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2025-12-31-accounts

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST PETER HUDDERSFIELD

Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025

The Parochial Church Council is registered with The Charity Commission, number 1134839

Contents:

Page
3 Structure, governance and management
3 Administrative Information
5 Introduction from Canon Rachel and Vicar’s Report
7 Bell Ringers
8 Children’s Church
9 Choir
10 Crafters & Grafters
11 Pastoral Care
APCM Reports & Documents
13 PCC Report
19 Safeguarding Report
20 Buildings/Fabric Report
21 Deanery Synod Report
23 Treasurer’s Report
24 Independent Examiner’s Report
25 Financial Statements
31 Agenda for Annual Vestry Meeting
Agenda for Annual Parochial Church Meeting
32 Minutes of Annual Vestry Meeting 2025
33 Minutes of APCM 2025

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Our Prayer for a Growing Church

God of mission,

who alone brings growth to your Church, send your Holy Spirit to give Vision to our planning, Wisdom to our actions, and Power to our witness.

Help our church to grow in numbers, in spiritual commitment to you and in service to our community, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Welcome to our Parish Year Book. In these pages you will find not just the necessary reports for our church’s annual meetings but also reports from the groups which make up the living church here.

We are a community of faith in the heart of Huddersfield. We worship together and live out our Christian faith together. As God’s family in this place, we try to make our life here one that informs, inspires and resources daily Christian living. We also look out to our Parish and our town; the places we are called to offer the care for others that Christian living asks of us.

How we do this is represented in these pages. There are groups for all ages. There are groups who look after the church so that it’s here for the community. There are groups who look after the community, so they know the church is for them and for everyone to know the love of God in community.

Please take the time to look through these pages and give thanks to God for all the people you find here and their ministry – for the whole life of our church. Please listen too to where God is calling you to be part of this beautiful jigsaw of service, celebration and support.

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Structure, governance and management

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All those who attend our services are encouraged to register on the electoral roll and stand for election to the PCC. The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on matters of general concern and importance to the Parish including deciding how the funds of the PCC are to be spent.

The PCC has several committees to deal with different aspects of parish life. These committees are responsible to the PCC and report to it regularly.

Administrative information

St Peter’s Church is situated in Byram Street, Huddersfield. It is part of the Diocese of Leeds within the Church of England. The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a charity registered with the Charity Commission, Charity no 1134839. It is a body corporate pursuant to the provisions of the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956 and the Church Representation Rules 2006. Its contact details are:

Parish Office Huddersfield Parish Church Byram Street Huddersfield HD1 1BU

Office: 01484 427964

Administrator: 07538 595464

Email: office@huddersfieldparishchurch.org

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The following served as members of the PCC from 1 January 2025 up to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting:

Incumbent Rev’d Canon Rachel Firth
Assistant Curates Rev’d Carol Hawkins (until August 2025)
Rev’d Wayne Simmonds (from September 2025)
Wardens Verity Quarmby
Megan Longthorne (until July 2025)
Ex-officio Stephen Smith (Organist)
Richard Quarmby (Choral Director)
Representatives on the Deanery Synod
Elijah Bedford (from July 2025)
Carol Hunt
Elizabeth Price
Mitchell Wright
Elected members
Alan Eastwood (until 2026)
Tony Kenworthy (until 2027)
Alastair Maclean (until 2027)
Sheila Mutasa (until 2027)
Christine Sparks (until 2027)
Diane Groom (Deputy Warden) (until 2027)
Andrew Quinlan (until 2027)
Michael Bembridge (until 2028)
Tonde Muzhinji (until 2028)
James Wilkinson (Hon Treasurer - until 2028)

This report was approved by the PCC on 23[rd] April 2026. It was signed on its behalf by:

The Reverend Canon Rachel Firth (PCC Chair)

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Vicar’s Report

“See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” (Isa 43.19)

As I reflect on 2025 a HPC I want to reflect on our core identity as a community of faith – which is where I want to start and end. With the Alpha and the Omega. The God in whom we live and move and have our being (Acts 17.28).

We are a place where God is doing new things. We are a diverse people, gathered from all corners of the world to be God’s people here - a people from whom God is calling new things into being as we pray together “Your Kingdom Come”.

What brings people to any church for the first time is usually and simply, the invitation of a friend. What keeps them coming is a complex network of connection, welcome, friendship, learning, challenge and comfort, rest and engagement – with all things rooted in following Jesus.

Those who come seeking to see Christ more clearly, love Christ more dearly and follow Christ more nearly will be able to do so if what they find when they come is the open hearted welcome of those who share that longing - disciples of Christ, committed to the Gospel, informed by our tradition and inspired by the Holy Spirit.

This is who we are, and who we were in 2025, with all the practical challenges that go with this in managing our resources for this mission.

In 2025 the project to build our external space finally came to an end and we have begun to use this space more often, with some highly successful partnership with Huddersfield BID.

We bid a fond farewell to Rev Carol, grateful for her ministry amongst us, as she came to the end of her extended curacy and moved on to a new ministry at Dewsbury Minster. As this followed the departure of our full-time curate at the end of 2024, there were pragmatic decision to be made in prioritising workload for me. We do so much at St Peter’s, but when resources are reduced our priority is always “core business”! The PCC were particularly helpful in reviewing priorities and I was particularly pleased that we have been able to maintain both the Encompass Bible Study group on Wednesdays and the Rainbow Eucharist throughout 2025, which had previously been dependent on additional clergy resource. I am grateful for the ministry alongside me of our lay volunteers who have made this sustainable.

