“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 Annual Report Year Ending 31[st] December 2024
OPENING LETTER
By Revd Adam Roebuck and Mrs Penny Silson
Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures for ever. Psalm 106:1
We open our report by giving thanks to God for all he has done at St John’s in 2024.
First and foremost, the appointment of Adam Roebuck, our new Vicar, God’s man for St John’s. We welcomed Adam and his family Ann, Arthur and Alexander at the licensing service on November 8th. It was an amazing, moving service supported by lots of clergy, Adam’s family and friends , and of course the family of St John’s and the Clayton community.
We would also like to thank you the congregation & St John’s church family for your patience , prayers and the support you have given to the leadership team throughout the interregnum. In order to grow as a church we have to Trust God, Listen to Him, Be Obedient to Him, Pray, and Love one another . With the help of the Holy Spirit we have done that.
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good; his love endures forever. Penny Silson.
Since arriving in Clayton my family and I have been amazed at the love and care that St John’s shows not just to all its church family, but also to the wider community. It is clear that ours is a church that doesn’t just believe in the saving love of Christ, but which lives it out in its words and actions.
As your new vicar I look forward to helping the church continue to grow and thrive in God’s love, enabling all of us to preach the Gospel in both our words and our actions. I firmly believe that we all have gifts and talents given by God to serve his Kingdom, and I am excited about seeing these develop in our church family. Adam Roebuck.
As you read this report we hope you see God at work and how we have strived to be a church that ‘follows Jesus and makes a difference’. We look forward to continuing this work in the coming years.
==> picture [15 x 14] intentionally omitted <==
----- Start of picture text -----
ac
----- End of picture text -----
Page 1
AIMS AND PURPOSES
St John the Baptist Clayton Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent, Reverend Adam Roebuck, in promoting, in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social, and ecumenical. We exist to make Followers of Jesus who make a difference wherever they are. As part of the Church of England’s national strategy of Renewal & Reform we are one of five designated Resourcing Churches in the Bradford Episcopal Area of the Diocese of Leeds.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
The PCC is committed to encouraging as many people as possible to worship at our church and become disciples of Jesus Christ in and through the activities of St. John’s.
Our objectives as a Resourcing Church over the coming years are:
-
To see the continued growth of the church numerically, in faith and in service to our communities.
-
To encourage, support and develop our leaders.
-
To plant congregations in unreached areas of our parish and to help bring about the Revitalisation of other churches in West Bradford.
-
To be a Resource to other churches in the Bradford Episcopal Area of Leeds Diocese.
To facilitate this work, it is important that we maintain the fabric of St. John’s Church & Community Rooms. When planning our activities for the year, the Incumbent and the PCC have considered the Commission’s guidance on public benefit, and the specific guidance on charities for the advancement of religion.
The PCC extends a thank you to sponsors of the work of the parishes, both those who regularly give and one-off grants. The funds received from the Strategic Development Fund for Resourcing Churches has enabled the continued employment of an Administrator and the Mission Apprentice Programme.
Deanery Synod. Penny Silson and Angela Hamilton are our Lay Representatives on the Outer Bradford Deanery Synod. In February 2024, in addition to receiving Diocesan updates, Canon Ned Slingsby-Lunn gave a presentation on Bradford City of Culture 2025. The June 2024 meeting, held at St. Cuthbert’s Wrose provided a focus on Funeral Ministry, with presentations from James Crabtree & Sarah Shape (D. Walsh Funeral Directors) and Jane Adams (Diocesan Finance Manager). In November, at Holy Trinity Idle, Canon Jim Taylor raised awareness of Prisons & Prisoner ministry. A report was received from Diocesan Synod and a presentation by Bishop Toby on ‘Living in Love and Faith’ was postponed. Angela Hamilton .
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
Throughout the year the PCC has promoted, encouraged, facilitated, and supported a wide variety of activities:
In our Worship we have worked to fulfil the Church’s call to proclaim the faith afresh in each generation. Church attendance has grown despite the vacancy and has now broadly returned to pre-COVID levels. Festival Services at Harvest and Remembrance have brought many people into church who are not regular attenders. Messy Church continues to thrive, gathering once a month on a Saturday, for craft-based activities, interactive worship and a meal together for families of primary-age children. Special Advent and Christmas services included Christingle, Blue Christmas, Carols by Candlelight, Nativity and the Midnight Holy Communion services, and these were well-attended by a broad section of the community. Be Still meets monthly, offering a beautiful space for quiet reflection, with many people watching online afterwards.
Page 2
The Community Rooms continue to be well used by a variety of groups. The PCC are keen to see more organisations make use of this excellent community resource.
- Messy Church That's exactly what it is. MESSY! But oh what fun it is to bring the living Jesus to the children and their families. We meet monthly 3.45-18.00. Numbers have increased from 25 to 60+. Scripture based activities, worship, videos, dance and prayer, followed by a hot meal, makes for an exciting afternoon. We were successful in a Sure Start Grant from Tesco, Queensbury for £1500. Thanks to the amazing help from Debbie, their community champion. This money has enabled us to buy better food and lots of craft activities. We had a one-off session for parents called Coffee, Cake and Chat to explore their Christian journey, parents are very busy and thoroughly enjoy coming to messy church but would struggle to attend anything else at present. We pray for all our families that they will grow in faith and learn more about Jesus. . Thank you to our 16 strong team of leaders, helpers, kitchen staff, servers and clear up teams. Penny Silson Messy Church Leader
Outreach - Thy Kingdom Come was hosted for 11 days including Pentecost. We asked 11 people to individually record a short reflection for each of the days. The recordings were sent to the discipleship groups and posted on St John's Facebook page each morning. Pat Harrington
- Alpha Last year we had 12 guests consistently attend the Alpha course for each of the 9 weeks. We received very encouraging feedback from our guests about their experience and faith journey. We had our 'Away Day' at St. Saviours and invited Kay to lead a 'Be Still' style service in the afternoon. Pat Harrington.
The Chosen - We watched Season 3 of The Chosen after the Sunday service in church over 8 weeks from the 30[th] June - 18[th] August. Of those who regularly attended we learnt more about how the twelve disciples faced new fears when Jesus sent them on their first mission and how each disciple carries their unique burden. Pat Harrington.
GOODBYES AND HELLOS
Lucinda Cook completed her fixed-term employment as a Mission Apprentice in June 2024. Lucinda made a huge impact in her time at St John’s and will be sorely missed. The PCC hope to appoint a new Mission Apprentice in June 2025.
Christine Pilkington was appointed as our permanent administrator during 2024, having taken the role on a temporary basis in 2023. Christine’s work has made a massive difference to the church and we are grateful for all she continues to bring to the role.
