“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 2025** 



**OPENING LETTER** 

by the Revd Adam Roebuck 

Looking back, 2025 has been a year of beginnings and endings, but as a church and a community we have much to be thankful for. 

Over the year we have welcomed two new churchwardens, a new PCC treasurer, and commended a new Licensed Lay Ministry candidate for training. We have extended the Garden of Remembrance with 96 new memorial tablets, welcomed the 61[st] Clayton St John’s Scouts back to meeting in church, and built and strengthened relationships with both Clayton St John’s CofE Primary School and Beckfoot Thornton Secondary School. We have begun a new toddler group to great success, and we have welcomed many new church members and especially families to Sunday mornings and to Messy Church, which continues to grow and thrive. 

There have also been sadder times, however, as we marked the closure of the Mothers’ Union and the departure of our former toddler group to meet in the Village Hall instead. We also did not manage to appoint a new Mission Apprentice to replace Lucinda Cook, and said goodbye to a number of members of our church who either moved away or passed on to be with God. 

In changing times of any kind, however, we always put our trust in our living Lord Jesus Christ, the one who sees the end from the beginning, and who watches over us in all the varied seasons of life. 

Over the coming year I look forward to us continuing to follow Jesus and make a difference in our church, the wider parish and beyond. The strength of our church is and has always been in our love of God and of our church community, and I know we will continue to show that love to all those we meet in our worship, service and mission. 

## _**Revd Adam Roebuck, Vicar**_ 



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## **AIMS AND PURPOSES** 

St John the Baptist Clayton Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent, The 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** met twice during the year, March and November. In March Juliette Mclellan, Diocesan Head of Safeguarding, and Siobhan McNamara, Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser, presented on the importance of Safeguarding in our churches, and in November Bishop Toby led a discussion on stewardship and generosity, in particular with reference to Parish Share. An additional July meeting of Deanery Synod around Vocations was cancelled due to illness, with the planned discussion postponed until February 2026. 

## **ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE** 

Throughout the year the PCC has promoted, encouraged, facilitated, and supported a wide variety of activities: 

In our **Worship** we have continued to bring Christians old and new to God. **Sunday and Thursday morning services** have reflected a new focus on Welcome, Word and Sacrament. Sermon series on the Nicene Creed and Living in Love and Faith, with accompanying material for discipleship groups, were generally well-received. **Messy Church** continues to grow and welcome both new families and new leaders, gathering once a month on a Saturday for craft-based activities, interactive worship and a meal together. Special services for **Harvest, Remembrance and Mothering Sunday** saw St Johns welcome many people into church who are not regular attenders. Advent & Christmas saw over 1,700 people come to our services, with **Christingle** services led by  the church team, Clayton St John’s School, and the Bradford South Beaver Scouts **,** as well as services for **Blue Christmas** , and **Carols by Candlelight** . The Messy Church **Nativity** service on Christmas Eve was a stand-out success, and the **Christmas Night Communion** was a special time of worship. 

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The **Community Rooms** continue to be well used, with the return of the 61[st] Clayton St John’s Scouts making a big difference to the use of the space. The Community Rooms are one of the best flexible spaces in the village, and over the coming year we hope to expand their use to be a true resource to the local community. 

**Messy church** - This is now well established and is in its fourth year.  There is a core group of families who attend regularly with lots of others dropping in at different sessions. We have had a wide range of activities covering lots of biblical stories, a “Thank you wall” to God, food, crafts, celebration streamers, crowns and stars are very popular.  In July we were outdoors focusing on the story of the feeding of the 5,000. Great weather, great day and a real witness to the community as we had a picnic, played games and sang songs. 

The Messy Nativity was attended by approximately 180 adults and 60 children, it was awesome. We are thankful for the food that Tesco in Queensbury provide free to us every month. The dedicated team of leaders and helpers is essential, and we are so grateful for their commitment. It is encouraging to see our youths engaging in becoming helpers and kitchen staff. Ruby and Eliza have been with us since the start.  Ruby has moved on to university and Eliza is now working but they have inspired other youths to get involved. Thanks Ruby and Eliza Please continue to pray that new families will attend and want to explore faith with us. _**Penny Silson, Messy Church Leader**_ 

**Outreach -** Thy Kingdom Come was hosted for 11 days, between Ascension and Pentecost. We asked 11 people to individually record a short reflection on a verse from 'The Lord's Prayer' for each of the days. The recordings were sent to the discipleship groups and posted on St John's Facebook page each morning. _**Kay Holden & Pat Harrington**_ 

**The Chosen** - We watched Season 4 of The Chosen in the community rooms at 4pm from January to March. This season continued to portray Jesus Christ’s life, focusing on the final weeks and months of his life, including the death of John the Baptist and Juda’s betrayal. The season also addressed the conflict between disciples and Roman forces and explore the relationships and conflicts and the disciples themselves. _**Pat Harrington.**_ 

**Kintsugi Hope** - Adam and I completed the training; we agreed to host the 12-week wellbeing programme as a pilot and invited three guests each. Whilst there was a high dropout rate due to personal circumstances those who completed the programme said "I want to continue my Kintsugi Journey, as I do feel it has only just started. I want to learn more to help me and strongly recommend it to everyone to look into themselves, albeit it is an emotional journey, but know I am not alone". "Being able to talk openly without judgement **". "** Being able to see it through to the end and recognise how much my mental health has improved" **.** _**Pat Harrington.**_ 

**Silence Space** - “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (Mark 6:31-32) Once a month on a Monday at 1pm church is open for 40 minutes to host Silence Space. We join an online community with others to pray silently after opening and closing with a Psalm redux reading by Carla Grosch Miller. 

_**Pat Harrington**_ 

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## **GOODBYES AND HELLOS** 

The Meeting of Parishioners in May saw a change in our churchwarden team, with Tim Russell stepping down and David Evans & Penny Silson stepping up as churchwardens. We are very grateful to Tim for all his diligent hard work as sole churchwarden over these last few years, especially during the long vacancy process. 