One of God’s new things, however, was the unexpected arrival of a new Curate. Rev Wayne joined us in September 2025, following consultation with Bishop Smitha and the PCC, and his unique gifts and skills have already made an impact on the life of our community. His combined role as Racial Justice Officer for the Diocese of Leeds sits so

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well with the opportunities we have at St Peter’s to explore and celebrate the wonderful diversity which God has gathered here. I take great delight in once again praying at the altar with a colleague who brings so much.

2025 also saw the PCC invest their time and commitment in a mediation

process. Having tried many methods to improve our communication with one another and our effectiveness in serving the church community, we sought the support of an external consultant. The process helped us speak openly about how we deal with disagreement and conflict – just as much a part of our own community as it was the early church (Acts 6.1). Mediation as a concept is about learning to listen to one another without being adversarial, learning to be flexible, acknowledging harm and encouraging accountability. Views were mixed amongst the PCC as to the effectiveness of this process immediately after the event – but I feel strongly myself that it’s effectiveness has been shown over time as our PCC have worked better together, amongst themselves and with me.

2025 also saw us conduct our first “Church Life” survey. This was an initiative of the PCC – recognising that our community has changed a lot in recent years and seeking to find out more about our regular worshippers. We asked what had brought worshippers here, what our worshippers value about the life of our community and what might we be able to do better together as we live out our faith. I hope that this is something we will repeat, perhaps annually, in future and that it will become one of the many ways we can communicate well in an ever-growing church.

I give here thanks for every volunteer – for every ounce of creativity, strength, courage, energy, prayer and commitment - all that God gave you so that you might use it in the service of God’s people here. I pray that each one of you will help guide us into a future where we are attuned to the needs of those who gather here in worship, attuned to the needs of the wider community we serve and witness to in social action, and attuned to the renewal which God, through the work of the Holy Spirit, is undoubtedly bringing here amongst us.

God’s call on our lives is a forever thing, however long or brief a time God’s purpose for us might be rooted here.

With blessing and continuing prayers for our whole community and mission together.

Rev Canon Rachel Firth, May 2026

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Bellringers/Tower Report

We managed to ring a least once per month for either Sunday morning service or for the early evening. Most Tuesdays have had the bells rung and more often than not we do manage to have at least 10 ringers in attendance. We do a weekly Facebook page for folk to follow our activities.

The bells themselves are in good order, albeit I haven't managed to check them as often as i would have liked following my Achilles tendon break. Hopefully I can (with some help) scrutinise them a bit more closely in the spring of 2026. We do need to vac the bell chamber in due course, as you know we get a lot of dust etc off the stonework which we don't want to get into the bearings.

During 2025 we had 2 visiting bands, from Inverrary in January and The University Guild in August. We ourselves rang all 10 bells for VE Day on the 8th of May. Most of us had a week’s ringing holiday in South Wales in August.

8 quarter peals were successful along with 1 full peal in 2025.

We sent off 4 ropes to Ellis Ropes in Loughborough for new tail ends in December, these should be ready in April 2026. The cost of the repairs are about £55.00 per rope plus vat, (new ropes for us are currently costing about £210 each plus vat) These are heavier ropes for bells 9 and 10 It should keep our rope stock at a reasonable level gradually working our way through the 4 strand ropes, (which cannot be repaired).

Smith’s see to the clock twice a year albeit a return visit was needed in November as they hadn't quite got it right after altering for the hour in October. We keep our eye on it; it seems to be keeping good time and striking correctly.

All in all, we are holding our own, the only downside being that I haven’t managed to hold on to learners which is a constant struggle.

Alan Trebble

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Children’s Church Report

This year has been one of adapting, listening and improving the way we support our children, families, leaders and helpers within Junior Church.

Since the last report we trialled a system where children spent one week worshipping in church with the leader and helper, followed by a full taught session in the crypt the next week. However, feedback showed that the in-church sessions were not working well. Expectations for leaders were unclear, and many felt they were simply supervising children who were often playing, including those younger than the age range for formal Junior Church. This was challenging to manage.

Parents and guardians also gave feedback that they wanted more clarity about which Sundays there would be a full Junior Church session, and which were in-church weeks.

Following group discussion, leaders and helpers agreed they could each commit to leading or helping at one Junior Church session per month. This approach allows them to continue serving in their other roles and gives them weeks where they can worship without additional responsibilities.

We therefore moved to a structure of three formal Junior Church sessions per month. There is no session on the first Sunday of the month and, if a month has five Sundays, there is no session on the final Sunday either. This system has worked very well. Leaders and helpers report that the rota is far more manageable, and parents, guardians and children now know exactly when Junior Church will be taking place.

A particularly positive development has been the interest from new volunteers. We have welcomed one new helper, expect to add another to the next rota and have two more people who would like to come and observe. This increased interest has been very encouraging, and we hope to build on this.

Highlights from the Year

Ide Wise

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Choir Directors Report

The choir has had a productive and fruitful year with many highlights, and many significant achievements which are to be celebrated.

Choir membership continues to be good, with a good range of singers from students to volunteer adults, although recruitment of students from the university has proved much more challenging recently due to falling numbers in the music department. Commitment from the singers to the church is very impressive and consistent, with singers keen to participate in services on a weekly basis and also taking part in additional services for civic occasions, major festivals and feast days.