Revd Adam Roebuck was inducted and installed as vicar in November 2024 in a beautiful service with Bishop Toby and Archdeacon Andy Jolley, which was attended by many in the church. Adam comes to Clayton with his wife Ann and their sons Arthur and Alexander, who have already got stuck into the life of the church and of St John’s School.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR LEARNING AND PERSONAL GROWTH
The St John’s Playgroup meets in our Community Rooms every Tuesday morning (term time only) and is well attended. The group consists mainly of local registered childminders who provide a valuable service to local families and some parents attend too. Kay, our lay reader, goes along to every session, to interact with the adults and the children, playing games and singing songs, and building up friendships with this important group of our community. Lucinda, our mission apprentice attended the group to read bible stories to the children. Playgroup has been very busy lately and often 40 babies and toddlers attend, together with their parent/carers. We have had visits from Early Years Alliance and Bradford under-fives who come and provide sensory activities for the children.
Page 3
There has been lots of things to celebrate in the last few months, Chinese New Year, Valentine’s Day, All Hallows Eve and Christmas, to name but a few.
We usually centre a craft activity and incorporate the theme for our snack time. Since the start of last term, we have acquired a new slide and some more ball game related toys which the children are really enjoying. Gemma Kehoe
- Kidzone Since the last report, we are thrilled to say that our numbers of children attending church on a Sunday has steadily increased to approximately 12-14 every week.
Praise the Lord for his answer to prayer. Early on in the service the “Kid’s Slot” has been very well received with a five-minute focused time for the kids who then go out to their session in the community rooms. Our lessons cover the bible reading taking place in church. It's child centred, fun with exciting activities. A huge thanks to all the leaders and helpers who commit to this important ministry. Penny Silson, Kidzone leader.
Winter Shelter 2025 – ran from 27 January to 3 February. We hosted our 6th Winter Shelter for the homeless in collaboration with Inn Churches. Each night we gave hospitality to 12 guests who would otherwise have been rough sleeping in Bradford. Guests shared moving stories of how they came to be homeless, arising from issues such as family breakdown, mental health issues leading to job loss and financial hardship, bereavement and immigration difficulties. They were a very appreciative and polite group; a pleasure to host. They left some fantastic feedback, commenting on how welcomed they felt, cared for as a family, safe and how, in some cases, they found renewed hope through being here. All commented too on the amazing food they'd enjoyed! One guest was found accommodation during the week. His place was promptly taken by another, ex-military, who'd been sleeping in a car. It was hopeful as the project continued through to March more would be found settled homes. This year we had our largest volunteer team ever; over 50 who worked brilliantly together showing commitment, warmth and caring; a loving, supportive atmosphere where guests felt secure and blossomed in confidence over the week. Truly, the love of Jesus in action! A number of first-time volunteers have already expressed how they can't wait to sign up to do it all over again! Thanks to PCC and members of the St. John's church family for commitment to a Winter Shelter shown in prayer, giving and in so many practical ways. I'm so grateful too for the generous support of other Clayton churches, the W.I., our neighbourhood Police team, local shops, and others across our local community whose valued participation helps make this happen. Thanks also to the Wild Geese, who freely gave a brilliant concert on the last night of the Shelter. They wrote to thank us for the privilege of being allowed to do so, and to ask for the opportunity to come again next year ! Steve Wood
"Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it for me." Matthew 28:40.
Pastoral Care Team - Yvonne Bates, Alison Birkinshaw, Pat Harrington, Thelma Horsfall, Penny Silson, Sue Tompkins. Pastoral care at St John’s reveals itself through a whole host of individuals in the life of the church. Alongside our ministry team and discipleship group leaders we seek to love and care for our precious church family, in Jesus’ name. We offer prayer, friendship and support to those who are ill, bereaved, housebound or just want someone alongside. If there is anything we can help with, please feel free to speak to anyone of us in confidence.
‘….. love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. If you have love for one another, then everyone will know that you are my disciples.’ - John 13:34-35. Yvonne Bates .
- Welcome & Refreshments Team How blessed and grateful we are to have a rota of twenty-one individuals welcoming people into church every Sunday morning and serving refreshments after the service. People new to St John’s have said how welcome they have been made to feel and having the opportunity to invite someone to join us for coffee enables us to get to know them and introduce them to others. Also, as the Access bus arrives pretty early on a Sunday morning, we provide a hot drink to those who want one. Refreshments are also served every Thursday morning after the service of Holy Communion or time of reflection.
Page 4
‘Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God’ - Romans 15:7 Yvonne Bates.
St Johns Art group is a small art group meeting in the community room at St John’s Church, Clayton on Thursdays between 10.00 and 12.00. Current cost is £4.00 a week with no subscription. Currently we are still struggling with numbers, and we are constantly looking for new members. Present membership numbers 9 with a typical attendance being around 6 - which is barely adequate. In the spring we intend to try again to attract more people with some local and online publicity particularly stressing that people do not need to be super artists to benefit. Perhaps some promotions too. Any help with this from the church would be most welcome. Art is relaxing and therapeutic so if we could expand it would be of benefit to the community in general. Kevin Jagger.
Warm Welcome Space - By definition a Warm Welcome Space is just that - warm, welcoming, inclusive, safe and free of charge, we offer all that and loads more. We provide endless hot drinks, home baking and fresh fruit. We have had craft tables and sharing of skills and there is an assortment of games but the jigsaw table, chess, quiz and entertainment are non-negotiable. We have 19 volunteers, including two in their 80s and two in their 90s, (showing that age is no barrier in the life of this church:) Everyone gives so generously of their time and talents and it’s all so much appreciated. We’ve had between 25 and 30 people attending each week and one week last summer there were 41 of us! We are a diverse group and all enriched because of it, everyone is welcomed, friendships are made and no judgements made. Warm Welcome is a neutral space but the light of Christ shines bright in all we do and my heart is full with a real sense of God’s presence and the love, care and kindness shown each week between those who come is testimony to that. Yvonne Bates.
The Clayton History Group - meets in St. John’s Community Rooms and is now in its third year here. The facilities in the rooms provide us with the electronic capabilities that most speakers use to illustrate their talks. The kitchen also enables us to provide refreshments, which is greatly welcomed in the winter months. The change to afternoon has now helped to stabilize our numbers attending, together with new members, who find the rooms a welcoming place to spend an informative afternoon. The subjects that the speakers choose offer a wide range of interest from the Yorkshire Air Ambulance to the Battle of Blenheim. Information on speakers is displayed round the village and new members are most welcome and we do not charge for the first meeting and then £2 for up to two hours spent in a very friendly room which we use on the second Tuesday in the month, except in August, to allow for holidays. We look forward to new members joining us in these most pleasant rooms. Hedley Smith.
- Primary Schools Our continued work with St John's Primary School is growing in strength with good links around festival services in church, and a continued strong engagement in assemblies. This has been strengthened by the addition of Adam to both our work with the Children in school and work amongst staff in his role as Governor. We continue to be blessed with a wider programme of worship assemblies headed up by Lucy Brown from Clayton Baptist Church. This year will see the completion of a full three-year assembly rota of topics and themes designed to fully meet SIAMS criteria and sit well with Flourishing in Faith. We have also had some RE engagement around welcoming ceremonies within the Christian Tradition. Some of this RE work has been extended with Revd Daniel involved in some of the SEN provision around citizenship. Our work with Clayton Village School remains on an "as requested" basis. Daniel Furlong.