During the year it was announced that our Associate Minister, Revd Philippa Slingsby-Lunn, would be taking up a new post as Priest-in-Charge of St Luke’s, Eccleshill on her return from maternity leave. Philippa has served with love and diligent care for the whole church during her time with us, and while we are sad to lose her to Eccleshill, she goes with our warmest blessings and prayers. 

## **OPPORTUNITIES FOR LEARNING AND PERSONAL GROWTH** 

**St John’s Baby and Toddler Group** - The childminder-led toddler group moved from St John’s Community Rooms to the Village Hall on 29[th] April.  We are grateful to Gemma Keogh and her volunteers who ran this group for many years. After a lot of prayer and planning the PCC agreed that a church run baby and toddler group led by Kay Holden would commence on 6[th] October 2025. Clayton Parish Council very generously provided a grant towards start-up costs (as well as the loan of some resources if needed) and our PCC allocated funding too. The group runs every Monday in term time, 8.45-11.00. Eight amazing volunteers from church help on a rota basis. There are 27 children registered with the group with an average of 15 children attending weekly. We do have room for more children and adults and are advertising this. Feedback from one mum said _“We love playgroup! My little girl wakes up on a Monday and asks if its church day. She gets her baby all ready and jumps in the car. She’s becoming really settled throughout the session and the people who run it are so friendly and welcoming. I feel really comfortable as a parent trying to juggle 2 young children. There’s always someone to help lend a hand”._ _**Kay Holden**_ 

## **Kidzone** - Mark 10 verse 14 

_Jesus said to them “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them”_ 

What a joy it is to see the children every Sunday morning run to the front of church when the ’Kidszone slot’ is announced.   They engage in the kids’ 5-minute talk answering questions enthusiastically. We have so much to learn from the sensible, thoughtful, frank responses, then off they run into the community rooms for their session. The leaders try and link the session to the scripture reading that has occurred in church in a child friendly, fun way. 

A huge thanks to all leaders and helpers as they regularly give up their time to undertake this vital ministry. 

## _**Penny Silson, Kidzone leader**_ 

**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** ._ 

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**Winter Shelter** - We were privileged to have a full house of 12 guests each night of our 2025 Winter Shelter, and it was a pleasure to host them. They were a really polite, appreciative group, who quickly gelled together and supported one another. 

Each had their own stories of homelessness to tell: a taxi driver who'd had to resort to sleeping in his cab; a father and son found living in an abandoned warehouse; a businessman from overseas who had been illegally locked out of his rented accommodation, unable to access any of his possessions other than the clothes he stood up in while legal battles ensued; a young gay man who'd been brought into this country and simply abandoned by his father, an international lorry driver, from a country where homosexuality is criminalised. 

All were shown a warm welcome and as the week went on, you could feel them begin to relax and open up, testimony to the love of Jesus at work here! 

I am pleased to be able to report that all of our guests went on to be placed in settled accommodation over the course of the Inn Churches season. 

Thank you to all from church and community who befriended, cooked, hosted overnight, and hosted in any way, and for the many others who prayed, donated, baked, gave socks, hats, scarfs and gloves and supported the shelter in whatever way. It couldn't have happened without you! _**Steve Wood**_ 

**Welcome and Refreshments Team -** How blessed and grateful we are to have a rota of twenty individuals welcoming people into church every Sunday 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 for those who would like one. Refreshments are also served every Thursday morning following our service of Holy Communion. 

‘Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God’ - Romans15:7 _**Yvonne Bates**_ 

**St Johns Art Group** - is a small art group meeting in the community room at St Johns Church, Clayton on Thursdays between 10.00 am and 12.00 pm.  Current cost is £4.00 a week with no subscription which covers our costs. 

Last year we were still struggling with numbers and have been looking for new members. We have had some success and current membership is now 10 with a typical attendance being around 7 (up from 5) 

In the spring we again intend to try attract more people with some local and online publicity, particularly stressing that people do not need to be super artists to benefit. We offer first 2 weeks free. 

Art, even if just colouring in, is relaxing and therapeutic so if we could expand it would be of benefit to the community in general. 

Any help from the church would, of course, be most welcome. _**Kevin Jagger**_ 

**Warm Welcome Space** - By definition a Warm Welcome Space is just that - warm, welcoming, inclusive, safe and free of charge, we offer 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 three in their 80’s and two in their 90’s, (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.  Generally, we have between 25 and 35 people attending each week. We are a diverse group and all enriched because of it, everyone is welcomed, friendships are made and no judgments 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**_ 

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**History Group -** Clayton History Group continues to make use of the Community Rooms using the full range of amenities available.  The use of the kitchen is most welcome, particularly during the winter months. 

Most speakers make use of the electronic facilities found in the room which helps to increase the visual enjoyment of the talks, especially views of old local areas. 

We meet on the 2[nd] Tuesday of each month except August, starting at 1-30 p.m. with the Speaker commencing at 2 p.m. The list of Speakers is aimed at a wide a range of interests as shown by the list below. 

JAN Clayton in 1911          FEB Wool the real thing MAR The Workhouse        APR Guide Dogs MAY Duke of Wellington   JUNE The Brontes JULY Henry V                   SEP Highway Men OCT Old Photos               NOV Italy by Train DEC Christmas Party 

We ask for a payment of £3 per meeting to cover expenses and free refreshments, and we look forward to meeting many friends and villagers for 2 hours spent increasing our knowledge in enjoyable company. 

