2023-12-31-accounts

==> picture [149 x 30] intentionally omitted <==

Parish of Mossley

St George’s Church Worship, Witness, Welcome

==> picture [128 x 120] intentionally omitted <==

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL for the year ended 31[st] December 2023

==> picture [357 x 324] intentionally omitted <==

Published Apr 2024 Incumbent: Revd Denise Owen from Sep 2023

Independent Examiner: Mr Alan Brooks F.C.A

Charity Number 1138946

==> picture [27 x 27] intentionally omitted <==

@mossleyparish www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15979

==> picture [529 x 10] intentionally omitted <==

1

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2023

The members of the Parochial Church Council (PCC), who are the trustees of the charity, present the annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023.

Aim and purposes

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) works with the incumbent to promote, in the ecclesiastical parish and benefice, the whole mission of the Church. It is important to remember that this is God’s mission in this place and includes: pastoral care, evangelistic outreach, social events and social justice and ecumenical events and partnerships. The PCC is also specifically responsible for the maintenance of the church of St George, Mossley.

Objectives and Activities

The PCC is committed to welcoming as many people as possible to worship at this church and to become part of the parish community at St George’s. The PCC maintains an overview of worship in the parish and makes suggestions on how our services can better welcome and involve the people who live within the parish. Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament, always with the aim of glorifying God.

When planning our activities for the year, we have considered the Commission’s guidance on public benefit, and particularly the supplementary guidance on charities for the advancement of religion. Especially, we try to enable people to live out their faith as part of our parish community through:

• Worship, prayer, learning about the Gospel; and developing their knowledge and trust in Jesus.

• Provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish.

• Missionary and outreach work.

• Care for God’s creation.

• Advocating for justice.

Church life & activities

As well as our regular services, we enable our community to celebrate and thank God at the milestones of the journey through life. Through baptism we thank God for the gift of life, in marriage public vows are exchanged with God’s blessing and through funeral services friends and family express their grief and give thanks for the life which is now complete in this world and to commend the person into God's keeping.

Structure, governance, and management

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. At St. George’s the membership of the PCC consists of the incumbent, churchwardens, Deanery Synod members and members elected by those members of the congregation who are on the electoral roll of the church. All those who are members of the congregation are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC, unless there is any criterion which prevents them from doing this.

2

PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish including deciding on how the funds of the PCC are to be spent. New members and those with new roles are to receive advice and initial training into the workings of the PCC.

Reserves policy

The PCC does not currently have a reserves policy on unrestricted funds.

Administrative information

St George’s Mossley is (with St John the Baptist Roughtown) part of the Benefice of Mossley, which is part of Mission Community 6 within the Deanery of Oldham and Ashton, the Archdeaconry of Rochdale and the Diocese of Manchester within the Church of England. The Parochial Church Council is a body corporate (The Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956 as amended) and a registered Charity.

The Parochial Church Council – At the APM on 30[th] April 2023, the following were elected Churchwardens:

Churchwardens:	current term expires	current term expires
Mr Nigel Hossle-Standring		APM 2024
Mrs Jo Hossle-Standring		APM 2024
Ex Officio members of the PCC:
Dr Angela Akers	Deanery Synod Rep	2026
Mrs Kathryn Malkin	Deanery Synod Rep	2026
Mr Nigel Hossle-Standring	Warden	2024
Mrs Jo Hossle-Standring	Warden	2024
Lay roles within the PCC:
Mrs Julie Bruce	Vice-Chair	2024
Mrs Rita Brooks	Deputy Warden	2024
Mrs Debbie Mellor	Deputy Warden	2024
Mrs Carol Winterbottom	Treasurer	2024
Mrs Jo Hossle-Standring	Secretary	2024
Lay members of the PCC:
Mrs Wendy Berry		2025
Mrs Julie Bruce		2026
Mrs Rita Brooks		2026
Mrs Dorothy Dunn		2026
Mrs Jacqueline Hely		2026
(Mrs Jo Hossle-Standringcurrently ex officio		2026)
Mrs Kathryn Malkin		2026
Miss Charlotte Mellor		2026
Mrs Debbie Mellor		2026
Mr David Pritchard		2026
Mrs Jacqui Renshaw		2026
Mrs Carol Winterbottom		2026

3

Revd Denise Owen became incumbent of St George’s on 14[th] September 2023 and is thereby the ex officio Chair of the PCC.