We are currently looking at expanding the range of educational institutions that we would partner with, looking at recruiting younger scholars from FE colleges rather than restricting ourselves to the university, and plans are in place for this offer to be opened up from September 2025, with promotional material to be sent out in the summer term.

All of the choir members have worked very hard and produced some outstanding music over the course of the year. Particular highlights in the year have been material produced for the Kirklees service of Remembrance, helping us to reach members of the community beyond the regular congregation, and the outstanding singing at the Nine Lessons and Carols service, and in Holy week during the lead up to Easter. We are regularly reminded what a professional privilege and a personal pleasure it is to be participating in such highquality music making in the glorious setting of Huddersfield Parish Church.

The streaming equipment continues to be used on a weekly basis, and has proved very useful, not only in making the services available to those who would not be able to access them otherwise, but also in making available to us high quality audio-visual recordings of the performances of the music department which can be used on social media and other online assets to raise the profile of music within the church, and indeed the church within the community. It has also proved to be a major asset for services taking place where people are unable to attend through distance or health.

Evensong is a particular favourite service of the choir members – a full choral evensong is something very much enjoyed by the choir and the attending congregation. It provides not only a superb musical experience, but also a structured moment of quiet and reflection during the week. Discussions are ongoing as to how this service can be developed, not only within the musical context, but also to grow the congregation and the online presence of this service so that it is able to reach further into the community. Come and Sing Evensongs have provided a good start on this, but there is more work to be done, and definitely a congregation to be found as we are the only full choral evensong being sung regularly outside the cathedrals for a significant distance.

Richard Quarmby BMus(hons) MA PGCE

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Crafters and Grafters Report

The Grafters and Grafters meet on the first Thursday of the month at the back of church between 10.00am and 12.00 noon.

The aim is to share fellowship whilst chatting, exchanging ideas, and enjoying refreshments. We produce crafts which are donated or sold to raise money at events such as coffee mornings and fairs.

We like to try our hand at new crafts, and in the last year these have included stone painting; candle and soap making; bow tying; peg dolls; buttonholes and paper white roses on Yorkshire Day; chocolate snowmen and illuminated wine bottles/vases.

New members and ideas are always welcome.

Jane Bembridge

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Pastoral Care Report

The Pastoral Care Group, on behalf of the PCC, endeavour to ensure that all regular members of the congregation are known to at least one of the pastoral carers.

Their aims are:

Each carer is aware of their own group of people and will check that all is well if there are any unusual absences. Photographs of all the Pastoral care members are displayed on the noticeboard by the kitchen.

Pastoral care meetings are held 3-4 times annually, chaired by Stephen Smith.

Community Prayers and a Healing Service, with anointing, are now established on the first Wednesday of the month at 12.35 in the Lady Chapel. Prayers are offered for the sick, bereavements, death, those whose Year’s Mind falls in that month and our wider community.

The Prayer Tree has now been installed next to the candle stand in the narthex and we are awaiting the refixing of the triptych.

A newsletter with the month’s readings and notices is produced monthly by the Parish Administrator and is available electronically or in paper form at the back of church, for those at home.

There has been a complete review of the Electoral Roll in 2025, and the Pastoral Care team have supported the clergy at welcome meetings for new church members. We have encouraged the “name amnesty” in September and February, when everyone has been encouraged to wear name badges, so that we can all get to know people better.

Pastoral Care Team.

Stephen Smith (Chair), Jane Bembridge (Secretary), Alan Eastwood, Rachel Firth, Carmen Gay, Carol Hawkins, Carol Hunt, Danny Madigan, Sheila Mutasa, Tatenda Mutasa, Paula Patterson, Verity Quarmby, Christine Sparks and Brenda Sykes.

Jane Bembridge (Secretary)

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Formal Reports for the Annual Church Meetings

PCC Report

Over the last twelve months at Huddersfield Parish Church, we have seen significant organisational transition, financial scrutiny, strategic reflection, and sustained community engagement. There has been a period of intense activity, with the completion of the outdoor space project, staffing and volunteer changes alongside the regular pattern of weekly services, civic occasions and outreach work. It is hoped that the good work done over the previous twelve months will allow for a period of consolidation, development and reflection over the next twelve months.

The most significant strategic theme during the year was the completion and operational integration of the new outdoor performance and community space. This major capital project shaped a large proportion of PCC business throughout the year, influencing financial planning, governance discussions, partnership working with Kirklees Council and Huddersfield BID, and longer-term business planning around income generation and community use.

A second major theme was financial sustainability. The PCC repeatedly reviewed projected annual operating deficits, explored alternative income streams, revised rental agreements, strengthened financial controls, and developed a more strategic approach to reserves management and commercial activity. The appointment of a new Treasurer and the development of enhanced financial reporting frameworks represented important governance improvements.

The year also saw continued growth in community-facing activity. Warm Space and Summer Space initiatives became major areas of outreach, regularly serving 60–70 attendees, though these programmes also highlighted challenges around volunteer capacity and sustainable funding. The PCC deepened partnerships with local organisations including Huddersfield BID, Kirklees Council, charities, and cultural groups. Pastoral and inclusion work remained central to church life. PCC discussions consistently reflected commitments to safeguarding, racial justice, inclusion, prayer ministry, Rainbow Eucharist services, and volunteer development. The mediation review process early in the year also prompted intentional reflection on governance culture, communication, and volunteer engagement.