Exploring Silence - We hosted Dr. Alison Wooley to lead a workshop on Exploring Silence using Eventbrite as a platform to sell tickets for £16.96 each which included lunch. We secured funding of £80 from Leeds Diocese - Mission and Ministry Team. There were 16 people from across the Diocese who attended the event on Saturday 16[th] October 2024 10-4.30pm. Pat Harrington.
Page 5
St John’s Lunch Club – This has been going for 11 years and continues to thrive, providing a locally sourced, nutritious 3 course meal for up to 40 people for £6.00, including a free raffle and a quiz. We are a welcoming and caring group, the highlight of many people’s week and where many friendships have been formed. We thank Bradford Council Access Bus for transporting some guests in all weathers. The group is run by two teams of amazing volunteers who cook and serve the meals, we thank them for their continued support. We always have a need for relief helpers to cover leave and breaks, so if you would like to help then please do get in touch. We always pray before we serve lunch and trust we show Christs love in all we do . Kath Jones & Yvonne Bates.
St. John’s Church Walking Group - This group Started just afte r Covid to get people out and about and to help mental wellbeing. Since then we have met once a month, usually the first Friday We just do local walks, Ogden, Shibden Park, Roberts Park, Cycle track to Thornton and back, each time trying to finish with a coffee and cake stop, usually walking about 1 -3 miles. The objective of the walks now is to get people out in the fresh air and in pleasant company. The pace is adjusted to walking at the pace of the slowest, stopping and chatting on the way. We have done some longer walks on a Saturday but these are not so well supported and are less regular. We are very fortunate to have such beautiful countryside on our doorstep and slightly further afield. It is beneficial to escape to the countryside and helps us all recharge both mentally and physically. If you would like to join us please chat to one of the group or just sign up on the sign-up sheets at the back of Church. Glyn Tomkins .
Clock Winding - The church clock, who has looked over the church for over 150 years and needs a little loving care to keep her going each day. Nobody knows the stories she can tell but one of the Clock Team of Michael, Dave, Tim, Charles, Sue, Glyn or Keith visit her every day to give a daily wind by raising the weights which run it. Spare a thought for her and them when the clocks go back, as they have to disengage the mechanism, and wait a whole hour, before re-engaging it. Then every now and then we have to put a flag on the tower which always seems to be in the winter months! Glyn Tompkins
Flowers/Tidying/Cleaning - Jean is always busy within the Church, hoovering, polishing, sorting out the bins etc. She puts flowers on the alter bought by donations from the congregation every two weeks and sometimes she helps wedding couples if they have specially asked about someone within the Church who could help them with their flower arrangements. Jean Butterfield.
Thrive at Thornaby Hub - Clayton Baptist Church started Thrive in September 2022 which takes place every Tuesday afternoon (3.15pm-5.00pm) in term time. Children, young people and families attend for fun, crafts, games and a delicious meal. Thrive is based on 4 key principles of Fun, Faith, Friendship and Food. A volunteer from St John’s supports this work on a weekly basis. Kay Holden.
Thy Kingdom Come (TKC) 2024 - For TKC 2024 we linked with our Everyday Faith daily readings to provide 11 videos using TKC readings from their 2024 daily prayer journal. It was very encouraging to have 11 members of the congregation provide short videos on what that day's reading meant to them. These were shared daily from Ascencion to Pentecost. Kay Holden.
Tuesday Evening Church Lounge Discipleship Group - meets every Tuesday evening from 7.30pm in the Church Lounge. Kay Holden, Rachel Wilkinson and Kath Jones co-lead the group. Currently we have 17 people in the group and average 10-12 people each week. Our group has led a Sunday morning service with everyone contributing and stepping out in faith. We love to share fellowship together and encourage one another in our faith. Kay Holden.
- Pam’s Discipleship Group meets regularly on a Monday afternoon at 2.00 pm. Bible passages/books are chosen by members to study together, often with support from published material, e.g. Scripture Union Lifebuilders series, and sometimes supplemented by DVD's.
Page 6
Specific topics and characters are also chosen as appropriate. There is an open, friendly atmosphere and no previous knowledge is needed. We aim to finish at 3.15 ish and then share refreshments and fellowship. Pamela Coles.
Rowan’s Discipleship Group - meets on a Tuesday evening at 7.30 we hold a variety of Bible based discussions not following a specific theme. It is usually associated with the sermon theme from Sunday. There are currently 8 that meet but we have a Whatsapp group on which we share our discussion texts. Rowan Russell.
Penny’s discipleship group – meets every Tuesday morning at 9.45 - 11.30. We meet in the church lounge for fellowship and bible study. We use “Life Builder” study series and have studied the book of Acts and Genesis. Chat, coffee and Cake is enjoyed by all finishing with a time of prayer Please feel free to join us any Tuesday morning. Penny Silson.
Everyday Bible verse. Every day via email, text messages and Whatsapp we send out a bible verse with a short reflection . If you or any of your friends and family would like to receive this please contact Penny or any of the discipleship leaders. Penny Silson.
Bereavement Support - It has been a privilege to meet and minister to bereaved families and to provide help and support in making funeral arrangements. On-going pastoral care has been provided, as appropriate, and families have received cards from the Church; after 6 weeks and on the anniversary of death. The Annual Memorial Service and Blue Christmas Service have provided, once again, another opportunity to remember loved ones in a quiet, supportive atmosphere. The Staff Team has conducted 12 funerals this year, and several Burials of Ashes in the Garden of Remembrance, where additional spaces for memorial plaques are planned. We are sad to record the death in early 2025 of Bobby Kennedy, a dear member of our Church Family. Heartfelt sympathy for Barbara and the family. Pamela Coles.
St. John’s at The Avenue Nursing Home - Having established a New Worshipping Community two years ago in February 2023, St. John’s at The Avenue has gone from strength to strength. St. John’s has been pleased to offer times of worship, prayer, activities and pastoral and practical support to The Avenue Nursing Home residents, their families, staff and management. Services are monthly, some have been held jointly with Clayton Methodist Church, and vary between small quiet services of Holy Communion to larger and more vibrant gatherings and activities for special occasions where family members are invited to join their loved ones. We have celebrated the gift of Love together on St. Valentine’s Day, offered Posies from our Mothers Union on Mothering Sunday, celebrated our Lord’s passion and resurrection over Easter, enjoyed a Songs of Praise Afternoon Tea on the Terrace, with St. John’s Community Choir and again given thanks at The Avenue’s Harvest Festival with generous contributions and a presentation to Thornaby Hub Food Bank. Our Remembrance Sunday Service at The Avenue, was again extremely poignant with wreath laying, contributions from Residents and photographs and displays of their military achievements. This year The Avenue was also delighted to host Bishop Toby, The Archdeacon and The Dean of Bradford Cathedral, and to play a key part in the recruitment process and welcoming of our new Vicar Rev. Adam Roebuck. Carol Singing with St. John’s Community Choir, together with a Christmas Service welcomed Jesus as the Light or the World. There have been visits by staff and residents to ‘Warm Welcome’ in our Community Rooms and it has been a delight in recent weeks to welcome Residents, Family members and staff from The Avenue Nursing Home as regular worshippers at St. John’s and to events such as Messy Church and The Wild Geese Concert.
