would start around October and end around October 2025.

The school held their Easter end-of-term service in the church attended by Revd Pat Lodge.

Eid-al-Fitr and Eid meals where organized.

May Hasna Khan and Razia Bibi completed a 12-week training course at Tameside College and obtained a level 3 teacher certificate.

June The architect, Andrew Kepczyk, carried out the Quinquennial Inspection of the building, however we still have not received the report.

The Annual Report for the Big Lottery was submitted to Keri Swindles, the Funding Officer for Greater Manchester.

July Advertisements were placed for a temporary Centre Manager to provide cover for Liz during her maternity leave.

The Holy Trinity Primary School held their end of term service in the church attended by Revd Pat Lodge.

A number of application where received, however after the management committee reviewed them, the applications were rejected.

Arts and Crafts Sessions were held.

August The advertisements were place for a temporary Centre Manager.

Two applications where received. The management committee reviewed the application and rejected them.

Carl’s contracted ended.

September The management committee then discussed the situation and agreed that we would speak to the staff (Hasna and Razia) and discuss a change to their roles and responsibilities. Advertise for a temporary Business Support / Administration Assistant was placed and Les Smith was to act as the interim manager to cover for Liz during her maternity leave.

October Advertisement was placed to cover Liz’s maternity leave for a Business Support / Administration Assistant.

The school held their Harvest Festival in church attend by Revd Pat Lodge.

Half-term family events took place.

November We received two suitable application for the Business Support / Administration Assistant post. Pat Lodge and Judith Hilton interviewed both candidates and Iga Dorczynska was appointed, taking up the post on 4th November. Since her appointment Iga has fitted in well, proved to be a great asset, and a valued member of the team with her drive and enthusiasm.

A leaving party for Carl was organised by Hasna, Razia and Iga. Our thanks to them for wellorganized and successful event.

With the imminent appointment of Revd Dr Paul Monk, the centre carried on working as previously.

December The school held their end-of-term Christmas celebrations attend by Revd Dr Paul Monk and Revd Pat Lodge.

Les Smith Acting Chair

FINANCIAL REPORT

						Actual			Actual							Actual		Actual
						2024			2023							2024		2023
Hall Rent Income		Regular Users	ular Users		£	16,293.50 £		£	8,767.00 £		Salaries & Pensions			Centre Manager	£	19,829.22 £	£	19,285.68 £
		Occasional Users			£	3,071.00 £		£	5,078.30 £					Other Staff	£	116,670.78 £	£	117,214.32 £
Total Hall Rent Income					£	19,364.50 £		£	13,845.30 £					Redundancies			£	- £
											Total Salaries and Pensions				£	136,500.00 £	£	136,500.00 £
Total Playground Rent		Total Playground Rent			£	6,000.00 £		£	3,000.00 £
											Utilities &Services			Gas	£	10,598.30 £	£	5,214.53 £
Partnership Funding		BigLottery			£	101,281.75 £		£	103,108.50 £					Electric	£	6,422.69 £	£	3,542.10 £
		Council for Social Aid	Council for Social Aid		£	15,000.00 £		£	- £					Phone & Internet	£	5,083.08 £	£	7,935.25 £
		Awards for All	Awards for All		£	- £		£	- £					Cleaning& Refuse	£	2,401.06 £	£	2,023.38 £
		Jigsaw			£	6,733.00 £		£	4,055.39 £		Total Utilities and Services				£	24,505.13 £	£	18,715.26 £
		Other Grants			£	2,155.00 £		£	1,330.00 £
		Tameside College			£	19,229.21 £		£	19,066.66 £		Community Centre and Church		Centre and ChurchCommunityand Church		£	- £	£	2,671.87 £
Total Partnership Funding					£	144,398.96 £		£	127,560.55 £					CommunityDevelopment	£	- £	£	- £
											Total Community and Church				£	- £	£	2,671.87 £
Other Income		Donations			£	- £		£	- £
		Gift Aid			£	1,030.00 £		£	1,075.00 £		Total Building Ca	Capabilities		BuildingCapabilities	£	- £	£	- £
		Other			£	3,092.31 £		£	4,695.93 £
Total Other Income					£	4,122.31 £		£	5,770.93 £		General Running Costs			Insurance	£	4,871.38 £	£	4,813.56 £
														Grounds & BuildingMaintenance	£	680.91 £	£	2,642.71 £
														Fire Protection	£	161.09 £	£	- £
														Good Shepherd Contributions	£	1,716.20 £	£	1,618.20 £
														Office Costs	£	483.31 £	£	1,386.70 £
														Audit Fees	£	200.00 £	£	200.00 £
														Other	£	570.33 £	£	1,624.59 £
														PettyCash Adjustment	£	- £	£	12.26 £
											Total General Running Costs				£	8,683.22 £	£	12,298.02 £