Operationally, the PCC strengthened governance procedures through updated financial control frameworks, quarterly budget reviews, improved project oversight discussions, action tracking, risk management, safeguarding reviews, and preparation for future strategic planning.

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Despite financial challenges and significant operational demands, the PCC successfully maintained parish share payments, advanced major building projects, sustained broad ministry activity, strengthened community partnerships, and continued to position St Peter’s as a major civic and spiritual presence within Huddersfield.

As a warden team we wish to offer our sincere thanks to all of our church members, staff, volunteers, committee members and chairs, who all work to make St Peter’s the place it is within the town.

Strategic Themes and Organisational Priorities

Throughout the year, PCC activity consistently aligned around the following strategic priorities:

Community Engagement and Outreach

Warm Space and Summer Space

Civic and Cultural Partnerships

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Church Events and Public Engagement

Governance, Staffing and Organisational Development

Leadership and Staffing

Governance and Organisational Reflection

Safeguarding, Inclusion and Pastoral Care

Safeguarding

Inclusion and Ministry Development

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Strategic Progress Against Organisational Goals

1. Financial Sustainability

The PCC made substantial progress in strengthening financial governance despite continuing operating deficits estimated between £20,000 and £30,000 annually. Key improvements included:

Although structural financial pressures remain unresolved, the PCC significantly improved financial transparency, forecasting, and governance discipline during the year.

2. Stewardship of Buildings and Assets

Completion of the outdoor performance space represented a transformational infrastructure milestone. While the project generated governance, contractor, and financial challenges, it substantially increased the church’s visibility and created new opportunities for community engagement and commercial use.

The PCC also made progress in:

The church demonstrated increasing recognition of the need for structured project governance and lifecycle asset management.

3. Community Engagement and Civic Presence

The PCC successfully strengthened St Peter’s civic role within Huddersfield.

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Examples included:

The church increasingly positioned itself as both a spiritual centre and a community hub.

4. Inclusion and Pastoral Development

The PCC consistently prioritised inclusion, welcome, and pastoral care.

Key developments included:

The church demonstrated continued commitment to inclusive ministry while navigating some external tensions and public scrutiny.

5. Governance and Organisational Maturity

Governance became a growing area of focus throughout the year.

Important developments included:

The PCC increasingly demonstrated a shift from reactive administration toward more strategic organisational management.

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Overall Assessment

The 2025 PCC year was one of consolidation, strategic transition, and increasing organisational maturity.

Despite significant financial pressures, project complexity, and operational demands, the PCC maintained strong levels of ministry activity, strengthened governance practices, deepened civic engagement, and positioned St Peter’s for future strategic development.

The completion of the outdoor performance space, growing partnerships with civic organisations, expansion of pastoral and inclusive ministry, and development of stronger financial controls all represent substantial organisational achievements.

The PCC also demonstrated increasing willingness to address difficult issues directly, including governance learning from major projects, financial sustainability concerns, commercial tenant management, and volunteer capacity pressures.

Looking ahead, the church’s principal strategic challenges remain:

Nevertheless, the year demonstrated that St Peter’s possesses strong leadership commitment, significant community goodwill, and growing organisational capability to address these challenges constructively.

Verity Quarmby, Church Warden, on behalf of the PCC

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Safeguarding Report

Safeguarding is of paramount importance as part of the life of the Church. To assist in its effective delivery, the Diocese have enabled, those whose responsibility to ensure compliance, with a Safeguarding Dashboard. This provides those using it to see easily where their church is in meeting the standards required. Anyone wishing to have sight of the St Peters, summary should contact either myself or Verity.

The PCC through the safeguarding officers receive regular updates on safeguarding by using the summary. PCC are required to identify any areas that require attention and review progress.

We felt it important that the wider church understand the mechanisms in place to ensure compliance.

Verity Quarmby

Alan R Eastwood

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Buildings and Fabric Report

As can be seen from this report it has been a very busy year for the Buildings Group and grateful thanks go out to the team. Not only for attending meetings but the hours of maintenance work that they undertake on behalf of us all.

Maintenance Logs: To enable anyone to report a repair or maintenance issue the forms are in the body of the church and should be completed and returned to a Warden or member of the Building Group.

Wish List: To prioritise work that needs to be undertaken the Wish List categorises items into MUST, SHOULD, COULD, AND DONE. Items form the Maintenance Logs are included. Work identified is undertaken at the working days. Working Days Three working days have been undertaken during the year and have proved very successful. Not only in the work completed but to the fellowship experienced between those attending.

Quinquennial Inspection: It is a requirement of the Church Commissioners that all churches are inspected by a qualified person every 5 years. In July we were inspected by our new Architect Daniel Elkington from Donald Insall Associates of York. They were selected following expressions of interest being submitted. Anyone wishing to have sight of the report please speak to a member of the Group.

Multi Use Space: Going forward we need to ensure the continued use of the space and its potential revenue stream. Therefore, a business plan group has been established. It is hoped that an events manager be appointed to realise an effective income stream from the space.

Crypt Boiler: unfortunately the boiler following inspection has been condemned. There for as the Church of England is encouraging a move away from fossil fuels we are exploring infra-red heating.