Dr Angela Akers is Authorised Lay Minister to St George’s Church since July 2023 and is thereby an ex officio member of the PCC.

The PCC met regularly and frequently throughout the interregnum as a supportive measure. There were 8 meetings during 2023; plus the APM/APCM and one extraordinary meeting. The majority of meetings were chaired by the Vice Chair, Julie Bruce. Revd Denise chaired her first meeting of our PCC on 26[th] September 2023.

Jo Hossle-Standring ( PCC Secretary )

The PCC

• is a charity registered with the Charities Commission.

• oversees the financial work of the Church by monitoring income and expenditure, budgeting and co-coordinating the stewardship of money through planned giving.

• attends to matters relating to the ministry of the Church, including work with young people.

• attends to the ministry of the Church to the community and the world.

• attends to matters relating to the stewardship of the Church Buildings and fabric, the Churchyard (which is closed to burials, and largely the responsibility of Tameside MBC). The PCCs of St George’s and St John the Baptist , contribute towards costs of St John’s Vicarage.

Parish Officers

Carole Hibbert 200 Club / Mothers’ Union Kathryn Malkin Electoral Roll Officer / Magazine Editor / Junior Church Debbie Mellor Baptism Co-ordinator / Junior Church Mark Akers Hon Site Manager Jimmy Mellor Hon Site Manager Sue Warburton Parish Safeguarding Officer

==> picture [529 x 10] intentionally omitted <==

Vicar’s Report

First of all a very big ‘Thank you’ to you all. You have been amazingly welcoming and kind as I’ve settled into life in Mossley and at St George’s. I really do appreciate your kindness and generosity. I’ve very much enjoyed getting to know you, St George’s Church and the local area.

Since I arrived in September, the pattern of services has meant I haven’t been at St George’s every Sunday. I have been alternating between Roughtown and Mossley, and Stalybridge. This has meant the church has been relying on retired priests with Permission to Officiate or on occasion curates. Although this arrangement has worked so far, it can’t be sustained in the long term, and in 2024 some very difficult decisions will have to be made.

4

I have been very privileged to work with our ALM Angela Akers, and we have had a number of conversations about outreach to young people and families. One consequence of this is our informal service Tuesdays Together which takes place at the end of the school day, and when it first began was attracting a small number of young families. We continue to consider how best to grow the congregation at St George’s. This is a responsibility for the whole church and I would hope that everyone who worships regularly in the church feels it is a place they would invite others to.

I am a governor at All Saints Micklehurst and Milton St John, and I lead Collective Worship every two weeks at St George’s School. The school held their Christmas service in church.

I try to visit parishioners who are unable to come to church to bring Holy Communion and Angela Akers helps with this as well.

In the coming year, a focus for the church must be inviting and welcoming new people, and looking for ways of safeguarding the fabric of the building, which in places is in poor repair. To finish, I would like to say more ‘Thank Yous.’ Everyone who cares for the building, who cleans, who does the flowers; everyone who reads or intercedes; everyone who provides refreshments, or organises social events or organised and helped with the Winter Fair; to members of the Mother’s Union and to anyone I haven’t mentioned, a huge ‘Thank You’. St George’s Church would not be able to worship and do mission without you.

Revd Denise ( Incumbent )

==> picture [529 x 9] intentionally omitted <==

Safeguarding

Annual Safeguarding Report: Jan-Dec 2023

Safeguarding is part of our core faith and an integral feature of Christian life in our parish churches. (KEY MESSAGE from: Parish Safeguarding Handbook: Promoting a Safer Church)

1. Sue Warburton is the current Parish Safeguarding Officer and the DBS administrator for St George’s.

2. Safeguarding is on the agenda of every PCC meeting. No concerns or issues have been raised with the safeguarding officer over the past year.

3. All members of the PCC and all church workers have an up-to-date DBS certificate. Several needed to be updated this year because certificates are now required to be renewed every three years instead of every five years.