											Training & Childcare			TrainingActivities	£	5,474.58 £	£	2,681.83 £
														Childcare	£	- £	£	- £
											Total Training and Childcare	and Childcare			£	5,474.58 £	£	2,681.83 £

											Volunteer & Travel			Travel	£	1,749.98 £	£	1,691.35 £

											Awards for all			Awards for all	£	- £	£	- £

		Gross Income			£	173,885.77 £		£	150,176.78 £					Gross Expenditure	£	176,912.91 £	£	174,558.33 £
Excess Income Over Expenditure 173,885.77 £ 24,381.55 -£ Bank Account at 1st January 2024 33,574.75 £ 58,016.26 £ Petty Cash as at 1st January 2024 182.71 £ 122.75 £ Excess Income Over Expenditure 3,027.14 -£ 24,381.55 -£ Balance at 31st December 2024 30,730.32 £ 33,757.46 £ Balances as at 31st December 2024: Petty Cash 68.37 £ 182.71 £ Bank Account 30,661.95 £ 33,574.75 £ Total Cash Balances as at 31st December 2024 30,730.32 £ 33,757.46 £ ~~	EP~~										Bank Account As At 31st December 30,661.95 £ 33,574.75 £ Unpresented Cheques as at 31/12/24 - £ 168.64 £ Receipts in Advance as at 31/12/24 - £ - £ Outstanding Income 1,613.00 £ 3,625.00 £ Adjusted Cash Position - Operating Bank Position 32,274.95 £ 37,031.11 £ ~~——-~~
Assets Held at 31	Assets Held at 31/12/24

Stair Lift		£	6,000.00 £
Tables & Chairs		£	1,423.20 £

Total Value		£	7,423.20 £
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‘ Jesus,said,									aaah							:
‘AnewcommandI giveyou: »-,.Love.one another.,As Ihave							lovedyou,			>. you,			= -					:
soyyou'must loveoneanother.’ John’137348 ©				another.’							31							.

John’ 137348

Safeguarding

SAFE CHURCH POLICY

As a church community, we are committed to:

The care, nurture of and respectful pastoral ministry with all children and adults.
The safeguarding and protection of all children and adults.
The establishment of safe, caring communities which provide a loving environment, where there is a culture of ‘informed vigilance’ regarding the dangers of abuse, which:

For children and young people

Values them for who they are, and nurtures their positive development.
Enables them to participate fully and contribute to their church community.
Protects them from actual or potential harm.

For adults who may be at risk, including those suffering domestic abuse:

Ensures that all people feel welcomed, respected and safe from abuse.
Encourages those who may be vulnerable to:
lead as independent a life as possible;
choose how to lead their life;
be active contributors to the church community.
Protects those who may be vulnerable from actual or potential harm.

For all people

Enables and encourages concerns to be raised and responded to openly and consistently offers support and care for those suffering, or who have suffered, from any form of abuse.
Promotes respect and the value of each person as a child of God.

We are therefore committed to best practice according to the national policies and guidelines of the Church of England, in the protection of children and vulnerable people; in the recruitment, training and supervision of all who exercise a pastoral ministry; and in responding to any allegations or complaints.

This policy is reviewed each year by the Parochial Church Council and re-affirmed at the Annual Meeting.