## _**Hedley Smith**_ 

**Primary Schools** - We continue to have excellent links with Clayton St John's CofE Primary School. Adam now serves ex-officio as school governor with particular responsibility for the school's Christian Distinctiveness and PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education). Collective Worship is held in school every day to a programme written by Lucy Brown of Clayton Baptist Church (who is also a school governor) and Mrs Emsley, the school headteacher, to satisfy the necessary SIAMS requirements and give children a solid grounding in the Christian faith. Lucy leads worship on Tuesdays, Adam or Daniel on Thursdays, and school staff on other days. Festival services for Christmas, Easter and for Year 6 leavers have been popular and wellattended by families, with Adam or Daniel hosting the services, welcoming guests and leading a prayer and blessing at the end. We have also had some engagement with RE (Religious Education) provision, with Adam coming into school to speak to classes about the meaning of Advent. Adam is also planning to begin a 'Brick Church' at the school in early 2026, helping children to engage with questions of faith and reflect theologically through the use of Lego. Our work with Clayton Village School remains on an "as requested" basis. _**Revd Adam Roebuck.**_ 

**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. Adam has continued in his role as Governor and is looking to launch an afterschool Lego Bible club "Brick Church".  We continue to be blessed with a wider programme of worship assemblies headed up by Lucy Brown from Clayton Baptist Church. We have begun again our 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. Our work with Clayton Village School remains on an "as requested" basis. 

## _**Revd Daniel Furlong**_ 

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- **Wednesday Lunch Club** Our lunch club has been running now for 12 years, we are currently full with 40 guests and a waiting list.  The cost is £6 including a raffle, a quiz and some weeks Stan entertains us on his keyboard. We have two Access buses pick up around the village and beyond. The group is run by two teams of amazing volunteers, 17 in all, who give of their time and skills so generously, all so very much appreciated by everybody. We are a welcoming and caring group and the feedback we get from our guests is very positive and encouraging, many saying how much they look forward to coming each week, not only to enjoy the lovely food but also to enjoy the company of others, most of our guests live alone. We always pray before we eat and trust we show the love of Christ in all we do. 

_**Kath Jones & Yvonne Bates**_ 

**Walking Group** - The group managed to get out most months during the year. Occasionally we made 20 but most months we were between 8 & 15 walkers. We did manage one longer Saturday walk around Janets Foss & Malham Cove, though a bit damp giving some slippy limestone. The Friday walks stayed nearer home visiting the local parks and cafes. Everyone agrees that making the effort to get out and breathe some Yorkshire air does us all the world of good and walking at a steady pace and resting when it is needed. A big thank you to those who helped us with transport. _**Glyn Tomkins**_ 

**Clock Winding** - The Church clock has been wound daily all year, thank you to the Team of Michael (now retired), Dave, Tim, Charles, Sue, Glyn, Keith and apprentice Ellisha. The quarter chime is still not striking and needs some time and understanding spending on it. We have also had a visit from Cumbria Clocks who are putting a quotation together for the maintenance of the whole clock. Please also look at the ‘175’ on the tower, it will be there until early September as part of the Church’s 175th anniversary celebrations. **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.  She sweeps the leaves from inside the boiler house, looks after the garden by the Community Rooms fire doors exit plus much more unseen jobs which people don’t realise. _**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 have attended 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. Unfortunately, from January 2026 Clayton Baptist Church no longer lead on this group but the group still meet with a different focus. _**Kay Holden.**_ 

**Rowan’s Discipleship Group** - meets on a Tuesday evening at 7.30pm; 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 and we also have a Whatsapp group on which we share our discussion texts. _**Rowan Russell**_ 

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**Penny’s Discipleship Group** - The group meets every Tuesday morning from 9.45 to 11.30 in the church lounge, starting off with tea, coffee and biscuits. 

We studied 2 books from the Old Testament, Genesis and Proverbs, then worked through the Church of England’s Pastoral Principles and Living in Love and Faith series.  Lively and thoughtful discussions occur every week. The session ends with prayer. 

If you are interested in joining the group there is plenty of space, feel free to contact Penny for further details 07970 753119 

_**Penny Silson, Group Leader**_ 

**Monday Discipleship Group** - This group meets regularly at 4 Ferndale Avene, BD14 6PG. We meet at 2pm and finish at around 3.15 pm for refreshments. We study mainly Books of the Bible, different characters and themes, and specific topics, as appropriate. We draw on published materials and courses, sometimes supplemented by DVDs. There is an open, friendly atmosphere and no previous knowledge is needed! 

_**Revd Pamela Coles**_ 

**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 16 people in the group and average 10-12 people each week. We love to share fellowship together and encourage one another in our faith. 

**Everyday Faith with St John’s** - Life is busy for so many people and trying to start your day with scripture can be challenging. 

On a daily basis a short bible verse with a short reflection is available for you to read on WhatsApp, text message or via an email.  Currently more than 100 people from St John’s and beyond receive it.  If you would like to receive it, please contact Penny Silson, any discipleship leader or a member of the clergy. 

_**Penny Silson**_ 

**Bereavement Care** – This year the staff team conducted 7 funerals and several burials of ashes. The latter had to be curtailed, however, to allow for the reordering of the Garden of Remembrance, so as to provide additional plaques. This project is completed and any 'back-log' is being addressed. Many thanks to those who removed the plants and then carefully replaced them. It has been a privilege for us 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 required, and memorial cards sent at 6 weeks and on the anniversary of death. The Annual Memorial Service and Blue Christmas Service have provided opportunities to remember loved ones in quiet and supportive settings. 

We are sad to record the deaths of members of our Church Family over the past year; Andrew Kenningham, Honora Smith and Mary Blessington. Our Prayers and heartfelt sympathy to their families. 

_**Revd Pamela Coles**_ 

**Community Choir** - 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.  we have a variety of concerts coming up in the next 12 months including two joint choir concerts, a children's joint school concert and a band and choir concert. 

## _**Rowan Russell**_ 

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**St. John’s at The Avenue** - As ‘St. John’s at The Avenue’, we have continued to be richly blessed, in our partnership approach to provide ministry, mission and pastoral care to the residents, their families and those who work at The Avenue Nursing Home. The Management of The Avenue, continue to offer us an extremely warm welcome and open access, for visits, activities, Services and End-of-life prayer and care, both for those who wish to join us as a group and, where appropriate, on a one-to-one basis, with opportunities for Holy Communion. 