Future projects: We are now focusing not only on the day-to-day maintenance but also on the further development and enhancement of the building. We are seeking grant funding for the next phase. The provision of a new entrance on to the Multi Use Space a lift to the Crypt and new toilets. This will make the building open to all providing disabled access.

Alan R Eastwood - Chair of Buildings Group

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Deanery Synod Report

During 2025 the Deanery Synods of Huddersfield and Almondbury & Kirkburton met four times (February, April, July and September), mostly via Zoom during the winter months.

Meetings included worship, diocesan updates, and consideration of mission, finance and clergy wellbeing.

Clergy Wellbeing

A significant focus this year has been clergy wellbeing. In February, Synod unanimously passed amotion encouraging all PCCs to reflect during 2025 on the Church of England Covenant for the Care and Well-being of Clergy, using the national reflection document and minuting any actions taken. The intention was also to ask Diocesan Synod to include a question on the Archdeacon’s Visitation questionnaire about clergy wellbeing.

Following discussion with the Archdeacons, it became clear that adding to the Visitation questionnaire would not be supported. In July, Synod voted (with one against and two abstentions) to amend the motion by removing this element, while still commending the wellbeing document strongly to PCCs. The link to the resource has been circulated, and parishes are encouraged to engage with it—particularly where there is a new incumbent. There was clear support across Synod for ensuring clergy are sustained and supported in their ministry.

Diocesan and National Matters

Updates were received from Diocesan and General Synod. Items discussed during the year included:

The Vacancy in See process has begun following Bishop Nick’s forthcoming retirement. Bishop Toby will serve as Interim Bishop of Leeds from September and Acting Bishop from December. The Vacancy in See Committee is in the process of appointing representatives to the Crown Nominations Commission. Interviews for a new Bishop are expected in 2026, with installation likely in early 2027. Synod members have been asked to pray and to engage with the consultation process.

Mission and Inclusion

In April, Liz Dunbar from the Single Friendly Church Network gave a presentation highlighting that around 40% of UK adults are single. Research shows that single people

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often feel invisible or isolated in churches. Synod heard about a Guided Audit tool and five steps towards becoming more “single friendly”, including inclusive language, social belonging, relevant teaching, and representation in leadership. This was commended to parishes as part of ongoing work on welcome and inclusion.

An update was also given on Living in Love and Faith (LLF). National discussions will continue to cascade through parishes during 2025, and engagement will be required. The Pastoral Principles were highlighted as important in enabling constructive and prayerful conversations.

Buildings and Finance

In September, Synod received a presentation on the “Maintenance Collectives” project. Funded by a national grant, this initiative supports parishes in developing bespoke maintenance plans for church buildings (Phase 1, grant-funded) and later forming collectives for shared procurement (Phase 2).

Huddersfield Deanery has been selected for the next roll-out. The project works alongside Quinquennial Inspections and aims to support longer-term planning, though it does not fund building works directly.

Parish Share was discussed in July. Representatives shared the pressures faced by PCCs, particularly balancing diocesan contributions with building costs. It was emphasised that parishes are seeking to be faithful and generous, while working within real constraints. Feedback will continue to be shared with the Diocese.

Other Matters

Deanery finances remain modest but stable in both deaneries. Elections were held to the Standing Committee, and vacancies on the Area Mission and Pastoral Committee were addressed where possible. Synod also supported the annual Thy Kingdom Come prayer walk and addressed practical matters such as communications and insurance.

Overall, Synod has sought to support clergy, encourage inclusion, engage with diocesan processes, and assist parishes in mission and stewardship during a demanding year.

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Treasurer’s Report 2025

The Church’s finances in the previous two years were dominated by the grants received, and the funds spent, on the Performance Space. Affairs returned somewhat to normal in 2025, with the majority of income and expenditure related to the project having been accounted for.

The Parish did receive £31,736 for VAT recoverable on the project in 2025. Other exceptional items were generous donations totalling £10,831 and accounting income of £4,022 from a prior year adjustment related to an accounting error in 2023 or earlier.

This left an overall surplus for 2025 of £31,050. However, excluding the items above (two of which will not recur), we would have a deficit of £15,539. The forecast deficit for 2026 is around £20,000.

The Statement of Financial Activities shows net assets of £351,573. However, of this, £254,407 relates to Endowment Funds, where the Parish receives income but cannot access the capital amount.

Other funds total £97,166, meaning that at the present rate of deficit, there are less than five years before funds are exhausted.

The PCC is aware of the challenges surrounding its financial position and the need to identify fundraising opportunities, including use of the Performance Space. In addition, the PCC continues to receive regular updates on the future cash position and potential pinch points.

The PCC has opted to prepare these financial statements on a going concern basis, as it has sufficient resources to continue in operation for at least 12 months from the date of this report.

James Wilkinson

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Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of the Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Peter Huddersfield

I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025.

Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and Independent Examiner

As trustees of the charity, the members of the PCC are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. They consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to:

Basis of Independent Examiner's Statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission.

An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the management committee concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in a full audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts.