Because we understand that:

God has a special care for those who struggle.
All of us at different periods of our lives are vulnerable and in need of help.
We can make a difference.

Moira Wilson (safeguarding Officer)

POLICY STATEMENT ON SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

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 if each one of us to prevent physical, sexual and emotional, or spiritual 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 guidelines and procedures published by the Diocese.
The parish will adopt good practice guidelines.
Safeguarding children will be at the forefront in terms of seeking and accepting those volunteering to help with young people. 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, the PCC has appointed Moira Wilson as Safeguarding Coordinator.
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, in learning and in community life, we will respect the wishes and feelings of children and young people.

Moira Wilson Parish Safeguarding Officer

POLICY STATEMENT ON SAFEGUARDING ADULTS AT RISK

We recognise that everyone has different levels of vulnerability and that each of us may be regarded as vulnerable/at risk at some time in our lives.
As members of this Parish, we commit ourselves to respectful pastoral care for all adults to whom we minister.
We commit ourselves to the safeguarding of people who may be at risk, ensuring their wellbeing in the life of this church.
We commit ourselves to promoting safe practices by those in positions of trust.
The parish commits itself to promoting the inclusion and empowerment of people who may be at risk.
It is the responsibility of each of us to prevent the physical, emotional, sexual, financial and spiritual abuse of people at risk and to report such abuse that we discover or suspect.

We undertake to exercise proper care in the appointment and selection of those who will work with people who may be at risk.
The parish is committed to supporting, resourcing, training and regularly reviewing those who undertake work amongst people who may be at risk.
The parish adopts the guidelines of the Church of England and the Diocese.
Each person who works with people who may be at risk will agree to abide by these recommendations and the guidelines establish by this church.
As part of our commitment safeguarding all people, the PCC has appointed Moira Wilson as Safeguarding Coordinator
Each of the churches within the Team will appoint a safeguarding officer to represent the concerns and views of people who may be at risk at their meetings and to outside bodies.

Moira Wilson (safeguarding Officer)

==> picture [294 x 146] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Parish boundary
,
A SERNA
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----- End of picture text -----

The geographical confines of the Parish of the Good Shepherd are shown in pink.

Social Context and foundation of the parish

The statistics for the Parish of the Good Shepherd suggest the following: a population of 19,200 in 2021 and an area of 2.0 square miles, so slightly larger than most in the Diocese of Manchester. In terms of the so-called indices of multiple deprivation (IMD), the Parish is in the most 332 deprived in England, representing the lowest 2.73%. (Most of the component data come from the 2021 census, explaining why they often appear as ‘IMD-21’.)

ST GABRIEL: HISTORY

St Gabriel’s resides in Cockbrook, on the eastern-most side of the large Parish of the Good Shepherd in Ashton. Its own sub-parish serves an area bordered by Tameside Hospital, Stamford Park, the town centre (largely non-residential owing to education and trading), and the Ashton bypass (A635). It also includes one campus of Tameside College.

The Church was founded in 1912 as a ‘daughter church’ of nearby St Michael and All Angels. It joined the Parish of the Good Shepherd in 2008 and assumed the full legal status of a Parish Church at the same time.

The church was built as a so-called ‘tin tabernacle’ but was largely rebuilt with a brickwork outer skin in the 1930s. Today, it comprises a large multi-purpose hall which serves as dual worship space and community centre and is served by a modest foyer cum me eting-room, and a new kitchen, and amenities. The grounds were converted to create a well-attended community garden in 2023.

ST GABRIEL: SOCIAL CONTEXT

These statistics are quite insensitive for many standard purposes, so the area can be sub-divided more finely into what are called lower-layer super output areas (LSOA)—in effect describing a smaller geographic area. The church resides in LSOA ‘Tameside 007C’ which has a population of 1,800. In terms of the standard IMD-21, is in the most deprived 32.1% in England although small pockets of greater deprivation occur to the north and immediate west of the church. The ‘Living environment (indoors environment)’ is particularly poor within the lowest 0.9% in England, suggesting high incidences of loneliness. The ‘Living environment deprivation rank’ says the area is in the lowest 11% in England, suggesting local properties commonly require modernisation; and the ‘Barriers to housing’ index places the LSOA in most deprived 26.3%. Taken together, these indices say local residents can neither modernise their properties nor move. The ‘Health deprivation’ index places the LSOA in the most deprived 22% in England. The ‘Crime deprivation’ index, at 18.9%, is also notable.