5

==> picture [525 x 303] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
DBS Record
NAME Role Date of Issue of current
DBS certificate (To be
updated every 3 years)
Wendy Berry PCC 23/09/2021
Rita Brooks PCC 09/07/2021
Julie Bruce PCC 01/08/2022
Dorothy Dunn PCC 08/02/2023
Jacqueline Hely PCC 07/06/2022
Jo Hossle-Standring PCC Secretary 11/11/2023
Church Warden
Nigel Hossle-Standring Church Warden 10/11/2023
Kathryn Malkin Junior Church Leader/PCC 01/06/2022
Charlotte Mellor Junior Church/ PCC
Debbie Mellor Junior Church Leader/PCC 11/05/2022
David Pritchard PCC 15/09/2023
Jacqueline Renshaw PCC 27/03/2023
Carol Winterbottom Treasurer PCC 11/05/2022
----- End of picture text -----

Safeguarding Training

==> picture [525 x 287] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
NAME Safeguarding Training
Wendy Berry Basic Awareness (Sept 21)
Rita Brooks Basic Awareness (July 21)
Julie Bruce Basic Awareness (08/02/24)
Dorothy Dunn Basic Awareness
Jacqueline Hely Basic Awareness (1/12/22)
Jo Hossle-Standring Basic Awareness (6/12/22)
Nigel Hossle-Standring Basic Awareness & Safeguarding Foundations (Oct 21)
Kathryn Malkin Basic Awareness (12/10/21)
Foundations (28/12/23)
Charlotte Mellor Basic Awareness, Safeguarding Foundations & Leadership
Safeguarding (Oct 21)
Debbie Mellor Basic Awareness, Safeguarding Foundations & Leadership
Safeguarding (Oct 21)
David Pritchard Basic Awareness (19/03/24)
Jacqueline Renshaw Basic Awareness (Nov 22)
Carol Winterbottom Basic Awareness (06/09/23)
----- End of picture text -----

1. The following information is on display in church:

2. The PCC’s Safeguarding Statement on the safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

3. The Diocesan Safeguarding Policy;

6

• Contact details for the Parish Safeguarding Officer and Diocesan Safeguarding Team;

• Information about where to get help with child and adult safeguarding issues, domestic abuse and key helplines e.g., ChildLine.

• All policies and procedures are in place and up-to-date, as well as in line with Diocesan guidelines. There is access to a hard copy Parish Safeguarding Handbook and the Diocese Safeguarding Manual.

• We create an environment, which is welcoming and respectful and enables safeguarding concerns to be raised and responded to openly, promptly and consistently.

• If there were any known offenders or others who may pose a risk to children and/or vulnerable adults they would be effectively managed and monitored in consultation with the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser.

• We comply with all data protection legislation especially in regard to storing information about the ‘church workforce’, including volunteers and any safeguarding records.

Sue Warburton ( Safeguarding Officer )

Churchwardens’ Report

Nigel Hossle-Standring was re-elected, and his wife Jo elected, to the positions of Churchwarden at the APM on 30-April 2023 for a 1 year term.

Interregnum

The interregnum of nearly 20 months came to an end in September with the arrival of Revd Denise Owen.

From January 2023 to mid September 2023, we held 37 Eucharists, 11 Baptisms, 4 funerals, 2 weddings and an ashes committal.

Archdeacon Visitation

On 27-June Jo and Nigel Hossle-Standring were ‘admitted’ to the post of Churchwarden along with Rita Brooks and Debbie Mellor blessed as Deputy Churchwardens in Oldham Parish Church, at the Archdeacon’s Visitation.

Confirmation

Confirmation classes were held at The Good Shepherd for 7 young candidates and one adult from St George’s. They were joined by a further 8 candidates from St. George’s Stalybridge and The Good Shepherd. We hosted the joint confirmation service on Sunday 21-May, officiated by Bishop Mark. Our Church piano was tuned for the first time in many-a-year in readiness for the service.

7

Whit Walks

We were blessed with glorious weather for the Whit Walks on Friday, 2-June. St George’s led this year, brilliantly supported by St John’s Band and we were joined by members of the congregations of St John’s Roughtown and St George’s Stalybridge.

Rose Queens

Izabel was crowned Rose Queen on Saturday 24-June. Brownie Queen Kitty and visiting Harvest Queen Abi from Christ Church Friezland and their retinues joined retiring Rose Queen Christina and new Rose Queen Izabel. After Izabel was crowned, Christina presented Nigel with a cheque for Church funds for an amazing £4379.

CollecTin

In March we applied for, and were granted a free CollecTin card reader ( worth over £300 ) to allow contactless payments and donations.

As part of the CollectTin account we also got a QR code that allows people to use their Smartphones to make donations. Labels with the QRcode have been printed and affixed to the Baptism cards to enable the Baptism families to make a donation; also the outside notice boards have the QR for visitors to scan and donate.