We have celebrated ‘Love’ around St. Valentine’s Day and Mothering Sunday, shared Easter Reflections, enjoyed a ‘Songs of Praise’ Afternoon Tea, a glorious Harvest Festival with gifts going to the Clayton Foodbank and a Light Show/Firework display at All Saints-tide. The Remembrance Service was particularly poignant and very much appreciated, as was the Carol Service with St. John’s Community Choir. It is also moving when members of staff, unable to be in their own churches due to work commitments, ask to receive Communion with us. Residents, some with their families and Carers, have been welcomed and really enjoyed visits to St. John’s Church for Services and to our ‘Warm Welcome’ initiative. Special thanks go to Adrian Richards and Pete Bradley (who has now moved to pastures new), who as Activity Co-ordinators, have always gone the extra-mile to support ‘St. John’s at The Avenue’, residents, their families and Carers, to facilitate the best possible pastoral care, worship and high-quality music. It has also been an absolute joy in recent weeks, to welcome our very own Godfrey Turner as our new ‘St. John’s at The Avenue’ Resident Organist, to play for our Services and for Adrian Richards from The Avenue, to join our team of musicians at St. John’s Church. 

## _**Angela Hamilton, Parish Worship Assistant, St. John’s Clayton.**_ 

**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.  We are hoping to start encouraging the younger members of the congregation to join us and we are hopefully getting a bass guitarist. _**Rowan Russell**_ 

**Uniformed Organisations -** We were delighted to welcome the 61[st] Clayton St John's Scouts back to church this year, and meetings in the Church Lounge and the Community Rooms have been well-received by children and families. Both the 61[st] and 16[th] Clayton Diehards Scouts joined with the 3[rd] Clayton Girl Guides and other local groups for our Remembrance Sunday service and parade, which was especially appreciated by Scout and Guide leaders (a number of whom are Armed Forces veterans). St John's also hosted the annual Beavers District Christingle service, welcoming Beavers and families from ten lodges across Bradford South to church. We look forward to these relationships continuing to strengthen in the coming year. _**Revd Adam Roebuck.**_ 

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## **FABRIC, GOODS & ORNAMENTS** 

The churchwardens are responsible for maintaining the fabric of the church and its contents, and are supported in this task by five deputy churchwardens and the PCC’s Estates Sub-committee, which received new terms of reference over the year. 

All appropriate inspections of the church are up to date. During the year the PCC changed its insurers from Ecclesiastical Insurance to Trinitas Church Insurance, at whose request we have carried out a major electrical survey. Remedial work has been identified as a result of this survey and PCC will decide the schedule for the work. Roof repairs have been completed after an act of vandalism; an insurance claim is pending to cover the cost of repair. The Estates Sub-committee met regularly throughout 2025 and report to every PCC. 

_**David Evans & Penny Silson, Churchwardens.**_ 

The church Garden of Remembrance extension was initiated and completed. The design idea was developed by the church’s architect, Fiona Johnson of Knox McConnell, based in Saltaire. Fiona took the initial idea of a building a wall for plaques inside the existing courtyard, and designed a T formation providing 80 plaques sited on the existing paved area. 

The project went to tender and a local builder, Ben Cahill of C&C and Sons, was awarded the contract. The design was approved by the Diocese, and we received the legal go-ahead to start the works in June with the project being completed in December. 

I’d like to thank Fiona Johnson for her design and Ben Cahill for his craftsmanship and for bringing the drawing to life, especially during the poor weather of autumn and winter. _**John Lynch, Deputy Churchwarden.**_ 

## **SAFEGUARDING** 

Penny Silson is St John’s designated Safeguarding lead.  Rachel Rhodes is St John’s deputy safeguarding lead.  Safeguarding is a standing item on the PCC bi-monthly meetings, and it is a standing item on the bi-monthly Governance Action Group meeting. 

We comply with all statutory requirements, produce regular reports and ensure the safeguarding hub is up to date and any actions required are undertaken in a timely manner. 

All appropriate personnel have a DBS and everyone signed a confidential declaration in January/February 2025. 

Training is undertaken as directed by The Church of England and regularly reviewed. _**Penny Silson, Parish Safeguarding Officer.**_ 

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## **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)|
|---|---|
|Interim Associate Minister:|Revd Philippa Slingsby-Lunn|
||(on maternity leave during 2025)|
|Associate Priest:|Revd Pamela Coles|
|Assistant Curate:|Revd Daniel Furlong|
|Churchwardens:|Tim Russell (until May 2025)|
||David Evans (from May 2025)|
||Penny Silson (Vice-Chair, from May 2025)|
|Deanery Synod Representatives:|Angela Hamilton,|
||Penny Silson (Vice-Chair, also churchwarden from May 2025)|
|Licensed Lay Minister:|Kay Holden|
|Elected Members:|Lynne Winter (Secretary)|
||Simon Russell (Treasurer, until March 2025).|
||John Lynch (also Treasurer from March 2025)|
||David Evans (also churchwarden from May 2025)|
||Electra Weston (until November 2025)|
||David Allan (from May 2025)|
||Ellisha Blackwell (from May 2025)|
||Pat Harrington (from May 2025)|
||Barbara Kennedy (from May 2025)|



The three **Action Teams** , Mission & Ministry, Estates, and Governance, met regularly throughout the year and continue to feed into the PCC agenda. 