"It means the world to me that I am now attending Church.
I really missed going to my old Church in Wyke. Everyone is so lovely and welcoming at St.
John’s and it means everything to me that I can now have communion in Church". Statement from Eileen ~ Resident of The Avenue Nursing Home Requests for individual pastoral care, Holy Communion and end of life spiritual care, are requested and responded to, as required. Sincere thanks go to members of St. John’s who have
Page 7
explored becoming ‘Be-Frienders’ at The Avenue and any other volunteers would be more than welcome to find out more about this very important ministry. None of the above would have been possible without the volunteers, clergy and laity at St. John’s and the generous ‘Welcome’ from Ada and the Management at The Avenue, together with the creative, enthusiastic and excellent Activities Co-ordinators, Pete and Adrian.
“Our special friendship with St. John’s means so much to our residents, staff and visitors. It enables us be part of our community and opens doors to get involved in other exciting projects. We all look forward to the church services that are brought to us by St. John’s.
I have recently been supporting 2 residents to attend Church every Sunday. I personally can see how much it means to them. It warms me to see them making new friends and relationships. St. John’s has made us all so welcome, and nothing is ever too much trouble.” Statement from The Avenue Nursing Home Activities Team Member ~ Adrian Richards
The residents and families of The Avenue are truly blessed with such caring, skilful, innovative, and professional leaders and St. John’s appreciates the continued opportunities to bring together this New Worshipping Community, in Christian fellowship. Angela Hamilton, Parish Worship Assistant, St. John’s Clayton.
Community Choir report - We meet on a Thursday at 7.30. We have been going for over ten years and have had a variety of ages join us. We have approximately 25 regular members. We have taken part in all sorts of concerts here and in different venues: Christmas concerts
School concerts
Joint concerts with other choirs and male voice choirs
We are also getting involved with Clayton’s city of culture event and have five concerts planned this year. Above all we have a good time we all enjoy singing it is good for us in many ways and the friendship that has come from it is invaluable. Rowan Russell.
Mother’s Union Meeting in 2024 - We had a Scripture Market in March. In April Jenny Court talked about working in Clayton Primary Schools. In May Mavis Rouse talked about Salvation Army Care in London years ago. In June Maureen Kershaw was our speaker. In October we had a fundraising coffee morning for MU Charities. In October Reverend Daniel was our speaker. On 26[th] November Dianne Excel told us about the Tapestry at St Barnabus Church. This meeting was our last one. I have finished as branch leader and, therefore, our branch has now closed. Olive Midgley.
- Clubbercise gathers for exercise every Wednesday evening and is very popular. Clubbercise is an exercise class completed in the dark with disco lights and glowsticks. Imagine dancing to the latest hits plus some retro tracks to really work up a sweat. Clubbercise is totally inclusive and open to all ages, you can choose the level of workout you complete to fit your fitness level. Mostly female, but there are some men who enjoy a good dance too! The health benefits are exhaustive, from the releasing of endorphins to enjoying a sing-a-long to really pep you up. This year the Clubbercise class is going well We have a class of about 20 regular 'Clubbers' each week and we regularly welcome in new faces . Louissa McFarlane.
The Praise Band is a fantastic asset to Sunday Worship, we are small in number with singers, a saxophonist, a pianist and a drummer. We are learning new worship songs to use in the services and we are always up for welcoming new members. Rowan Russell
Our Uniformed Organisations meet together on a weekly basis, helping the young people to develop physically, mentally and spiritually. The different groups continue to participate readily in our services at Remembrance, and discussions are ongoing around how we can build on this and strengthen the relationship between the organisations and church going forward. Adam Roebuck.
Page 8
FABRIC, GOODS & ORNAMENTS
During the last year all basic repairs to the fabric of the building have been dealt with as deemed necessary and required. This includes completion of roofing works as mentioned in last year’s report. The electrical work to replace water damaged lighting in the community room cupboards was also completed. Decoration in these cupboards is still required.
Safety tests and annual maintenance work to alarms, electrical equipment and fire safety equipment as well as the heating systems have been carried out within the building as required. It was agreed to replace some lights in the main church hall rather than repair, this work was carried out and integrated into the existing lighting system.
A new notice board on the avenue side of church has been purchased and it has been agreed to replace and update the information of the notice board by the lychgate. Both these will be in place soon.
In last year’s report it was that the Garden of Remembrance walls are now full. The faculty that was required and all the meetings and work that was needed to acquire an extension has been completed and we have been told by the DAC that the chancellor’s approval is expected soon. We are confident that the new wall will be completed by late summer. We understand the sensitive nature of building work within the Garden of Remembrance and are preparing to put in place all necessary notices and digital information to help explain what is being done. David Evans is also happy to be a direct contact if anyone has any questions or concerns.
The estates team and PCC would like to thank all those who have volunteered and helped maintain our church building and grounds throughout this year. David Evans and Tim Russell
SAFEGUARDING
Penny Silson & Rachel Wilkinson are our designated Safeguarding and Deputy Safeguarding Officers. We are fully compliant on all matters to do with safeguarding, and all appropriate people have up to date DBS checks and have undertaken training as required by the Church of England .
We recently reviewed our safeguarding policy and updated policies are available in church and the community rooms. We are registered with the diocese safeguarding hub and currently are at level 3 status. The PCC have approved the action plan as required by the safeguarding hub. Penny Silson
Page 9
ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) met six times during the year.
PCC members who have served since the last APCM are:
| Incumbent: | Revd Adam Roebuck (Chair, from November 2024) |
|---|---|
| Interim Associate Minister: | Revd Philippa Slingsby-Lunn |
| (on maternity leave from December 2024) | |
| Associate Priest: | Revd Pamela Coles |
| Assistant Curate: | Revd Daniel Furlong |
| Churchwardens: | Tim Russell |
| Elected Members: | Lynne Winter (Secretary). Simon Russell (Treasurer). |
| David Evans. Electra Weston. John Lynch. | |
| Deanery Representatives: | Angela Hamilton. Penny Silson (Vice-Chair) |
| Reader: | Kay Holden |
The three Action Teams , Mission & Ministry, Estates, and Governance, met regularly throughout the year and continue to feed into the PCC agenda.
ELECTORAL ROLL
In accordance with the Church Representation Rules, a new electoral roll has been compiled this year. There are 107 members on the 2025 Electoral Roll; 72 women & 35 men, of whom 85 live in the parish.
Page 10
St Johns Clayton Meeting of Parishioners & Annual Parochial Church Meeting Sunday 21[st] April 2024 Agenda
Appointment of Chair and Secretary for both meetings
Simon Russell proposed Penny Silson to be the Chair of the meeting, seconded by Yvonne Bates.
Penny Silson proposed Rowan Russell to be the secretary for the meeting, seconded by Simon Russell. (please note Rowan is only secretary for today’s proceedings).
Penny then opened with prayer.