New Logo

Russ Goddard was approached to design a new logo for St.George’s. He agreed and presented the PCC with 3 designs. The PCC selected the logo you see at the top of this report and thanks are sent to Russ for his time and talent.

Visits to Church

• In February Livingstone school visited Church again. Year 1 wanted to try to understand ‘what makes a place sacred’.

• In April Castle Top nursery visited Church in two groups to explore the Church.

• In July All Saints Micklehurst school Years 1 and 2 walked all the way across the valley to visit Church. Y2s were learning about ‘what makes a place sacred’ and the Y1s were leaning about ‘Baptism’. Revd. Pat Lodge asked the Y1s to bring a dolly which was used to demonstrate Baptism. Dolly Lily was ‘Baptised’ many times by the children and went home quite wet.

School Leavers

The three schools were contacted regarding the number of year 6 leavers in July for the presentation of Bibles. 106 Bibles for all 3 schools were generously provided by our 200 Club. St. George’s Y6 held their leaving service in Church when each child was presented with their Bible which have a label inside, stating it is a gift from St George’s Church.

Fundraising

During 2023 we held numerous fundraising/social events : February Pancake coffee morning February Murder Mystery March Rose Queen At Home April Easter Egg Bingo

8

May Coronation tea party May Jon Courtney Rose Queen event June Quiz night July Sausage Sizzle

August saw the Tarmac Party

This was a very full day when volunteers came together to dig out and then lay cold-lay tarmac in the more serious potholes in the drive and carpark. It had been seen that the test patch repair that Mark Akers and Nigel had done in 2022 had survived the winter with no signs of failing. We asked for donations to buy bags of tarmac and we hired a rammer and borrowed a thwacker from a neighbour on Anthony Street. Jo provided PPE and completed a detailed Risk Assessment. The Archdeacon said a faculty for the repair was not required. Inside Church were refreshments and some stalls where those not working on the tarmac could browse and chat. It was all a great success with enough monetary donations raised to cover the expenses and to give over £1000 into Church funds.

September Rose Queen Bingo October Rose Queen Sausage Sizzle November Winter Fayre in the GLH December Breakfast (and lunch) with Santa

Periodic testing

PAT testing is completed 3 yearly UP TO DATE next 2025 Gas appliances annually UP TO DATE Fire extinguisher testing annually UP TO DATE Lightning conductor every 4 years UP TO DATE Due 2024 Electrical testing every 5 years UP TO DATE Due 2024

Churchyard / Grass

Nigel met with Carl Baron & C. Roberts from TMBC cemeteries. Carl had diagrams of the parts of the churchyard that were the responsibility of TMBC. He had received the information from the Diocesan Registrar. It appears from this information that TMBC are responsible for the 1820 and 1832 grounds, but not the 1874 ground where the corner wall is collapsing. We have also been informed that under the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 Section 215, any churchyard has to be in a safe and sound condition for the council to take responsibility for it.

At this same meeting Nigel discussed with Carl Baron the several complaints from individuals to the council about the grass in the churchyard. We were told that TMBC do not have the resources or funds to cut the grass in the whole churchyard as they have done in previous years, ‘as a gesture of goodwill’. It was agreed that they will now cut the grass along the Church Walk, one mower width each side the paths; cut around the Peterloo memorial and PTE Conway’s WWII grave; the section up to the ‘twins’ grave; and spray weed killer around the Church building. Nigel also asked if they would make a single cut from the junction of paths 3 and 4 round to near the ‘twins’ grave.

9

Gutters and external lights

Mark Akers and Nigel have cleared out all the gutters again along the north wall of the Church building.

Mark and Nigel replaced two of the LED flood lights that had failed. The new lamps are twice the power of the failed units thus illuminating the Garden of Remembrance better, as well as the drive.

Jo and Nigel later replaced a third LED lamp that failed near the church door in the pouring rain !

Bells

In May, the bells rang in Mossley for ‘Ring for the King’. A team of 14 ringers crammed into the bell tower to ring on our 8 bells.

The Manchester Branch Bell Ringers had a practice ring on our bells on 17-June; they also conducted a visual maintenance check of the bells and ropes. All passed in good condition. Nigel was asked to be Tower Captain which he declined, but he agreed to be the Tower Contact.

Insurance

A desktop valuation and risk management assessment of the church was carried out on 20March with our insurers Ecclesiastical Insurance. The purpose of the exercise was to do a revaluation of the Church re-build cost ( last done in person in Dec 2013 ) and assess our Risk Management.