## **ELECTORAL ROLL** 

There are 106 members on the 2026 Electoral Roll; 70 women & 36 men, of whom 83 live in the parish. The analysis of change from last year’s electoral roll is as follows: 

|2025 Electoral Roll|107|
|---|---|
|Removed due to death|-3|
|Removed due to no longer|-4|
|being habitual worshippers||
|New applications|+6|
|2026 Electoral Roll|106|



## _**Steve Wood, Electoral Roll Officer**_ 

_Page 11_ 



**Parish of Clayton St. John the Baptist** 

## **Meeting of Parishioners and Annual Parochial Church Meeting 2025** 

## **ATTENDEES AT THE APCM WERE;-** 

Yvonne Bates, Alison Birkinshaw, Ellisha Blackwell, Joyce Broughton, Pam Coles, Kay Crowther, Carol Evans, David Evans, David Fox, Miriam Fox, Lynn Hammill, Pat Harrington, Kay Holden, Peter Holden, Kath Jones, Barbara Kennedy, Maureen Kershaw, Brenda Lee, Brian Lee, John Lynch, Pauline Malcolm, Molly Maloney, Stan Mawson, Olive Midgley, David Prosser, Rachel Prosser, Sue Radcliffe, Adam Roebuck, Florence Russell, Rowan Russell, Tim Russell, Penny Silson, Anne Stead, Glyn Tomkins, Sue Tomkins, Freda Topham, Charles Wilkinson, Rachel Wilkinson, Stephen Wood, Stephen Woodhead, Lynne Winter. 

## **OPENING PRAYER** 

Revd Adam Roebuck (Chair) prayed the Collect of the day. 

## **APPOINTMENT OF CLERK/SECRETARY** 

Adam Roebuck proposed Lynne Winter (PCC Secretary) to be clerk of the meeting; this was seconded by Rowan Russell, all were in favour. 

## **MEETING OF PARISHIONERS** 

## **ELECTIONS OF CHURCHWARDENS FOR 2025/2026** 

Nominations had been received from Penny Silson and David Evans. As no objections were raised, both were appointed without need of election. 

## **NOTIFICATION OF DEPUTY CHURCHWARDENS** (subject to PCC approval) 

Yvonne Bates, Pat Harrington, John Lynch, Glyn Tomkins, Tim Russell. 

## **ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING** 

**Apologies for Absence:** David Allan, Angela Dobson, Revd Daniel Furlong, Angela & Adrian Hamilton, Thelma Horsfall, Ann Roebuck, Michael Silson, John Winter. 

## **APROVAL OF MINUTES FOR 2024 APCM** 

The minutes were accepted as an accurate record, proposed by Penny Silson and seconded by Steve Wood. There were no matters arising. 

## **ELECTION OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE LAITY TO PCC.** 

Nominations had been received from David Allan, Ellisha Blackwell, Pat Harrington, Barbara Kennedy and Lynne Winter (renomination). There were no objections, so all were appointed to PCC. 

## **RESOLUTION THAT LICENSED LAY MINISTERS SHOULD BE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS OF PCC.** 

Adam Roebuck proposed this, Penny Silson seconded and all were in favour. 

## **PCC MEMBERSHIP** 

David Allan, Ellisha Blackwell, Revd Pam Coles, David Evans, Revd Daniel Furlong, Angela Hamilton, Pat Harrington, Kay Holden, Barbara Kennedy, John Lynch, Revd Adam Roebuck, Penny Silson, Electra Weston, Lynne Winter. 

## **APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT EXAMINER** 

Joanne Royle is willing to continue, Adam proposed, John Lynch seconded and all were in favour of Joanne continuing. 

_Page 12_ 



## **PRESENTATION OF THE ANNUAL REPORT** 

Thank were given to all who had helped produce the annual report, this is a detailed report of all that takes place at St. John's. We have much to be thankful for. 

## **ELECTORAL ROLL** 

In accordance with Church Representation Rules, the electoral roll has to be renewed and updated every six years. Steve Wood as electoral roll officer has compiled a new electoral roll for St. John's; there are 107 members on the new electoral roll, 72 women and 35 men, of whom 85 live in the parish. This year we are seeing growth. The electoral roll will be reopened after this meeting. 

## **PCC** 

The PCC have met every two months with one extraordinary meeting. There were no questions about the work and ministry of the PCC. 

## **FABRIC REPORT.** 

This was presented in the report by David Evans and Tim Russell (Adam gave a quick resume) All basic repairs to the fabric of the building have been dealt with. Safety tests to electrical and fire equipment have been caries out. A new notice on the Avenue side of the Church has been purchased and is waiting to be installed. It has been agreed to replace and update information on the notice board by the lychgate. Both will be in place soon. 

Last year it was reported that the Garden of Remembrance walls were full, a new wall should be completed by late summer. We are looking at fund raising options for this. Any questions regarding this should be presented to Adam, John or David. 

## **PROCEEDINGS OF DEANERY SYNOD** 

Our deanery synod representatives are Angela Hamilton and Penny Silson. The synod is composed of licensed clergy and lay representatives. Going forward Bishop Toby and Andy Jolley are keen that the Bradford Episcopal Area Forum and Deanery Synods are brought closer together. 

## **PRESENTATION OF ACCOUNTS.** 

Adam read his Chair's report to the meeting. Financially this year has been a qualified success for the Church, after allowing for financial irregularities. Our accounts’ health has improved from the low point at the end of 2022, although we are not yet quite back to pre-COVID levels of income and reserve. 

On behalf of the PCC Adam thanked all members of the church for giving so generously. 

Adam reported that the Church benefits from the Harrison Benn fund; the Church receives interest each year. 

The PCC had already approved the accounts, therefore no vote needed to be taken. Adam thanked John Lynch, the PCC and Christine Pilkington for their input. 

Adam asked if there were any questions regarding the accounts. 

Rowan asked what the position was with the parish share. Adam reminded the meeting that parish share is paid in to Diocesan funds to pay towards Mission and Ministry within the diocese and the diocese’s contribution to clergy stipends, housing and pensions. Up to 2022 the share was paid in full, since then we have not had the funds to pay the full share. We hope to pay 80% this year and aim to pay 100% in 2026. 

## **QUESTIONS ABOUT PAROCHIAL CHURCH MATTERS OR DISCUSSIONS OF ANY MATTER OF PAROCHIAL OR GENERAL CHURCH INTEREST. (Any Other Business)** 

Joyce Broughton asked about the memorial stone in memory of the two men who died in the Clayton tunnel tragedy which is in St. John's Churchyard. It has not been maintained. We put in an application to move it to the Garden of Rest as part of the Garden of Rest extension project, but this was rejected by the Diocesan Advisory Committee. We are looking in to forming an alternative plan. 