Independent Examiner's Statement

In connection with my examination, no matters have come to my attention:

  1. which give me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:

  2. to keep accounting records in accordance with s.130 of the 2011 Act; or

  3. to prepare accounts which accord with these accounting records have not been met; and

  4. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Mr Dereck Tasker BSc(Hons) ACA

22 Sorbus Way, Lepton, Huddersfield HD8 0EY

7[th] March 2026

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Statement of financial activities

For the year ended 31 December 2025

----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total Prior year
funds funds funds funds total funds
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies 51,604 520 - 52,124 569,356
Income from charitable activities 628 - - 628 668
- -
Other trading activities 12,295 12,295 8,224
Investments 16,870 - 21,785 38,655 45,690
Other income 26,056 - - 26,056 14,677
Total income 107,454 520 21,785 129,759 638,614
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 793 - - 793 778
-
Expenditure on charitable activities 114,654 -19,087 95,568 853,505
Other expenditure 387 - - 387 537
Governance costs 546 - - 546 552
Investment management costs 530 - 7,486 8,016 9,819
Total expenditure 116,910 -19,087 7,486 105,309 865,191
Net income / (expenditure) -9,456 19,607 14,300 24,450 -226,577
Transfers:
Gains/losses on investment assets 6,600 - - 6,600 -7,688
Net movement in funds -2,857 19,607 14,300 31,050 -234,265
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward -229 ,406 309 ,822 240 ,107 320 ,523 554 ,788
Total funds carried forward -232 ,263 329 ,429 254 ,406 351 ,573 320 ,523
----- End of picture text -----

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Statement of financial position

At 31 December 2025

As at
As at
31/12/2025
31/12/2024
Fixed assets
Unrestricted - General Funds
Restricted - Bell Fund
Restricted - Church Maintenance
Restricted - Cornerstone North Wall
Restricted - Defibrillator Fund
Restricted - Junior Church
Restricted - Organ Music & Choir
Restricted - Special Service Collections
Endowment - WDCOS 1153 Car Park
Endowment - WDCOS 1176 Venn Street
Endowment - WDCOS 1655 Aspley
Endowment - WDCOS P1478 Church Repairs & maintenance
Creditors: Amounts Falling Due In One Year
Tangible Assets
Current assets
Debtors
Investments
Cash At Bank And In Hand
Liabilities
Restricted
Endowment
Fund Totals
Net current assets less current liabilities
Total net assets less liabilities
Represented by
Unrestricted		 389
389
389
389
4,000
43,466
300,065
305,704
61,590
13,748
365,655
362,918
14,471
42,784
14,471
42,784
351,184
320,134
351,573
320,523
- 232,263
- 229,406
277
227
206,723
206,723
116,783
97,707
370
289
127
127
2,380
2,380
2,770
2,371
329,430
309,824
128,308
121,408
- 58,182
- 56,106
183,176
173,700
1,105
1,105
254,407
240,107
351,573
320,523

Signed on behalf of the Parochial Church Council on 23[rd] April 2026 by:

The Reverend Canon Rachel Firth (Incumbent)

26

Notes to the financial statements

1. Accounting policies

The PCC is a public benefit entity within the meaning of FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 and in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 governing the individual accounts of PCCs, and with the Regulations’ ‘true and fair view’ provisions. They have been prepared under FRS 102 (2016) as the applicable accounting standards and the 2016 version of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP(FRS102)).

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their affiliation to another body, nor those that are informal gatherings of church members.

Going concern

The accounts have been prepared on the going concern basis. The Trustees consider that there is no material uncertainty regarding the Charity’s ability to continue to operate as a going concern for the foreseeable future, and in any case for at least 12 months from the date of this report.

Fund accounting

Restricted funds comprise (a) income from endowments which is to be expended only on the restricted purposes intended by the donor and (b) revenue donations or grants for a specific PCC activity intended by the donor. Where these funds have unspent balances, interest on their pooled investment is apportioned to the individual funds on an average balance basis.

Unrestricted funds are income funds which are to be spent on the PCC's general purposes.

Endowment funds are funds, the capital of which much be retained either permanently or at the PCC’s discretion; the income derived from the endowment is to be used either as restricted or unrestricted income funds depending upon to purpose for which the endowment was established in the first place.

Incoming resources

Planned giving, collections and similar donations are recognised when received.

Grants and legacies are accounted for when the PCC is entitled to the use of the resources, their ultimate receipt is considered reasonably certain and the amounts due are reliably quantifiable. Dividends are accounted for when received, interest as and when accrued by the payer. All incoming resources are accounted for gross.

27

Resources expended

Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding or constructive obligation on the PCC. The diocesan parish share expected to be paid over is accounted for when due.

All other expenditure is generally recognised when it is incurred and is accounted for gross.

Fixed assets

Consecrated and benefice property is not included in the accounts in accordance with s.10(2)(a) and (c) of the Charities Act 2011.

Movable church furnishings held by the vicar and churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal are inalienable property, listed in the church's inventory, which can be inspected (at any reasonable time). Such assets, and equipment used within the church premises, are deemed immaterial and therefore written off in the period of acquisition.

Financial instruments

The Parish has no complex financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are recognised at settlement value.