Ecclesiastical Insurance visited the Church on Monday 10-July (a month before the Tarmac Party) to do an inspection of the building. The condition of the car park was of great concern. When the report from Ecclesiastical Insurance was received, there was a ‘Requirement’ action. This was to repair all the potholes in the drive and car park as they posed a severe risk of personal injury to individuals, and a potential to cause damage to vehicles; for which the Church would be liable.

Following the Tarmac Party there were about 5 potholes remaining in the car park, which required it to be closed on health and safety grounds until further funding is found to complete the project.

First Aid Station

The First Aid station was refreshed and a defibrillator purchased from Karen Skeffington’s legacy. The ‘what3words’ location of the Church has been attached to all the equipment to help emergency services get to the Church. There is a chart to record the monthly testing of the defib; and a plaque has been mounted on the wall in Karen’s memory.

Drains

Issues with the draining of the toilet sewer were noted and a CCTV survey requested. The sewers and drains around church needed to be cleared and jetted first.

All rainwater grids were cleared and 4 of them needed jetting as they were blocked. The sewer was jetted ( around 80% of it ). One section was inaccessible because there is a 90 degree joint which stopped the jet passing. The fall of this sewer pipe from the toilet is insufficient for the distance, hence water and matter pooling partway along the sewer. The

10

syphon in the cistern has been replaced to allow a larger volume of water flow through the pipe. This seems to have fixed the issue for the time being.

Sound System Update

It is thought fitting that a £1000 legacy from the estate of the late Mel Kennerley aka Father Green of the Biggles Wartime Band be used to update the sound system. The system has several issues, including cracked CDs, several unplayable hymns and low level hum/hiss. It is proposed that a Hymnal Plus hymn player is purchased along with a new mixing desk to replace the pre-amp and CD player. A new rack system would be purchased to allow better air flow around the equipment. ( project on-going ).

Jo & Nigel Hossle-Standring ( Churchwardens )

==> picture [529 x 10] intentionally omitted <==

200 Club

By the end of 2023 we had 142 numbers allocated. Efforts supported by the funds during 2023 included :-

• Coronation Afternoon Tea.

• School Leavers’ Bibles.

• Family Worship ‘set up’ expenses.

• Christmas Trees.

Carole Hibbert

==> picture [528 x 10] intentionally omitted <==

Mothers’ Union

During 2023 we had 29 members and held 9 meetings throughout the year.

Our speakers during the year included :-

• Revd Hilda Wild

• Revd Denise Owen

• Barbara’s December Craft Afternoon

Before Christmas in support of the “Rise Up Against Domestic Abuse” appeal we delivered fourteen ‘moving in’ bags to a Women’s Refuge in Ashton. This is an on going project for 2024.

On the 23rd November several members enjoyed our visit to Notcutts Garden Centre in Ashton. It was an opportunity for some Christmas shopping and sharing refreshments together.

Sadly in December we lost our good friend Gina Smith who had been an MU member since 1960.

Carole Hibbert

11

ST GEORGE’S C E PRIMARY SCHOOL, MOSSLEY REPORT FROM THE HEADTEACHER TO THE PCC MARCH 2024

==> picture [91 x 73] intentionally omitted <==

St George’s school converted to being part of the Forward as One Multi Academy Trust in Sept 2023. Each of the Schools within the Trust have their own Local Governing Advisory Board (LAB). Each LAB has a set constitution, governing the types of members and the numbers of members in each category.

The Local Governing Advisory Board at St George’s Primary continue to hold our leaders to account for performance, progress and attainment in the same way the Governing Body did. At a local level we have representation from staff, parents, church, and the wider community. Each Local Governing Advisory Board operates under delegated powers, assigned to them by the Trust Board and has their own Chairperson, elected by peers from the Local Advisory Board.

The main task assigned to our Local Advisory Board is to drive forward attainment within our schools and Safeguarding duties whilst ensuring it fulfils its wide range of legal responsibilities and to ensure that all pupils are given an equal opportunity to fulfil their potential in a caring and Christian environment.

The School and its Local Advisory Board is pleased that the links with the church community continue to grow each year and offers thanks to all the school staff and the church congregation. We were very pleased to welcome Revd Denise this year and it has been great to invite her in to lead worship in school and for the children to once again be led in worship in the church building including holding a Eucharist service for our older pupils and our annual harvest, Christingle and Carol Service. These were well attended by parents as well as children and many thanks to some of the church community for providing refreshments before and after the services.