Possibly in consequence of the data above, the church houses a wide array of diverse community groups which comprise its substantial community programme: it is widely seen as the best in the area, explaining why the King recently recognised it with his King’s Award for Voluntary Service’ (KAVS, in November 2024). The largest group is the ‘Places of Welcome’ project which

accommodates up to 50 local residents a week. A great many are elderly, with concomitant health challenges. Other groups include yoga, dancing, Pilates, exercise classes, children’s groups, and much work with the Parochial CEVA junior School. Most groups require a building infrastructure that supports regular usage.

ST JAMES: HISTORY

St James’s church is located in Ashton under Lyne, Greater Manchester. It is the one of the five worship centres in the geographically extensive Parish of the Good Shepherd.

The church of St James the Apostle was founded in 1863, meeting in a disused warehouse on Cowhill Lane. The present church was built and consecrated in 1865. It is listed Grade-II. The church fabric is deteriorating and causing much concern.

ST JAMES: SOCIAL CONTEXT

St James’s Church became part of the Parish of the Good Shepherd in 2008. Its former Parish was defined by boundaries with the Parishes of St Michael: Ashton, Christ Church: Ashton, and St John: Hurst. Today, the church is centred on the districts of Hurst Brook and Cowhill which are almost encircled with residential property except toward the south which occupied by Ashton town centre with its commerce and civic activity.

The Church serves lower-layer super-output area (LSOA) E01005949 (Tameside 006D), which represents a deprived part of Greater Manchester. In terms of IMD-22, the church represents the 4627th most deprived LSOA in England, so within the lowest 14.1%; the most deprived 1,375 LSAOs for income deprivation so within the worst 23.7%; and employment deprivation rate is 22.7%; health disadvantaged is 4.29% of the most deprived; crime deprivation is 2.13%. The ‘barrier to housing’ deprivation lies at 80.8% suggesting residents experience an almost insurmountable barrier to moving (with only 19.2% feel empowered to move if they wish). As a crude generalisation, deprivation worsens toward the western parts of the area.

The ethnic diversity is changing quite fast with the composition depending on the exact location. In 2022, and across the entire LSOA, the area is 80% white and 17% Asian of a Pakistani and Bangladeshi heritage, and about 0.3% black African. In terms of faith, 60% as Christian and 9.2% identify as Muslim.

ST MICHAEL: HISTORY

The Church of St Michael and All Angels is located in the Ashton Town Centre Conservation Area, Ashton under Lyne, Greater Manchester. It is the largest of the five worship centres in the geographically extensive Parish of the Good Shepherd.

St Michael’s may be mentioned in Domesday Book. There has certainly been a church on this site since at least 1281, when the Parish of Ashton was created. Tradition suggests the re-building

that led to the current church was started by Sir John Assheton in 1413. Some elements of his building remain.

The Church was listed Grade-I in 1967.

ST MICHAEL: SOCIAL CONTEXT

St Michael’s served its own parish which, today, largely comprises the Ashton Town Centre so shops and retail rather than residential. It became part of the Parish of the Good Shepherd in 2008.

The Church serves local super-output area LSOA E01005948 (Tameside 013A), which represents one of the most deprived districts of Greater Manchester. In terms of IMD-22, the church represents the 547th most deprived LSOA in England, so within the lowest 1.66%; the most deprived 1,375 LSAOs for income deprivation so within the worst 4.19%; and employment deprivation rate is 2.51%; health disadvantaged is 0.066% of the most deprived; crime deprivation is 2.69%. Some of the housing stock has benefitted from slight modernisation, and much via EU funding, but the ‘barrier to housing’ deprivation lies at 95.1% suggesting residents experience an almost insurmountable barrier to moving (with only 4.9% feel empowered to move if they wish).