Alison Birkinshaw asked that Tim Russell be thanked for all the times he has stood as Churchwarden over many years. Tim was gratefully thanked for all he has done. 

Adam closed the meeting with Prayer and the Grace at 11:55am. 

_Page 13_ 



## **TREASURER’S REPORT** 

First, thank you for all your donations, however you give; by standing order, by card machine or in cash. Your patience in my updating your Gift Aid status this year ensures that we can claim an additional 25p in the pound on your donations. We are also able to claim Gift Aid on anonymous cash and card donations, so long as each individual donation was £30 or less which is also of great benefit provided by the Government. 

The Garden of Rest extension has been completed, this has been funded by the Garden of Rest fund and loans from Diocese and from Harisson Benn Funds. These are expected to be paid down by 2030 or earlier. The Garden of Rest fund is self-financing and does not affect the churches income or expenditure directly. 

As ever, the maintenance and running costs for our beautiful Victorian Grade 2 listed church remain a concern. The administration is engaged in ensuring that as contracts expire we make savings, this includes heating, lighting, telephone, internet, sanitary services and photocopying. 

Please consider your giving prayerfully and if you would like to set up a standing order to give regularly then please use the church bank details at your branch or via your banking app. St John the Baptist Church Clayton PCC, Sort code 40-13-15, Account number 12045753. 

## _**John Lynch, Treasurer**_ 

_Page 14_ 



## **Statement of Financial Activities** 

||**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>**Endowment**<br>**funds**<br>**Total**<br>**funds**<br>**Prior year**<br>**total funds**|
|---|---|
|**Income and endowments from:**<br>Donations and legacies<br>Income from charitable activities<br>Other trading activities<br>Investments<br>Other income<br>**Total income**<br>**Expenditure on:**<br>Raising funds<br>Expenditure on charitable activities<br>Other expenditure<br>**Total expenditure**<br>**Net income / (expenditure) resources before transfer**<br>**Transfers**<br>Gross transfers between funds - in<br>Gross transfers between funds - out<br>**Other recognised gains / losses**<br>Gains/losses on investment assets<br>Gains on revaluation, fixed assets, charity's own use<br>**Net movement in funds**<br>**Total funds brought forward**<br>**Total funds carried forward**|103,691.93<br>-<br>-<br>103,691.93<br>101,243.65<br>9,863.91<br>478.00<br>-<br>10,341.91<br>10,417.00<br>3,044.25<br>-<br>-<br>3,044.25<br>2,516.50<br>-<br>8,231.07<br>-<br>8,231.07<br>8,038.91<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-|
||**116,600.09**<br>**8,709.07**<br>**-**<br>**125,309.16**<br>**122,216.06**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>167,932.46<br>40.80<br>-<br>167,973.26<br>112,394.69<br>(14,462.26)<br>-<br>-<br>(14,462.26)<br>14,462.26|
||**153,470.20**<br>**40.80**<br>**-**<br>**153,511.00**<br>**126,856.95**|
||**(36,870.11)**<br>**8,668.27**<br>**-**<br>**(28,201.84)**<br>**(4,640.89)**<br>24,000.00<br>185.00<br>-<br>24,185.00<br>3,161.32<br>(9,185.00)<br>(15,000.00) -<br>(24,185.00) (3,161.32)<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-|
||**(22,055.11)**<br>**(6,146.73)**<br>**-**<br>**(28,201.84)**<br>**(4,640.89)**|
||**6,337.49**<br>**26,896.53**<br>**-**<br>**33,234.02**<br>**37,874.91**|
||**(15,717.62)**<br>**20,749.80**<br>**-**<br>**5,032.18**<br>**33,234.02**|



_Page 15_ 



**Represented by** 

## **Unrestricted** 

|General Fund||5,767.65|- -|5,767.65|(4,159.04)|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|**Designated**||||||
|Donations For Roof Maintenance||408.45|- -|408.45|408.45|
|Garden Of Rest||(23,698.77)|- -|(23,698.77)|8,283.03|
|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||-|513.17 -|513.17|471.39|
|Harrison Benn Trust||-|16,258.70 -|16,258.70|23,110.21|
|Lunch Club Legacies / Donations||-|1,478.00 -|1,478.00|1,000.00|
|Sick & Poor||-|2,499.93 -|2,499.93|2,314.93|
||**Total funds**|**(15,717.62)**|**20,749.80 -**|**5,032.18**|**33,234.02**|



_Page 16_ 



## **Balance Sheet detailed** 

|**Class and code**<br>**Descripton**|**As at**<br>**31/12/2025**<br>**As at**<br>**31/12/2024**|
|---|---|
|**Current assets**<br>6501<br>HSBC Current account 1<br>6502<br>HSBC Current account 2<br>6506<br>Nat West Current Account<br>6590<br>Petty Cash<br>**Total Current assets**<br>**Liabilities**<br>6601<br>Loans received<br>6699<br>Agency collections<br>**Total Liabilities**<br>**Net Asset surplus (deficit)**<br>**Reserves**<br>Excess/(deficit) to date<br>Z01<br>Starting balances<br>**Total Reserves**<br>**Represented by Funds**<br>General (Unrestricted)<br>Designated<br>Restricted<br>**Total**|6,892.58<br>9,546.74<br>18,521.87<br>25,037.39<br>2,706.23<br>2,706.23<br>-<br>32.57|
||**28,120.68**<br>**37,322.93**<br>20,000.00<br>-<br>3,088.50<br>4,088.91|
||**23,088.50**<br>**4,088.91**|
||**5,032.18**<br>**33,234.02**|
||(28,201.84)<br>(4,640.89)<br>33,234.02<br>37,874.91|
||**5,032.18**<br>**33,234.02**<br>5,767.65<br>(4,159.04)<br>(21,485.27)<br>10,496.53<br>20,749.80<br>26,896.53|
||**5,032.18**<br>**33,234.02**|