The LAB however is very depleted and we are in desperate need of more foundation governors appointed by the PCC. We were sad to receive the resignation of our Chair of Governors, Mrs Ellen Patel this year and as we never replaced the vice chair role after Father David left, we are now without both. This makes the directing of meetings very difficult and we have been very grateful that Ian Brocklehurst has stepped in to chair the last meeting but he too has already indicated he will be stepping down at the end of this academic year. Therefore if anyone from the church can support the work of school, then I would love to hear from you. We meet 6 times a year – 3 clerked by the Trust following an agenda development by the Central Team and 3 for the further development of work in school.

Teaching and learning at St George’s continues to be good across all key stages. The leadership team is now held to account by the central team of the Trust who come in to set appraisal targets and to hold staff to account for performance and progress of all the children. We still, unfortunately have to use the services of Tameside Local Authority for aspects related to Special Educational Needs, safeguarding and Social Care. This therefore continues to be an obstacle for the staff and children as the services provided are not of a high standard and the LA are struggling to deliver a good service (they have once again failed their recent OFSTED inspection and have to yet again undergo a change of policy and direction).

12

The Mossley and Carrbrook Schools Partnership continues to grow and St George’s reaps many dividends as we work closely with the other schools in the local area. We have continued to hold meetings via zoom and plan as much as we can together. However, being part of the Trust, we now have many new and exciting opportunities. Subject leaders meet regularly in one of the 15 schools to discuss good practice, behaviour and attendance are monitored and supported centrally and we also have the use of their facilities team to ensure that our building complies with all statutory policies for health and safety.

At the end of July 2023 we said goodbye to 30 Year 6 children. They put on a leavers production which was well received by parents. They then led us in worship during the leavers’ service when they were able to share memories with their families and school and church were able to give gifts of a bible, autograph book and poem bookmark. It was a lovely event.

In the last 12 months from our staffing team we have said goodbye to Mrs Kathryn Knight, our part time year 5 teacher. She moved out of education to work with Manchester City Mission. We also said goodbye to Mr Steven Mayall, our site manager. Steve had been at the school for 13 years and we were very sad to see him go. He has moved to The Heys Primary in Ashton. We have now welcomed Mr John O’Grady to school as the new caretaker who is currently being supported by the trust in the new procedures. Miss Suzanne Kay returns from her maternity leave into her previous role of teacher and Special Needs Coordinator at the end of March and we will say goodbye and thank you to Miss Holly Chadwick who has covered the maternity for the last 2 terms.

During this academic year 2023-24 we have been pleased to remember the history of the school as we celebrate its 150[th] birthday. Many of you may have been able to attend the tea party that we held in August last year and we are now planning for a big open weekend on 20[th] and 21[st] July where school will be open to everyone. We are currently having the old log books, dating back to the school’s opening, restored to their former glory so that they will be see by children of the next 150 years. We are also having the very first one digitalised so that it can be searched electronically. We have all the log books and school registers from 1873 to 1981 and unfortunately nothing to remember the last 40 years. We are therefore asking anyone who attended the school or who have memories of the school to please contact us so that we can record these memories for the future.

I hope that this report provides a brief picture of what is happening in school and thank the staff, children, parents/carers and governors for their continued hard work.

Carolyn Divers ( Headteacher of St George’s School )

==> picture [529 x 9] intentionally omitted <==

’ Micklehurst All Saints School - from the Headteacher

The academic year 2022 – 2023 has been a busy year at Micklehurst All Saints CE Primary School.

In the Autumn term our Year 3 children took part in a morning of Modern Foreign

==> picture [69 x 69] intentionally omitted <==

Languages at Mossley Hollins High School to celebrate World Language Day. This was organised by Mossley Hollins staff and the children enjoyed tasting Spanish nibbles and learning about the different Spanish traditions and culture. Year 3 also had a visit from Wayne and his collection of owls as they began their English unit of work based on the well-known story ‘Owl Babies.’ Our Year 6 pupils continued to take part in the Mossley Carrbrook School’s Partnership Debating Society to develop their oracy and were able to demonstrate their

13

debating skills in a live debate. Our Year 5 children have continued to enjoy the MCSP Wondrous Book Club initiative and some of our children went to watch Mossley Hollins annual production.