Opening prayer – Dear Father, we know you are the good shepherd and care for each and everyone of your flock to teach, to guide, to lead, to love and care for us so we ask that you will lead us this morning in our meeting, give us wisdom and discernment to do your will in this place. Come Holy Spirit, come Holy Spirit. Amen.
Meeting of the Parishioners
Open meeting - Election of Churchwardens for 2024/2025
( Tim Russell) has been appointed as Church Warden, proposed by Penny Silson, seconded by Rowan Russell.
The deputy wardens have all agreed to continue as last year and they are:-
Yvonne Bates David Evans Pat Harrington Glyn Tompkins John Lynch
This section of the meeting was then closed.
APCM Meeting
- Apologies for Absence PSL at St Saviours, has a guest speaker. DF at St Francis Hall at Allerton Lynne Winter Jessica Bidgway Michael Silson Angela Dobson Lynn Hammill Florence Russell
Page 11
2. Approval of Minutes of Annual Meeting 2023
The minutes were proposed and accepted as an accurate record proposed by Rowan Russell, seconded by John Lynch, there were no matters arising.
3. Elections of PCC Representatives
Rachel Rhodes, Rachel Wilkinson and Lynn Hammill’s term of office have ended. Appreciation and thanks were given to them for all their contributions and hard work and they were presented with cards and flowers. We have five vacancies.
Current PCC membership is:
Philippa Slingsby-Lunn Daniel Furlong Kay Holden Pam Coles John Lynch David Evans Lynne Winter
Penny Silson, (Vice Chair PCC) and Angela Hamilton are the Deanery Synod representatives. Simon Russell is Finance and Tim Russell is Church Warden.
Electra Weston proposed and seconded by Yvonne Bates and Sue Tompkins. She will join PCC this year.
4. Presentation of the Annual Report
Thanks were given to all who had helped produce the annual report. It is a comprehensive and detailed report demonstrating the work that goes on at St John’s. The chair recommended that the report is read widely, and we should be proud of everything that goes on here. Penny asked if there were any comments from the meeting, there were none.
5. Presentation of Church Accounts for year ended December 2023.
Simon Russell presented the reports briefly, he explained it had been a difficult year with increasing costs. However, the stewardship campaign that occurred in early November resulted in an increase in giving, for which we are extremely grateful for. We have been unable to pay the whole of the share, but plans are in hand to rectify this for next year. All charities that we support have received their donations. If any parishioners wish to increase their giving, please discuss with Simon at any time. Simon wanted to give particular thanks to the support he has had from John Lynch and Jo Royal. Jo Royal gives her services freely to us as our external auditor and we are very grateful to her for this. Simon is going to send a small gift on behalf of the church to her for all her work. The chair gave thanks to Simon for all his hard work, it is a huge responsibility and very time consuming.
Simon asked if anybody had any questions or anything they wished to raise in relation to finance, there were none.
Page 12
6. Appointment of examiner for 2024 Church Accounts
- Jo Royal has agreed to be our examiner for 2024.
7. Any Other Business
-
The chair gave an update on the vicar’s vacancy position. The closing date for applications is Sunday 28[th] April. To date there have been no applications. The chair felt it was important that none of us were disheartened if no applicants come forward. We have to trust in God that he will bring the right person to us at the right time. As a church we are not standing still and we are all working towards advancing God’s Kingdom.
-
Philippa and all the clergy team would like to thank everyone for all their love, care and support they have been given over the last year.
-
The chair thanked everyone who has taken leads, initiatives, involved in rotas and any level of service to make St John’s the warm, welcoming place that it is. We have an absolute army of volunteers and we thank God’s blessings to us all and this church. We gave special thanks to Pam Coles and everything that she does here.
-
Steve Wood announced that he is the new electoral roll officer. Next year the register will need to be updated and so all parishioners who wish to be on it will have to complete a form. We will be given two months’ notice and he informed us the number of people on the electoral roll does not affect the amount of share we pay but it does determine how many people we can have on PCC. It may well be that the numbers for PCC next year may be less than is current.
-
Angela Hamilton informed us that there is a joint service with the Methodists to be held at the new worshipping community at The Avenue Nursing Home on 14[th] May at 2.00 pm, all are welcome to attend, and it would be nice to have representation from St John’s.
8. Close in Prayer
Lord we thank you for this church family. Ps.133 says how good and pleasant it is when Gods people live together in unity, for there the Lord bestows his blessings ever life forevermore. As we seek to continue to do your will, keep us strong, bold, enthusiastic to spread the good news to all around us using the gifts, skills and talents you have bestowed upon us. In Jesus name, we pray, Amen.
Meeting closed at 11.45 am.
Attendees at the APCM were
| PennySilson | Steve Wood | David Allen | Yvonne Bates | Rachel Prosser |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Prosser | Freda Topham | Electra Weston | Carol Evans | David Evans |
| Angela Hamilton | Adrian Hamilton | Jean Butterfield | Rachel Wilkinson |
Rachel Rhodes |
| Charles Wilkinson |
Susan Radcliffe | Brian Lee | Patricia Calver | John Lynch |
| Kath Jones | Maureen Kershaw | Stanley Mawson |
Kay Holden | Alison Birkinshaw |
| Pam Coles | Sue Tompkins | Glyn Tompkins | Simon Russell | Tim Russell |
| Rowan Russell |
Page 13
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St John the Baptist Clayton
End of Year Financial Statements
Year ending 31 December 2024
Page 14
Chair’s report
Financially this year has a qualified success for the church. After allowing for financial irregularities (see below) our accounts’ health has improved from the low point seen at the end of 2022, although we are not yet back to pre-COVID levels of income and reserves.
On behalf of the PCC I would like to thank those members of the church who give so generously to financially support our mission and ministry. The stewardship campaign which ran in Autumn 2024 has seen an increase both in the level of giving to the church and in the number of givers who have signed up for Gift Aid. Gift Aid allows us to reclaim 25% tax from HMRC on all donations made by UK taxpayers, and has been a great help to the church. In the coming year we hope to appoint a Gift Aid Secretary to assist the Treasurer in reclaiming the tax we are due promptly.
The improved financial position has allowed the PCC to restart our custom of mission giving to support the work of other Christian ministries at home and abroad. During 2024 the PCC donated to the work of six charities: two local (Hope Housing & Christians Against Poverty), two national (Youth for Christ & the Children’s Society), and two overseas (Open Doors & Kinkiizi Trust). We hope to continue this support in future years.
These statements have been affected by some financial irregularities which came to light after the year-end, which have since been rectified in respect of the 2024 accounting year and will be shown in the 2025 accounts.
Bank account descriptions
HSBC Current Account 1 - Code 6501
This is an HSBC Community Current Account for the combined General Fund, Development fund and Garden of Rest income and expenditure.
HSBC Current Account 2 - Code 6502
This is an HSBC Community Current Account for the accumulated interest from Harrison Benn Trust Fund and Wilman Clock & Tower fund.
Nat West Current Account – Code 6506
The Vicar’s Discretionary fund was opened at the same time as Harrison Benn Trust Fund in 1917 to be run by the incumbent Vicar. This continued until August 1998 when the Treasurer was asked to take over the accounting.