_Page 17_ 



## **Statement of Assets and Liabilities (by code)** 

|**Class and nominal code**|**General**|**Designated**|**Restricted**|**Endowment**|**Total**|**Last year**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|**Current Asset - Cash At Bank And In Hand**|||||||
|6501: HSBC Current account 1|5,767.65|(1,485.27)|2,610.20|-|6,892.58|9,546.74|
|6502: HSBC Current account 2|-|-|18,521.87|-|18,521.87|25,037.39|
|6506: Nat West Current Account|-|-|2,706.23|-|2,706.23|2,706.23|
|6590: Petty Cash|-|-|-|-|-|32.57|
|**Total**|**5,767.65**|**(1,485.27)**|**23,838.30**|**-**|**28,120.68**|**37,322.93**|
|**Liability - Agency Accounts**|||||||
|6699: Agency collections|-|-|3,088.50|-|3,088.50|4,088.91|
|**Total**|**-**|**-**|**3,088.50**|**-**|**3,088.50**|**4,088.91**|
|**Liability - Creditors: Amounts Falling Due In One Year**|||||||
|6601: Loans received|-|20,000.00|-|-|20,000.00|-|
|**Total**|**-**|**20,000.00**|**-**|**-**|**20,000.00**|**-**|
|**Net total assets**|**5,767.65**|**(21,485.27)**|**20,749.80**|**-**|**5,032.18**|**33,234.02**|
|**Represented by**|||||||
|General (Unrestricted)|5,767.65|-|-|-|5,767.65|(4,159.04)|
|Designated - GofR|-|(23,698.77)|-|-|(23,698.77)|8,283.03|
|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|-|-|16,258.70|-|16,258.70|23,110.21|
|Restricted - LunchClub|-|-|1,478.00|-|1,478.00|1,000.00|
|Restricted - Sick-Poor|-|-|2,499.93|-|2,499.93|2,314.93|
|Restricted - Wilman|-|-|513.17|-|513.17|471.39|
|**Total**|**5,767.65**|**(21,485.27)**|**20,749.80**|**-**|**5,032.18**|**33,234.02**|



_Page 18_ 



**Analysis of income and expenditure** 

**Total** 

||**Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment**<br>**This year**<br>**Last year**|
|---|---|
|**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM:**<br>**Donations and legacies**<br>0101 - Gift Aid - Bank<br>0110 - Gift Aid - Envelopes<br>0201 - NGA Weekly Envelopes & Other Planned<br>Giving<br>0301 - Loose plate collections<br>0401 - Regular gift days<br>0501 - One-off Gift Aid gifts<br>0550 - Donations appeals etc<br>0601 - Tax recoverable on Gift Aid<br>0701 - Legacies<br>0801 - Recurring grants<br>08A1 - Non-recurring one-off grants<br>0901 - Other funds generated<br>**Donations and legacies Totals**<br>**Income from charitable activities**<br>0502 - One Off Non-Gift Aided Gifts<br>0910 - Fundraising Activities<br>1101 - Fees for weddings and funerals<br>1210 - Bookstall sales to promote objectives<br>1230 - Church hall lettings - objectives<br>1330 - Garden Of Rest Income<br>**Income from charitable activities Totals**<br>**Other trading activities**<br>1220 - Bookstall sales - fund raising<br>1240 - Church hall lettings - fund raising<br>**Other trading activities Totals**<br>**Investments**<br>1020 - Bank and building society interest<br>**Investments Totals**<br>**Income and endowments Grand totals**|52,611.29<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>52,611.29<br>49,597.02<br>1,129.00<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>1,129.00<br>-<br>2,079.00<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>2,079.00<br>40.00<br>5,155.57<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>5,155.57<br>926.05<br>330.00<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>330.00<br>-<br>25.00<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>25.00<br>300.00<br>374.13<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>374.13<br>264.12<br>18,785.52<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>18,785.52<br>10,094.71<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>17,927.42<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>17,927.42<br>36,180.49<br>1,375.00<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>1,375.00<br>2,778.26<br>3,900.00<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>3,900.00<br>1,063.00|
||<br>**103,691.93**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**- 103,691.93 101,243.65**<br>1,134.41<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>1,134.41<br>626.00<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>3,267.00<br>30.00<br>-<br>-<br>3,297.00<br>6,089.00<br>136.00<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>136.00<br>-<br>5,296.50<br>-<br>478.00<br>-<br>5,774.50<br>300.00<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>3,402.00|
||<br>**9,833.91**<br>**30.00**<br>**478.00**<br>**-**<br>**10,341.91**<br>**10,417.00**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>3,044.25<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>3,044.25<br>2,516.50|
||<br>**3,044.25**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**3,044.25**<br>**2,516.50**<br>-<br>-<br>8,231.07<br>-<br>8,231.07<br>8,038.91|
||<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**8,231.07**<br>**-**<br>**8,231.07**<br>**8,038.91**|
||<br>**116,570.09**<br>**30.00**<br>**8,709.07**<br>**- 125,309.16 122,216.06**|