28

2. Incoming resources for the year ended 31 December 2025

Total General Restricted Endowment This year Last year

113 - Warm Space donations
114 - Outreach Donations
120 - Development Work Grants Rec
122 - Development Work VAT recovered
131 - Bell donations/income
133 - Encompass Bible Study
46 - Parish Giving Scheme - Gift Aid
49 - On-Line Giving (Sumup)
50 - Collection - Standing Orders
51 - Collections Cash
52 - Collection Gift Aid
54 - Pedestal & Wall Safe
55 - Kitchen Income
56 - Donations
57 - Legacies
58 - Flowers for Church
59 - Miscellaneous Income
60 - Gift Aid Tax Recovered
80 - Special Service Collections
95 - Defibrillator income
69 - Service Fees
72 - Office Administration
73 - Printing
61 - Use of Church
62 - Use of Crypt
64 - Fund Raising Events
65 - Crypt Rent
68 - RBS Bank Interest
88 - Aspley Rent & Insurance
89 - Car Park Rent
91 - R B Investment Income
112 - Kirklees Warm Space Funding
125 - prior year adjustment
47 - Parish Giving Scheme
Investments Totals
Other income
Other income Totals
Income and endowments Grand totals
Donations and legacies Totals
Income from charitable activities
Income from charitable activities Totals
Other trading activities
Other trading activities Totals
Investments
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies		 716
-
-
716
130
316
-
-
316
-
-
-31,825
-
-31,825
500,399
-
31,736
-
31,736
12,918
-
50
-
50
70
-
-
-
-
5
2,964
-
-
2,964
2,746
901
-
-
901
1,808
11,991
-
-
11,991
13,182
3,245
-
-
3,245
4,055
4,666
-
-
4,666
5,732
6,077
-
-
6,077
7,124
743
-
-
743
830
10,831
-
-
10,831
1,971
1,000
-
-
1,000
3,000
485
-
-
485
408
470
-
-
470
7,787
7,200
-
-
7,200
5,965
-
399
-
399
1,099
-
159
-
159
125
51,604
520
-
52,124 569,356
343
-
-
343
435
-
-
-
-
142
285
-
-
285
91
628
-
-
628
668
2,683
-
-
2,683
1,697
1,530
-
-
1,530
970
8,082
-
-
8,082
5,557
12,295
-
-
12,295
8,224
12,287
-
-
12,287
13,200
622
-
-
622
726
-
-
14,778
14,778
13,149
150
-
6,900
7,050
6,725
3,811
-
107
3,918
11,890
16,870
-
21,785
38,655
45,690
7,390
-
-
7,390
-
4,022
-
-
4,022
-
14,644
-
-
14,644
14,677
26,056
-
-
26,056
14,677
107,454
520
21,785
129,759
638,614

29

3. Resources expended for the year ended 31 December 2025

General
Restricted
Endowment
This year
Last year
Total
176 - Fund Raising Expenses
Raising funds Totals
Expenditure on charitable activities
150 - Church Electricity
151 - Church Gas
152 - Church Water
153 - Church Insurance
154 - Utilities Crypt Back Room
155 - Cleaning & Hygiene
156 - Office Administration
157 - Telephone & Broadband Fees
158 - Clergy Expenses
159 - Salaries Adminst & Cleaner
160 - HMRC Tax and NI
161 - Musicians Salaries & Expenses
162 - Service Costs
163 - Parish Share
164 - Choir Music Costs
165 - Church Flowers Expenses
166 - Kitchen Refreshments
167 - Miscellaneous Expenses
168 - Church Repairs & Maintenance
169 - Instrument & Organ Repairs
173 - Professional Fees & Expenses
175 - Missionary & Charitable Giving
185 - Childrens Church
188 - Printing Costs
189 - Church Consumables
190 - Bell Repair Expenses
194 - Outdoor Performance Space Expenses
196 - Service Broadcasting Project
197 - Staff Pension Costs - NEST
198 - Development Work Buildings Projects Expenditure
200 - Development Work Professional fees
202 - Development Work Sundry Expenses
207 - Encompass Bible Study
220 - Defibrillator Expense
221 - Discretionary Fund
Expenditure on charitable activities Totals
Other expenditure
212 - Warm Space Expenditure
Governance costs
180 - Bank Charges
Governance costs Totals
Investment management costs
178 - Crypt Expenses
215 - Aspley Maint & Insurance
218 - Redmayne Bentley
Investment management costs Totals
Expenditure Grand totals
Other expenditure Totals
Raising funds
Expenditure on:		 793
-
-
793
778
793
-
-
793
778
2,741
-
-
2,741
3,713
9,136
-
-
9,136
12,594
425
-
-
425
5,537
13,156
-
-
13,156
11,581
50
-
-
50
1,537
430
-
-
430
422
1,877
-
-
1,877
3,462
1,321
-
-
1,321
1,187
3,764
-
-
3,764
3,247
16,183
-
-
16,183
13,801
3,718
-
-
3,718
1,532
9,815
-
-
9,815
9,713
40
-
-
40
1,533
44,414
-
-
44,414
43,524
11
-
-
11
224
249
-
-
249
153
632
-
-
632
948
6,055
-
-
6,055
5,982
10,002
-
-
10,002
34,261
312
-
-
312
656
960
-
-
960
133
919
-
-
919
-
-
-
-
-
432
1,827
-
-
1,827
263
1,236
-
-
1,236
595
-
-
-
-
149
-
-
-
-
3,962
588
-
-
588
1,012
1,708
-
-
1,708
1,306
-17,281
12,660
-
-4,621
688,675
-
-31,825
-
-31,825
-
-
-
-
-
470
236
-
-
236
329
-
78
-
78
86
132
-
-
132
485
114,654
-19,087
-
95,568
853,505
387
-
-
387
537
-
387
537
546
-
-
546
552
546
-
-
546
552
530
-
-
530
734
-
-
5,302
5,302
871
-
-
2,184
2,184
8,214
530
-
7,486
8,016
9,819
116,910
-19,087
7,486
105,309
865,191

30

Agenda of Meetings – 17[th] May 2026

The Vestry Meeting (all parishioners can vote)

  1. Minutes of the Vestry Meeting, 18[th] May 2025.

  2. Election of Churchwardens & Deputy Wardens

The Annual Parochial Church Meeting (Electoral Roll only can vote)

  1. Apologies and Matters Arising. Minutes of the 2025 meeting.

  2. Reports and Financial Statements

  3. 2.1 PCC report

  4. 2.2 Financial Statement

  5. 2.3 Fabric/Buildings Report

  6. 2.4 Deanery Synod Report

  7. 2.5 Changes to Electoral Roll since the last meeting.