The ethnic diversity continues to change fast with the composition depending on the exact location. In 2022, and across the entire LSOA, the area is 64% white and 31% Asian of a Pakistani and Bangladeshi heritage, and about 1.7% black African. In terms of faith, 17% identify as Muslim and 42% as Christian.

ST PETER: HISTORY

St Peter’s Church in central Ashton under Lyne, Greater Manchester, is one of five worship centres in the geographically extensive Parish of the Good Shepherd.

St Peter’s opened in 1824 and as a ‘Commissioner’s Church’ with a huge tower and capacious galleries on three sides of the nave. Slender iron pillars support these galleries but the nave comprises a single continuous area. The gallery benches are original.

The Church was listed Grade-II* in 1967.

Internal reorganisation in the late 1980s included removing the pews and pulpit. Later, in the 1990s, the rear of the nave was partially sectioned off to create a large narthex—a useful community space universally described within the church community as ‘the Lounge’. The space under the huge tower has been re-developed to include a toilet and a kitchenette. This space is accessed through the Lounge.

ST PETER: SOCIAL CONTEXT

St Peter’s serves lower-layer super-output area (LSOA) E01005952 which represents one of the most deprived districts of Greater Manchester. In terms of IMD-22, the church represents the

237th most deprived LSOA in England, so within the lowest 0.072%; the most deprived 122 LSAOs for income deprivation so within 0.037%; and employment deprivation rate is 0.040%; health disadvantaged is 0.042% of the most deprived; crime deprivation is 12.7%. The ‘barrier to housing’ deprivation lies at 45.7%, indicating poor-quality housing stock which has benefitted from some modernisation, some via EU funding.

The local age profile seems relatively low with only 8% aged 65 and over.

The ethnic diversity continues to change fast with the composition depending on the exact location. In 20222, and across the entire LSOA, the area is 77% white and 16% Asian with Pakistani and Bangladeshi heritage, and about 7% black sub-Saharan African. In terms of faith, 17% identify as Muslim and 1.3% Hindu, explaining why the area hosts a great many mosques including the large, central Ashton Mosque and one of two Hindu temples.

HOLY TRINITY: SOCIAL CONTEXT

The church and community centre reside in LSOA code E01005950 (Tameside 013B) which in 2021 had a population of 1,923; the number today is not likely to differ greatly. In terms of the standard IMD-21, this LSOA is in the most deprived 12.2% in England although pockets of greater deprivation occur to the west and immediate south of the church and greater wealth nearer the north and east. The ‘Education, skills, and training deprivation index is poor within the lowest 2.9% in England. Most of the white population live in the southern half of the LSOA, in a series of tower blocks overseen by an arms-length Council housing association, which correlates with the ‘Barriers to housing’ index which places the LSOA in most deprived 82.5% (so only 17.5% feel empowered to move).

In terms of ethnicity, 62.5% are of Asian background (principally with a Pakistani heritage) and black are 1.9%. The white population make up 33.4%. As is fairly common in such areas, the proportion aged 5–17 is high at 23.5% and aged 18–29 is 21.0%. The Income deprivation affecting older people rank is 2.7%, although the percentage aged 65 and above is 7.2%.

In terms of faith, 56.2% identify as Muslim, which represents the highest such population in the Parish

The Community Centre accommodates a wide and diverse array of community groups which comprise its substantial community programme: it is widely seen as the best in east Ashton.

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 2024.