Active Trust Funds
HARRISON BENN TRUST Fund [Restricted]
In March 1917 Mr. Harrison Benn presented the Church with a Trust Deed for the sum of £12,000. This was duly invested in 2.75% Irish Land Stock. In 1964 the then Treasurer, Mr. Fred Kershaw, in conjunction with the Diocesan Board of Finance, put forward proposals to re-invest this Trust and by January 1965 the stock had been sold raising £10,148.80. This sum was transferred to the Central Board of Finance Investment Fund and purchased 12,746 shares.
The capital cannot be withdrawn, however the interest from the sum invested is apportioned, at the benefactor’s request for the benefit of the church as follows:
Page 15
A & B each of 5/30ths - These were joined together in 1985 making 10/30th's to be used towards the Expenses of the Vicar, Curate or Assistant Curate or any other person employed in carrying out the duties or some of the duties usually undertaken by a Vicar or Curate.
C - 4/30th's to augment the Salary of the Organist & Choirmaster after a Salary of £25 per annum has been provided by the Vicar and Churchwardens.
D - 2/30th's to be used for the cleaning and repairing of the Robes for the Clergy, Choir and Organist, also for the purchase of Cassocks & Surplices to be used by Choir.
E - 2/30th's to be used for the repair and improvement of the organ and its accessories, if the Interest accumulates to £500 over 25 years it is up to the Vicar, Organist & Choirmaster at the time to decide its use
F - 1/30th to repair of the Church Fabric including the lychgate and pathways appurtenant to the Church
G - 3/30th's for the polishing, repairing, and renewing of the marble, onyx, alabaster, precious stones and mosaic work in the Church including mural tablets. Once the interest has accumulated to £400 over 25 years the interest has to be used for the purpose of sub - clause [F].
H - 3/30th's for the upkeep of the Church House. In 1967 Church House was sold and therefore the interest was transferred to sub - clause [F] and F, G & H were combined to make 7/30th's of Interest apportioned to the repair of Fabric.
I - 2/30th's for carrying on of Sunday school attached to the Church.
- J - 3/30th's for the poor of the Church to be administered by the Vicar and used at his or her sole discretion.
K - No portion to be used for paying of the Church Insurance.
12,746 Shares held in Central Board of Finance Investment Fund @ £23.1227 at 31 December 2024
| Shares | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12,746 | £294,722 | £288,127 | £264,542 |
WILMAN CLOCK & TOWER FUND [Restricted]
A trust Deed was opened for Clock maintenance by Ernest Wilman and is held by the Church Commissioners in the Central Board of Finance Investment Fund as 65 Shares. Interest is paid quarterly into the bank where it is left to accumulate until it is required.
| Shares | 2024 | 2023 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | £1,503 | £1,469 | £1,469 |
CHURCH HOUSE TRUST ACCOUNT [Restricted]
The Trust Deed was made on the 2[nd] March 1967 and was based on the sale of the Church House, Nursery Road, Clayton (now The Village Hall) and the Funds that the administrative Trustees had accumulated. This amounted to £6,910 and was invested in various Corporations. As they matured, they were re-invested in the Central Board of Finance.
2,709 Shares held in Central Board of Finance Investment Fund @ 1032.60 at 31st December 2011 and 3,184 Shares in CCLA Fixed Interest Securities Fund @ 163.77 at 31st December 2011.
In 2011 the trustees applied to the Charity Commission for the trust aims to be widened to include new building works at the church. The shares were subsequently sold and the proceeds used towards the building of the Community Rooms. The P.C.C received the income of £31,263.95 after legal costs, on 19 October 2011. The trust remains in place with the trust assets invested in the Community Rooms, representing approx. 6.73% of the building cost of £465,000 for the Community Rooms.
Page 16
Statement of Financial Activities
| Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Endowment funds Total funds Prior year total funds |
|
|---|---|
| Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies Income from charitable activities Other trading activities Investments Other income Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds Expenditure on charitable activities Other expenditure Total expenditure Net income / (expenditure) resources before transfer Transfers Gross transfers between funds - in Gross transfers between funds - out Other recognised gains / losses Gains/losses on investment assets Gains on revaluation, fixed assets, charity's own use Net movement in funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
101,243.65 - - 101,243.65 99,843.77 10,417.00 - - 10,417.00 15,647.60 2,516.50 - - 2,516.50 160.00 - 8,038.91 - 8,038.91 7,915.92 - - - - 1,722.80 |
| 114,177.15 8,038.91 - 122,216.06 125,290.09 - - - - 2,625.00 112,334.69 60.00 - 112,394.69 104,118.17 14,462.26 - - 14,462.26 - |
|
| 126,796.95 60.00 - 126,856.95 106,743.17 |
|
| (12,619.80) 7,978.91 - (4,640.89) 18,546.92 3,161.32 - - 3,161.32 - - (3,161.32) - (3,161.32) - - - - - - - - - - - |
|
| (9,458.48) 4,817.59 - (4,640.89) 18,546.92 |
|
| 15,795.97 22,078.94 - 37,874.91 19,327.99 |
|
| 6,337.49 26,896.53 - 33,234.02 37,874.91 |
Page 17
Represented by
Unrestricted
General Fund (4,159.04) - - (4,159.04) 6,020.44 Designated Donations For Roof Maintenance 408.45 - - 408.45 408.45 Garden Of Rest 8,283.03 - - 8,283.03 7,562.03 Organ Repair Donations 140.00 - - 140.00 140.00 Scouts Grant Decoration Of Church Lounge 1,665.05 - - 1,665.05 1,665.05 Restricted Agency collection - - - - - E. Wilman Clock & Tower Fund - 471.39 - 471.39 430.61 Harrison Benn Trust - 23,110.21 - 23,110.21 18,333.40 Lunch Club Legacies / Donations - 1,000.00 - 1,000.00 1,000.00 Sick & Poor - 2,314.93 - 2,314.93 2,314.93 Total funds 6,337.49 26,896.53 - 33,234.02 37,874.91
Balance Sheet detailed
| Class and code Description |
As at 31/12/2024 As at 31/12/2023 |
|---|---|