  8. 2.6 Safeguarding

  9. Election of PCC Members

  10. Election of Deanery Synod reps

  11. Appointment of Independent Auditor.

  12. AOB

The following appointments are made by the PCC who will next meet on Monday 18[th] May 2026

  1. Appointment of Vice-Chair

  2. Appointment of PCC Secretary

  3. Appointment of Treasurer

  4. Appointment of Electoral Roll Officer

  5. Appointment of Members of Standing Committee

31

HUDDERSFIELD PARISH CHURCH

THE VESTRY MEETING

(all parishioners can vote) Sunday May 18th, 2025

Apologies: Angela Braviner, Alan Eastwood

Welcome – Rev Canon Rachel welcomed everyone to the meeting and outlined the purpose and role of the meeting. She explained that the live stream was still running and asked if anyone had any objections to this. None were received. Rev Canon Rachel asked us to turn to page 26 of the booklet which has been circulated.

  1. Minutes of the Extraordinary Vestry Meetings, October 2024 and December 2024 Rev Canon Rachel proposed that the minutes of the extraordinary vestry meeting on October 2024 be accepted, seconded by Chris Sparks and approved with one abstention.

She proposed that the minutes of the extraordinary vestry meeting on December 2024 be accepted, seconded by Stephen Smith and approved with one abstention.

  1. Election of churchwardens and deputy churchwardens. Rev Canon Rachel explained that the role of deputy warden is not a formal role, however, in a large town centre church such as St Peter’s it is helpful to have a larger team. The two current deputy wardens, Lionel Green and Diane Groom, were both re-elected as Deputy Wardens with all in favour. The current church wardens, Verity Quarmby and Megan Longthorn, were elected in December of last year. The Vicar recorded her thanks to all who served as wardens and deputy wardens last year and to those who have returned this year.

This concluded the vestry meeting.

32

HUDDERSFIELD PARISH CHURCH ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

(Electoral roll members only can vote) Sunday May 18[th] 2025

1. Apologies and Matters Arising: Angela Braviner, Alan Eastwood

Rev Canon Rachel opened the meeting with a welcome and explained that voting in this meeting is open to anyone who is a member of the electoral roll.

2. Report and Financial Statements

2.1 PCC Report - the report has been put together by the wardens. There were no questions and the report was duly received by the APCM. Rev Canon Rachel welcomed questions later should anyone have a question after the meeting. She proposed the report be accepted, seconded by Diane Groom with all in favour.

2.2 Financial Statement – the final accounts could not be presented to the meeting as there are a number of outstanding questions to resolve first. James Wilkinson, our

Treasurer, was introduced to APCM. Grateful thanks were recorded to previous treasurers, Dessy Jabangwe and Tony Kenworthy for their work. There were no questions.

2.3 Buildings Report – the date was announced for the next working day and volunteers for this are welcome. Alan Eastwood is the chair of the buildings group. There were no questions regarding the report. Rev Canon Rachel proposed the report be accepted, seconded by Diane Groom with all in favour.

2.4 Deanery Synod Report Rev Canon Rachel explained that Rev Simon Crook had written the deanery synod report. This report was accepted, proposed by the Rev Canon Rachel, seconded by Diane Groom with all in favour.

2.5 Changes to the electoral roll since the last meeting There has been a full revision of the electoral roll since the last meeting. The new total number of church members is 140, down from 182 last time, however, Rev Canon Rachel explained that this is always the case in full reviews as people leave or move away. Also, people often just miss the deadline for submission of electoral roll forms and therefore end up being added later. So140 is a high number. Our current Electoral roll officer is Alastair Maclean. Alastair has indicated that he is stepping down from this role. Rev Canon Rachel recorded her thanks to Alastair for his ongoing work. She added that if anyone is interested in taking over this role from Alastair, she would be very happy to hear from them.

2.6 Safeguarding - the report is on the back page of the annual report.

Rev Canon Rachel emphasised that safeguarding is extremely important to the care and safety of all God’s people and is a standing item at every PCC meeting. Alan Eastwood is continuing as safeguarding officer for the time being, with Verity as the deputy. Canon Rachel extended her thanks to Alan for delivering the in-person training.

33

There are currently 4 vacancies, and 3 nominations have been received. These are Mike Bembridge, Tonde Muzhinji and James Wilkinson. No election was required and all 3 were appointed as members of the PCC.

The Vicar asked all new and existing members of the PCC to stand. All were

commissioned to serve as PCC members for the parish of St Peter’s Huddersfield.

4 Election of Deanery Synod Members Delegated to PCC.

34

THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND Diocese of Leeds 35