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:

accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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

1 August 2025

THE PARISH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Unrestricted fund Notes £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Income resources from Donors 188,548 Other trading activities 2 10,195 Investment income 3 72,402 Other income 10,480 Total 281,625 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 3,324 Charitable activities Activities relating directly to the work of the church 134,350 Staff Costs 125,581 Total 263,255 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) 18,370 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 157,522 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 175,892	Restricted fund £ - - - - - - - - - - 6,088 6,088	2024 Total funds £ 188,548 10,195 72,402 10,480 281,625 3,324 134,350 125,581 263,255 18,370 163,610 181,980	2023 Total funds £ 148,672 4,864 62,255 39,392 255,183 3,018 107,395 155,341 265,754 (10,571) 174,181 163,610

THE PARISH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

BALANCE SHEET 31 DECEMBER 2024

Unrestricted fund Notes £ CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 8 420 Cash at bank 178,125 178,545 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 9 (2,653) NET CURRENT ASSETS 175,892 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 175,892 NET ASSETS 175,892 FUNDS 10 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS	Restricted fund £ - 6,540 6,540 (452) 6,088 6,088 6,088	2024 Total funds £ 420 184,665 185,085 (3,105) 181,980 181,980 181,980 175,892 6,088 181,980	2023 Total funds £ - 171,720 171,720 (8,110) 163,610 163,610 163,610 157,522 6,088 163,610

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 1 August 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:

Trustee

THE PARISH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

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

THE PARISH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

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

3.

Fund raising activities INVESTMENT INCOME Rents from PCC property Deposit account interest	2024 £ 10,195 2024 £ 71,427 975 72,402	2023 £ 4,864
		2023 £ 61,606 649
		62,255

4. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 December 2024 nor for the year ended 31 December 2023.

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 December 2024 nor for the year ended 31 December 2023.

5. STAFF COSTS

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

	2024	2023
Church Activities	7	9

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

6. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

Unrestricted fund £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Income resources from Donors 148,672 Other trading activities 4,864 Investment income 62,181 Other income 39,392 Total 255,109 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 3,018	Restricted fund £ - - 74 - 74 -	Total funds £ 148,672 4,864 62,255 39,392 255,183 3,018

THE PARISH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

6.
COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued
Unrestricted
Restricted
fund
fund
£
£
Charitable activities
Activities relating directly to the work of the
church
107,395
-
Staff Costs
155,341
-
Total
265,754
-
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
(10,645)
74
Transfers between funds
69,775
(69,775)
Net movement in funds
59,130
(69,701)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
98,392
75,789
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
157,522
6,088
7.
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
COST
At 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2024
DEPRECIATION
At 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2024
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 December 2024
At 31 December 2023

Total
funds
£
107,395
155,341
265,754
(10,571)
-
(10,571)
174,181
163,610
Fixtures
and
fittings
£
16,858
16,858
-
-

THE PARISH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

8.
DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Other debtors
9.
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Taxation and social security
Other creditors
10.
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
At 1.1.24
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
157,522
Restricted funds
Restricted general fund
6,088
TOTAL FUNDS
163,610
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Incoming
resources
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
281,625
TOTAL FUNDS
281,625
Comparatives for movement in funds
Net
movement
At 1.1.23
in funds
£
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
98,392
(10,645)
Restricted funds
Restricted general fund
75,789
74
TOTAL FUNDS
174,181
(10,571)

2024
2023
£
£
420
-
2024
2023
£
£
(280)
1,633
3,385
6,477
3,105
8,110
Net
movement
At
in funds
31.12.24
£
£
18,370
175,892
-
6,088
18,370
181,980
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(263,255)
18,370
(263,255)
18,370
Transfers
between
At
funds
31.12.23
£
£
69,775
157,522
(69,775)
6,088
-
163,610

THE PARISH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

10. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

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

	Incoming	Resources	Movement
	resources	expended	in funds
	£	£	£
Unrestricted funds
General fund	255,109	(265,754)	(10,645)
Restricted funds
Restricted general fund	74	-	74
TOTAL FUNDS	255,183	(265,754)	(10,571)
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:
	Net	Transfers
	movement	between	At
	At 1.1.23 in funds	funds	31.12.24
	£ £	£	£
Unrestricted funds
General fund	98,392 7,725	69,775	175,892
Restricted funds
Restricted general fund	75,789 74	(69,775)	6,088
TOTAL FUNDS	174,181 7,799	-	181,980

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 £ 536,734 74 536,808	Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (529,009) 7,725 - 74 (529,009) 7,799

THE PARISH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

11. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 December 2024.