| Current assets 6501 HSBC Current account 1 6502 HSBC Current account 2 6506 Nat West Current Account 6590 Petty Cash Total Current assets Liabilities 6699 Agency collections Total Liabilities Net Asset surplus (deficit) Reserves Excess/(deficit) to date Z01 Starting balances Total Reserves Represented by Funds General (Unrestricted) Designated Restricted Total |
9,546.74 17,864.42 25,037.39 20,219.80 2,706.23 2,706.23 32.57 286.57 |
| 37,322.93 41,077.02 4,088.91 3,202.11 |
|
| 4,088.91 3,202.11 |
|
| 33,234.02 37,874.91 |
|
| (4,640.89) - 37,874.91 37,874.91 |
|
| 33,234.02 37,874.91 (4,159.04) 6,020.44 10,496.53 9,775.53 26,896.53 22,078.94 |
|
| 33,234.02 37,874.91 |
Page 18
General Designated Restricted Endowment
Statement of Assets and Liabilities (by code)
Class and nominal code
Total Last year
| Current Asset - Cash At Bank And | In Hand | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6501: HSBC Current account 1 | (4,374.90) | 10,789.03 | 3,132.61 | - | 9,546.74 | 17,864.42 |
| 6502: HSBC Current account 2 | (1.71) | (292.50) | 25,331.60 | - | 25,037.39 | 20,219.80 |
| 6506: Nat West Current Account | - | - | 2,706.23 | - | 2,706.23 | 2,706.23 |
| 6590: Petty Cash | 217.57 | - | (185.00) | - | 32.57 | 286.57 |
| Total | (4,159.04) | 10,496.53 | 30,985.44 | - | **37,322.93 ** | 41,077.02 |
| Liability - Agency Accounts | ||||||
| 6699: Agency collections | - | - | 4,088.91 | - | 4,088.91 | 3,202.11 |
| Total | - | - | 4,088.91 | - | 4,088.91 | 3,202.11 |
| Net total assets | (4,159.04) | 10,496.53 | 26,896.53 | - | **33,234.02 ** | 37,874.91 |
| Represented by | ||||||
| General (Unrestricted) | (4,159.04) | - | - | - | (4,159.04) | 6,020.44 |
| Designated - GofR | - | 8,283.03 | - | - | 8,283.03 | 7,562.03 |
| Designated - Organ | - | 140.00 | - | - | 140.00 | 140.00 |
| Designated - Roof | - | 408.45 | - | - | 408.45 | 408.45 |
| Designated - Scouts | - | 1,665.05 | - | - | 1,665.05 | 1,665.05 |
| Restricted - HarBenn | - | - | 23,110.21 | - | 23,110.21 | 18,333.40 |
| Restricted - LunchClub | - | - | 1,000.00 | - | 1,000.00 | 1,000.00 |
| Restricted - Sick-Poor | - | - | 2,314.93 | - | 2,314.93 | 2,314.93 |
| Restricted - Wilman | - | - | 471.39 | - | 471.39 | 430.61 |
| Total | (4,159.04) | 10,496.53 | 26,896.53 | - | **33,234.02 ** | 37,874.91 |
Page 19
Total
Analysis of income and expenditure
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | Designated | Restricted | Endowment | Endowment | This year | Last year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM: | |||||||
| Donations and legacies | |||||||
| 0101 - Gift Aid - Bank | 49,597.02 | - | - | - | 49,597.02 | 44,412.00 | |
| 0110 - Gift Aid - Envelopes | - | - | - | - | - | 1,520.00 | |
| 0201 - NGA Weekly Envelopes & Other Planned Giving |
40.00 | - | - | - | 40.00 | 360.00 | |
| 0301 - Loose plate collections | 926.05 | - | - | - | 926.05 | 2,547.77 | |
| 0401 - Regular gift days | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| 0501 - One-off Gift Aid gifts | 300.00 | - | - | - | 300.00 | 1,798.44 | |
| 0550 - Donations appeals etc | 264.12 | - | - | - | 264.12 | 150.00 | |
| 0601 - Tax recoverable on Gift Aid | 10,094.71 | - | - | - | 10,094.71 | 11,030.41 | |
| 0701 - Legacies | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| 0801 - Recurring grants | 36,180.49 | - | - | - | 36,180.49 | 36,087.52 | |
| 08A1 - Non-recurring one-off grants |
2,778.26 | - | - | - | 2,778.26 | 1,937.63 | |
| 0901 - Other funds generated | 1,063.00 | - | - | - | 1,063.00 | - | |
| Donations and legacies Totals | 101,243.65 | - | - | - | 101,243.65 | 99,843.77 | |
| Income from charitable activities | |||||||
| 0502 - One Off Non Gift Aided Gifts |
626.00 | - | - | - | 626.00 | - | |
| 0910 - Fundraising Activities | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| 1101 - Fees for weddings and funerals |
4,330.00 | 1,759.00 | - | - | 6,089.00 | 6,340.00 | |
| 1210 - Bookstall sales to promote | |||||||
| objectives | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| 1230 - Church hall lettings - objectives |
300.00 | - | - | - | 300.00 | 4,227.60 | |
| 1330 - Garden Of Rest Income | - | 3,402.00 | - | - | 3,402.00 | 5,080.00 | |
| Income from charitable activities Totals |
5,256.00 | 5,161.00 | - | - | 10,417.00 | 15,647.60 |
Page 20
Other trading activities
| 1220 - Bookstall sales - fund raising - - - - - - 1240 - Church hall lettings - fund raising 2,516.50 - - - 2,516.50 160.00 Other trading activities Totals 2,516.50 - - - 2,516.50 160.00 Investments 1001 - Dividends - - - - - - 1020 - Bank and building society interest - - 8,038.91 - 8,038.91 7,915.92 Investments Totals - - 8,038.91 - 8,038.91 7,915.92 Other income 1310 - Insurance claims - - - - - 1,722.80 Other income Totals - - - - - 1,722.80 Income and endowments Grand totals 109,016.15 5,161.00 8,038.91 - 122,216.06 125,290.09 EXPENDITURE ON: Raising funds 1701 - Fees paid to fund raisers - - - - - - 1710 - Costs of applying for grants - - - - - 2,625.00 1730 - Costs of Fundraising - - - - - - Raising funds Totals - - - - - 2,625.00 Expenditure on charitable activities 1804 - Mission Giving 4,500.00 - - - 4,500.00 - 1910 - Parish Share 26,427.50 - - - 26,427.50 24,000.00 2001 - Mission Apprentice / Youth worker salary and costs 429.92 - - - 429.92 12,139.21 2040 - Caretaker Salary & Expenses - - - - - 218.50 2050 - Salary of parish administrator 39,796.57 - - - 39,796.57 26,286.35 2100 - Vicar & Curates Expenses 899.74 - - - 899.74 1,868.96 2201 - Outreach Initiatives 902.26 - - - 902.26 864.71 2202 - Children 481.71 - - - 481.71 - 2203 - Sick & Poor - - - - - 563.48 2205 - Youth - - - - - 89.33 2230 - Mission & Evangelism (Alpha etc.) 472.01 - - - 472.01 394.27 |