_Page 19_ 



**EXPENDITURE ON:** 

|**Raising funds**<br>1701 - Fees paid to fund raisers<br>1710 - Costs of applying for grants<br>1730 - Costs of Fundraising<br>**Raising funds Totals**<br>**Expenditure on charitable activities**<br>1804 - Mission Giving<br>1910 - Parish Share<br>2001 - Mission Apprentice / Youth worker salary and oncosts<br>2050 - Salary of parish administrator<br>2100 - Vicar & Curates Expenses<br>2201 - Outreach Initiatives<br>2202 - Children<br>2230 - Mission & Evangelism (Alpha etc.)<br>2250 – Home Groups, Welcome Teas<br>2270 - Music, Licences and Sanctuary Costs<br>2301 - Church running - insurance<br>2310 - Stationary, Telephone<br>2330 - Church maintenance<br>2340 - Quinquennial Maintenance<br>2360 - Sundries<br>2380 - Garden of Rest, Tablets and Upkeep<br>2401 - Church running - electric<br>2410 - Church running - gas<br>2420 - Church running - water<br>2510 - Bookstall costs<br>2601 - Governance costs examination/audit fee<br>2700 - Major Repairs To Church Buildings<br>2900 - New Building Work to Church, Hall etc<br>**Expenditure on charitable activities Totals**<br>**Other expenditure**<br>2361 - Payments not able to be allocated*<br>**Other expenditure Totals**<br>**Expenditure Grand totals**|-<br>-<br>- -<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>- -<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>- -<br>-<br>-|
|---|---|
||<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**- -**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>2,500.00<br>-<br>- -<br>2,500.00<br>4,500.00<br>41,287.50<br>-<br>- -<br>41,287.50<br>26,427.50<br>-<br>-<br>- -<br>-<br>429.92<br>19,653.75<br>-<br>- -<br>19,653.75<br>39,796.57<br>1,109.24<br>-<br>- -<br>1,109.24<br>899.74<br>161.07<br>-<br>- -<br>161.07<br>902.26<br>202.52<br>-<br>- -<br>202.52<br>481.71<br>1,244.09<br>-<br>- -<br>1,244.09<br>472.01<br>231.28<br>-<br>- -<br>231.28<br>98.52<br>949.17<br>-<br>- -<br>949.17<br>962.26<br>8,670.76<br>-<br>- -<br>8,670.76<br>1,385.69<br>3,998.87<br>-<br>- -<br>3,998.87<br>4,241.50<br>7,675.17<br>-<br>- -<br>7,675.17<br>8,077.07<br>-<br>-<br>- -<br>-<br>-<br>8,641.04<br>- 40.80 -<br>8,681.84<br>6,311.21<br>3,187.00 52,285.80<br>- -<br>55,472.80<br>4,775.00<br>4,047.59<br>-<br>- -<br>4,047.59<br>4,708.04<br>5,005.79<br>-<br>- -<br>5,005.79<br>7,034.96<br>736.32<br>-<br>- -<br>736.32<br>615.73<br>-<br>-<br>- -<br>-<br>-<br>47.00<br>-<br>- -<br>47.00<br>35.00<br>2,572.50<br>-<br>- -<br>2,572.50<br>-<br>-<br>3,726.00<br>- -<br>3,726.00<br>240.00|
||<br>**111,920.66 56,011.80 40.80 -**<br>**167,973.26**<br>**112,394.69**<br>(14,462.26)<br>-<br>- -<br>(14,462.26)<br>14,462.26|
||**(14,462.26)**<br>**-**<br>**- -**<br>**(14,462.26)**<br>**14,462.26**|
||<br>**97,458.40 56,011.80 40.80 -**<br>**153,511.00**<br>**126,856.95**|



*As mentioned on page 15 of 2024 accounts. The figure of £14,462.26 cancels the 2024 irregularity. 

_Page 20_ 



## **Harrison Benn Fund 2025** 

|H Benn Trust<br>**Income**<br>Proportion<br>Purpose<br>Carried Forward 2024<br>Interest Feb 25<br>**2026.61**<br>Interest May 25<br>**2026.61**<br>Interest Aug 25<br>**2026.61**<br>Interest Nov 25<br>**2109.46**<br>**Totals**<br>**Expenditure**<br>Bank Charges<br>G of R Loan<br>**Total Expenditure**<br>**H Benn Balances Carry Forward**|1/3<br>2/15<br>1/15<br>1/15<br>7/30<br>0/30<br>1/15<br>1/10<br>Curacy<br>Organist<br>Choir<br>Organ<br>Fabric<br>Marble<br>Sunday Sch<br>Sick & Poor<br>£8,024.52<br>£2,336.76<br>£1,463.24<br>£1,699.74<br>£2,328.63<br>£400.14<br>£2,048.34<br>£4,808.84<br>675.54<br>270.21<br>135.11<br>135.11<br>472.88<br>0.00<br>135.11<br>202.66<br>675.54<br>270.21<br>135.11<br>135.11<br>472.88<br>0.00<br>135.11<br>202.66<br>675.54<br>270.21<br>135.11<br>135.11<br>472.88<br>0.00<br>135.11<br>202.66<br>703.15<br>281.26<br>140.63<br>140.63<br>492.21<br>0.00<br>140.63<br>210.95|£23,110.21<br>£31,299.50|
|---|---|---|
||£10,754.28<br>£3,428.67<br>£2,009.19<br>£2,245.69<br>£4,239.46<br>£400.14<br>£2,594.29<br>£5,627.77||
||Curacy<br>Organist<br>Choir<br>Organ<br>Fabric<br>Marble<br>Sunday Sch<br>Sick & Poor<br>£40.80<br>£10,000.00<br>£5,000.00<br>£10,040.80<br>£0.00<br>£0.00<br>£0.00<br>£5,000.00||
||**£713.48**<br>**3,428.67**<br>**2,009.19**<br>**2,245.69**<br>**4,239.46**<br>**400.14**<br>**2,594.29**<br>**627.77**|**£16,258.70**|
||Carry Forward Total 2026||
|||£16,258.70|



_Page 21_ 



## **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 2025. 

## **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 Examiner’s Statement** 

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

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

2. the accounts do not accord with those records. 

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. 

## _Joanne Royle_ 

Joanne Royle ACA 

Date: 20[th] April 2026 

66 Beechwood Avenue 

Wakefield 

WF2 9JY 

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**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 (on maternity leave during 2025) Associate Priest: Revd Pamela Coles Assistant Curate: Revd Daniel Furlong Church Administrator: Miss Christine Pilkington Treasurer: Mr Simon Russell (until March 2025) Mr John Lynch (from March 2025) Independent Examiner: Ms Joanne Royle 

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 27 April 2026. 

Signed, 


Revd Adam Roebuck, Chair. 

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