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, we welcomed prospective parents to our annual open morning and they were able to meet staff and see what Micklehurst All Saints has to offer. Our Year 6 children enjoyed showing parents around and telling them all the things that they experience in school.

The children have participated in Anti Bullying Week, Black History month and have celebrated World Mental Health Day. We have also raised money for Macmillan, Emmaus and have supported the Mossley Foodbank through our Harvest festival collection.

Year 6 have taken part in a workshop about County Lines and criminal exploitation led by GMP where key safety messages were reinforced.

Our Y6 residential to Crowden Outdoor Education Centre was a huge success and the children enjoyed activities such as weaseling, archery, the crate stack challenge, water sports and river walking.

We finished the term with our own school Carol Service and Christingle in the hall. This was a very special service and a great way to end our busy term as a school community. Everyone finished school taking the spirit of Christmas into the festive period.

In the Spring term, the children enjoyed Healthy School’s Week and the RSE (Relationships and Sex Education) Curriculum was delivered successfully during this week.

Our Y6 children continued to learn how to keep safe with workshops from the Safe Squad team and through Safer Internet Day. Our Digital Leaders enjoyed teaching the younger children in school how to use apps and the internet safely. They even ran workshops over lunchtime for any children that were interested in finding out more!

In school we worked alongside Mossley’s Fairtrade team and celebrated Fairtrade Fortnight. The children found out more about the need for Fairtrade for farmers in other countries around the world and how we could promote this in our community. We had a successful World Book Day on Thursday 2[nd] March with a Book Swap event for children and their families, as well as our annual Poetry Slam which the children and staff love!

Year 5 children participated in a virtual STEM Day where they were tasked with completing THE SPACE CHALLENGE delivered by the Royal Air Force Youth STEM project. They learnt all about what being an engineer involves and became Aerospace Engineers for the morning. Their challenge was to build their own rockets and propel them through the air using a straw; the children were asked to consider which variables they could change to make their rocket travel further and they were keen to experiment and record their data. Our team of budding engineers worked brilliantly together, and they had a great morning.

The children have also taken part in a range of sporting competitions including dodgeball, athletics and an action sports festival. KS 2 music tuition has continued.

On 29[th] March we came together as a whole school to celebrate Easter and the Year 6 children led our service.

After Easter the children in EYFS completed the Mini Bikers programme which enabled them to develop their gross motor skills and learn to use balance bikes and two wheeled bikes with confidence.

14

As a whole school, we celebrated King Charles III’s Coronation with an assembly to find about his special ceremony and some of the artefacts he would be presented with. This was followed by a street party in the hall at lunchtime, which was a really happy and fun event.

Also in May, our school council supported by our School Improvement Officer, completed a Junior SIAMS Inspection which mirrored a SIAMS inspection. The children observed a range of lessons throughout school, Collective Worship and observed the children at playtime and lunchtime. The inspection team left us with a couple areas for improvement but were very pleased with provision in school.

We also welcomed back our resident author David Mason who worked in Year 6 during to write a powerful piece of creative writing.

Y5 have been to Mossley Methodist Church to take part in ‘Experience Pentecost.’ The children moved around a number of stations to discover more about Pentecost.

Year 4 have visited Mossley library and enjoyed looking at the range of books available to borrow. Many of the children joined the library whilst they were there and were able to borrow some of the books they had chosen. We have also organised an assembly to find out more about the Tameside Libraries Summer Reading Challenge.

Our Year 5 children enjoyed taking part in their Bikeability sessions and most children passed each level of the programme and are now much more confident riding their bikes.

Our children have taken part in a range of sporting competitions including MCSP events and the Virtual Tameside Urban Dance Competition and the Cheerfest Virtual Competition.

We have thoroughly enjoyed National Sports Week and the children had an action-packed week participating in a range of sporting activities including cone it, dodgeball, Tai Chi, dance, athletics and mini activity stations. The children all pledged to complete 60 minutes of physical activity each day of Sports Week.

At the end of the Summer term we were able to celebrate our Year 6’s time at Micklehurst with our Leavers Assembly which parents, carers and families were invited to. It was a great end to another busy year at Mickehurst!

Laura Trelfa ( Headteacher Micklehurst All Saints CE Primary School )

==> picture [529 x 9] intentionally omitted <==

Junior Church Report Jan – Dec 2023

Kathryn takes the youngest group where the children are in KS1, Debbie takes the middle group with children in KS2 and Charlotte’s group are secondary school age.