THE PARISH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Income resources from Donors Covenants Income tax recoverable Uncovenanted Collections Grants and project income Donations, Appeals Legacies Other trading activities 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 Diocesan Quota Clergy Expenses Church running expenses Hall -running expenses Church Maintenance Upkeep of services Expenditure of Parish Magazine Support & Education costs Salary of the Organists Verger and Choir Home Missions & Secular charities	2024 £ 17,436 6,401 2,491 9,541 148,193 4,486 - 188,548 10,195 71,427 975 72,402 10,480 281,625 3,324 125,581 - 1,702 18,631 469 65,711 26,610 6,528 3,805 295 7,225 2,625 89 259,271	2023 £ 18,661 5,909 10,013 1,950 110,703 436 1,000 148,672 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 4,373 220 50 261,876

Support costs

THE PARISH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Support costs Governance costs Accountancy and legal fees Total resources expended Net income/(expenditure)	2024 £ 660 263,255 18,370	2023 £ 860 265,754 (10,571)

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 2024.

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').

Independent examiner's statement

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:

accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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.

Jane Cooksey FCCA

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

1 August 2025

THE PARISH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Unrestricted fund Notes £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Income resources from Donors 188,548 Other trading activities 2 10,195 Investment income 3 72,402 Other income 10,480 Total 281,625 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 3,324 Charitable activities Activities relating directly to the work of the church 134,350 Staff Costs 125,581 Total 263,255 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) 18,370 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 157,522 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 175,892	Restricted fund £ - - - - - - - - - - 6,088 6,088	2024 Total funds £ 188,548 10,195 72,402 10,480 281,625 3,324 134,350 125,581 263,255 18,370 163,610 181,980	2023 Total funds £ 148,672 4,864 62,255 39,392 255,183 3,018 107,395 155,341 265,754 (10,571) 174,181 163,610

THE PARISH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

BALANCE SHEET 31 DECEMBER 2024

Unrestricted fund Notes £ CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 8 420 Cash at bank 178,125 178,545 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 9 (2,653) NET CURRENT ASSETS 175,892 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 175,892 NET ASSETS 175,892 FUNDS 10 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS	Restricted fund £ - 6,540 6,540 (452) 6,088 6,088 6,088	2024 Total funds £ 420 184,665 185,085 (3,105) 181,980 181,980 181,980 175,892 6,088 181,980	2023 Total funds £ - 171,720 171,720 (8,110) 163,610 163,610 163,610 157,522 6,088 163,610

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 1 August 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:

Trustee

THE PARISH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

Income

Voluntary Income and Capital Resources

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

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.

THE PARISH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Fund accounting

2. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES

3.

Fund raising activities INVESTMENT INCOME Rents from PCC property Deposit account interest	2024 £ 10,195 2024 £ 71,427 975 72,402	2023 £ 4,864
		2023 £ 61,606 649
		62,255

4. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 December 2024 nor for the year ended 31 December 2023.

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 December 2024 nor for the year ended 31 December 2023.

5. STAFF COSTS

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

	2024	2023
Church Activities	7	9

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

6. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

Unrestricted fund £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Income resources from Donors 148,672 Other trading activities 4,864 Investment income 62,181 Other income 39,392 Total 255,109 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 3,018	Restricted fund £ - - 74 - 74 -	Total funds £ 148,672 4,864 62,255 39,392 255,183 3,018

THE PARISH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Total
funds
£
107,395
155,341
265,754
(10,571)
-
(10,571)
174,181
163,610
Fixtures
and
fittings
£
16,858
16,858
-
-

THE PARISH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

THE PARISH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

10. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

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

	Incoming	Resources	Movement
	resources	expended	in funds
	£	£	£
Unrestricted funds
General fund	255,109	(265,754)	(10,645)
Restricted funds
Restricted general fund	74	-	74
TOTAL FUNDS	255,183	(265,754)	(10,571)
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:
	Net	Transfers
	movement	between	At
	At 1.1.23 in funds	funds	31.12.24
	£ £	£	£
Unrestricted funds
General fund	98,392 7,725	69,775	175,892
Restricted funds
Restricted general fund	75,789 74	(69,775)	6,088
TOTAL FUNDS	174,181 7,799	-	181,980

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 £ 536,734 74 536,808	Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (529,009) 7,725 - 74 (529,009) 7,799

THE PARISH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

11. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 December 2024.