1220 - Bookstall sales - fund raising - - - - - - 1240 - Church hall lettings - fund raising 2,516.50 - - - 2,516.50 160.00 Other trading activities Totals 2,516.50 - - - 2,516.50 160.00 Investments 1001 - Dividends - - - - - - 1020 - Bank and building society interest - - 8,038.91 - 8,038.91 7,915.92 Investments Totals - - 8,038.91 - 8,038.91 7,915.92 Other income 1310 - Insurance claims - - - - - 1,722.80 Other income Totals - - - - - 1,722.80 Income and endowments Grand totals 109,016.15 5,161.00 8,038.91 - 122,216.06 125,290.09 EXPENDITURE ON: Raising funds 1701 - Fees paid to fund raisers - - - - - - 1710 - Costs of applying for grants - - - - - 2,625.00 1730 - Costs of Fundraising - - - - - - Raising funds Totals - - - - - 2,625.00 Expenditure on charitable activities 1804 - Mission Giving 4,500.00 - - - 4,500.00 - 1910 - Parish Share 26,427.50 - - - 26,427.50 24,000.00 2001 - Mission Apprentice / Youth worker salary and costs 429.92 - - - 429.92 12,139.21 2040 - Caretaker Salary & Expenses - - - - - 218.50 2050 - Salary of parish administrator 39,796.57 - - - 39,796.57 26,286.35 2100 - Vicar & Curates Expenses 899.74 - - - 899.74 1,868.96 2201 - Outreach Initiatives 902.26 - - - 902.26 864.71 2202 - Children 481.71 - - - 481.71 - 2203 - Sick & Poor - - - - - 563.48 2205 - Youth - - - - - 89.33 2230 - Mission & Evangelism (Alpha etc.) 472.01 - - - 472.01 394.27 |
- - - - - - 2,516.50 - - - 2,516.50 160.00 |
|---|---|---|
2,516.50 - - - 2,516.50 160.00 - - - - - - - - 8,038.91 - 8,038.91 7,915.92 |
||
| - - 8,038.91 - 8,038.91 7,915.92 - - - - - 1,722.80 |
||
| - - - - - 1,722.80 |
||
| 109,016.15 5,161.00 8,038.91 - 122,216.06 125,290.09 |
Page 21
| 2250 - Home Groups, Welcome Teas |
98.52 | - | - | - | 98.52 | - |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2270 - Music, Licences and Sanctuary Costs |
962.26 | - | - | - | 962.26 | 1,536.08 |
| 2301 - Church running - insurance |
1,385.69 | - | - | - | 1,385.69 | 5,372.70 |
| 2310 - Stationary, Telephone | 4,241.50 | - | - | - | 4,241.50 | 3,596.59 |
| 2330 - Church maintenance | 8,077.07 | - | - | - | 8,077.07 | 5,035.20 |
| 2340 - Quinquennial | ||||||
| Maintenance | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2360 - Sundries | 6,251.21 | - | 60.00 | - | 6,311.21 | 1,281.11 |
| 2380 - Garden of Rest, Tablets and Upkeep |
575.00 | 4,200.00 | - | - | 4,775.00 | 3,053.60 |
| 2401 - Church running - electric | 4,708.04 | - | - | - | 4,708.04 | 5,396.80 |
| 2410 - Church running - gas | 7,034.96 | - | - | - | 7,034.96 | 5,669.82 |
| 2420 - Church running - water | 615.73 | - | - | - | 615.73 | 669.46 |
| 2510 - Bookstall costs | - | - | - | - | - | 277.00 |
| 2601 - Governance costs examination/audit fee |
35.00 | - | - | - | 35.00 | - |
| 2700 - Major Repairs To Church | ||||||
| Buildings | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2900 - New Building Work to Church, Hall etc |
- | 240.00 | - | - | 240.00 | 5,805.00 |
| Expenditure on charitable activities Totals |
107,894.69 | 4,440.00 | 60.00 | - | 112,394.69 | 104,118.17 |
| Other expenditure | ||||||
| 2361 - Financial irregularities* | 14,462.26 | - | - | - | 14,462.26 | - |
| Other expenditure Totals | 14,462.26 | - | - | - | 14,462.26 | - |
| Expenditure Grand totals | 122,356.95 | 4,440.00 | 60.00 | - | 126,856.95 | 106,743.17 |
- As mentioned on page 15, these have since been rectified and this will be reflected in the 2025 accounts.
Page 22
Harrison Benn Fund 2024
| H Benn Trust Income Proportion Purpose Carried Forward 2023 Interest Feb 24 £1,990.93 Interest May 24 £1,990.93 Interest Aug 24 £1,990.93 Interest Nov 24 £2,025.34 Totals Expenditure Bank charges Nave and Chancel Lighting Total Expenditure H Benn Balances Carry Forward |
1/3 2/15 1/15 1/15 7/30 0/30 1/15 1/10 Curacy Organist Choir Organ Fabric Marble Sunday Sch Vicars Disc £5,418.48 £1,270.34 £930.03 £1,166.53 £3,623.72 £400.14 £1,515.13 £4,009.03 £663.64 £265.46 £132.73 £132.73 £464.55 £0.00 £132.73 £199.09 £663.64 £265.46 £132.73 £132.73 £464.55 £0.00 £132.73 £199.09 £663.64 £265.46 £132.73 £132.73 £464.55 £0.00 £132.73 £199.09 £675.11 £270.05 £135.02 £135.02 £472.58 £0.00 £135.02 £202.53 |
£18,333.40 £26,331.53 |
|---|---|---|
| £8,084.52 £2,336.76 £1,463.24 £1,699.74 £5,489.95 £400.14 £2,048.34 £4,808.84 |
||
| Curacy Organist Choir Organ Fabric Marble Sunday Sch Vicars Disc £60.00 £3,161.32 £60.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £3,161.32 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 |
||
| 8,024.52 2,336.76 1,463.24 1,699.74 2,328.63 400.14 2,048.34 **4,808.84 ** |
£23,110.21 | |
| Carry Forward Total 2024 | ||
| £23,110.21 |
Page 23
Independent Examiner's Report to the P.C.C. of St John’s Clayton Parish Church, Bradford.
I report on the accounts of the Church for the year ended 31[st] December 2024.
Respective Responsibilities of the Trustees and Independent Examiner.
The Church’s Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Church’s Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
-
Examine the accounts (under section 145 of the 2011 Act);
-
To follow procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners (under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act); and
-
To state whether any particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of Independent Examiner’s report.
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 account presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all of the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent Examiners 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.
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.
==> picture [125 x 54] intentionally omitted <==
----- Start of picture text -----
yp
----- End of picture text -----
Joanne Royle ACA
Date: 16[th] May 2025
66 Beechwood Avenue
Wakefield
WF2 9JY
Page 24
St. John the Baptist Parish Church, Clayton. Clayton Lane, Bradford. West Yorkshire. BD14 6AX.
Parish No. 0460
Deanery of Outer Bradford
Bradford Episcopal Area Diocese of Leeds Parish Office:
01274 883000 admin@stjohnsclayton.org.uk
Website: www.stjohnsclayton.org.uk Vicar: Revd Adam Roebuck Associate Minister: Revd Philippa Slingsby-Lunn Associate Priest: Revd Pamela Coles Assistant Curate: Revd Daniel Furlong Church Administrator: Miss Christine Pilkington Treasurer: Mr Simon Russell Independent Examiner: Ms Joanne Royle
Revd Philippa Slingsby-Lunn
Banking: HSBC. 47 Market Street, Bradford. BD1 1LW
NatWest. 1 Market Street, Bradford. BD1 1EG
Charity Number: 1134841
This annual report and the financial statements it contains were approved by the Parochial Church Council at its meeting on Monday 12 May 2025.
Signed,
Revd Adam Roebuck, Chair.
Page 25