THE PARISH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Income resources from Donors Covenants Income tax recoverable Uncovenanted Collections Grants and project income Donations, Appeals Legacies Other trading activities 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 Diocesan Quota Clergy Expenses Church running expenses Hall -running expenses Church Maintenance Upkeep of services Expenditure of Parish Magazine Support & Education costs Salary of the Organists Verger and Choir Home Missions & Secular charities	2024 £ 17,436 6,401 2,491 9,541 148,193 4,486 - 188,548 10,195 71,427 975 72,402 10,480 281,625 3,324 125,581 - 1,702 18,631 469 65,711 26,610 6,528 3,805 295 7,225 2,625 89 259,271	2023 £ 18,661 5,909 10,013 1,950 110,703 436 1,000 148,672 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 4,373 220 50 261,876

Support costs

THE PARISH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Support costs Governance costs Accountancy and legal fees Total resources expended Net income/(expenditure)	2024 £ 660 263,255 18,370	2023 £ 860 265,754 (10,571)

kath

Parish of the

Contents

Parish Information for the year 2024

Rector’s Report

Chair of the PCC report

Treasurer’s report

1 Accounts

2 Budget

3 Insurance

4 Bank

5 Payroll

Pensions

6 Parish Share

Jan Ratcliffe Administrator

Deanery Synod report

Focal Leadership

Building the Connection

Growing Churches for all Generations

Updates on Mission Communities

Eco Church

Lay Chair

Deanery Finance

Jan Ratcliffe Administrator

Church of St Gabriel

DCC MEMBERSHIP

CLERGY REPORT

SERVICES

ELECTORAL ROLL

FINANCIAL REPORT

Parish Share

Utilisation of Resources and the Future

Independent Examiner’s Report

CHURCHWARDEN’S REPORT

JUNIOR CHURCH

CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE, VULNERABLE ADULTS AND SAFEGUARDING

USE OF BUILDING AND MAINTENANCE

BUILDING AND GROUNDS MAINTENANCE REPORT

FUNDRAISING/FUNDING

Church of St James

FINANCIAL REPORT

CHURCH WARDEN’S REPORT

ELECTORAL ROLL

3rd ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE SCOUT GROUP

Beavers

Explorers

Scouts

Church of St Michael and All Angels

CHURCH WARDEN’S REPORT

Michael J. Winterbottom Church Warden

SECRETARY’S REPORT

Belle Kasprzyk Secretary

TREASURER’S REPORT

Statement of Financial Assets as at 31.12.2024

Margaret Stanley Treasurer

FRIENDS OF ASHTON PARISH CHURCH REPORT

CHOIR REPORT

Church of St Peter

WARDENS’ REPORT

Phil Bowden and Carol Farnsworth (Church Wardens)

ELECTORAL ROLL

FINANCIAL REPORT

THE CHURCH LADS’ AND CHURCH GIRLS’ BRIGADE

Holy Trinity Church and Community Centre

INTRODUCTION

2024 is Year Two of the People Place and Presence 2023/26 Project

COMMUNITY CENTRE ACTIVITIES JANUARY–DECEMBER

FINANCIAL REPORT

Safeguarding

SAFE CHURCH POLICY

As a church community, we are committed to:

For children and young people

For adults who may be at risk, including those suffering domestic abuse:

For all people

Because we understand that:

Moira Wilson (safeguarding Officer)

POLICY STATEMENT ON SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

Social Context and foundation of the parish

ST GABRIEL: HISTORY