We meet in the Church room on a Sunday morning during the service and we go into Church for the blessing at the end.

Our groups run from September to August to tie in with the school years. There are currently 3 children on Kathryn’s register, Debbie has 5 on her register and Charlotte has 7 on her register.

Charlotte and Debbie use a scheme which links the sessions with the readings in Church. Kathryn uses different resources which she takes from sermon4kids, Danielle’s place and Truwaykids.

We start each session with the collect and the Lord’s prayer which we share together. Then we do a start up activity which is usually a game. This is followed by the main part of the session where we read from the Bible and discuss issues surrounding the story. We then have an activity/craft linked to the Bible reading.

15

Charlotte has a lot more Bible and discussion based work to help the children to gain a deeper insight into the Bible and wider thinking about the applications of faith in their lives.

Our Rose Queen for 2023-2024 was Izabel Partington and her retinue were Abigail Partington, Gracie Burgess and Felix Wilson.

In July, we had our Junior Church presentation which was about all the people who help us make a cup of tea. Debbie’s group led the presentation, Kathryn’s group sang a song about helping and Charlotte’s group led us in prayer.

In October we had our annual prizegiving. Prizes in Charlotte’s group went to Christina, Molly and Sophie. In Debbie’s group Gracie, Izabel and Abigail received prizes and in Kathryn’s group Annie, Felix and Martha received prizes. The Sue Carley trophy was presented to Annie Wadsworth.

In December, our Nativity was called ‘The symbols of Christmas’. Due to a decline in numbers, Charlotte took on the lead role alongside our children and we had some kind parents and congregation members who were shepherds and wise men.

We are looking forward to all that 2024 brings.

Kathryn Malkin, Debbie Mellor and Charlotte Mellor ( Junior Church leaders )

Electoral Roll

The Annual Review of the Electoral Roll has been completed. It was opened for additions and amendments for the statutory period prior to the APCM meeting and 1 name was removed (whom had passed away during the year), but 2 new names were added making 88 names.

Kathryn Malkin ( Electoral Roll Officer )

==> picture [528 x 10] intentionally omitted <==

Stewardship & Gift Aid 2023

37 people ( 52 in 2022, 77 in 2021 ) gave regularly to support the life of the Church. Of these, 16 people ( 31 in 2022, 44 in 2021 ) gave regularly by envelope (11 of which were Gift -Aided) and 21 people ( 21 in 2022, 33 in 2021 ) donated by Standing Order (13 of which were Gift-Aided).

Carol Winterbottom ( Treasurer )

In 2023 the lowest monthly amount given by envelope or Standing Order = £20 The highest monthly amount given by envelope or Standing Order = £260

Financial giving is an important aspect of our discipleship. We demonstrate our care for the mission of the church, not only through the time we spend using our practical gifts and skills, but also in generosity with our money. We are encouraged to be realistic about how much it costs to maintain the life and fabric of the church, and to adjust our regular giving accordingly. In others words we are asked to consider when we last increased our regular financial contribution to the church. We have the example of the early church whose members shared ‘everything in common,’ and although the Church of England does not suggest going as far as that, we are meant to see our giving as a shared responsibility and as a reflection and appreciation of God’s provision to us as a Church and as his children.

PCC

==> picture [528 x 9] intentionally omitted <==

16

Deanery Synod

Deanery Synod has met via Zoom and in person. On occasion the Zoom meetings have been difficult to access as the internet connection and microphone provision have proved inadequate. The focus for the Diocese and therefore Deanery Synod has continued to be the consolidation of the new Deanery structures and in particular, the establishment of Mission Communities. This parish is a member of Mission Community 6 and in 2023 this MC had no leader. The Synod meeting held at Oldham Parish Church in July looked at Mission Community Action Plans. They detailed a variety of initiatives in line with the Diocesan vision. In October Synod had input from Rick Otto, the Diocesan Children’s Officer. He spoke about how to make connections with church schools and encourage deeper engagement. Deanery Synod meetings also include updates on finances, both parish share and finances in the Diocese in general. These are in a dire state and a great deal of effort is being made to encourage generosity and realistic giving. The Deanery Eco Champion provided updates on the Churches efforts to become more ecofriendly and achieve net zero. One important aspect of this is in EFT- The Energy Footprint Tool. Synod was told that the Church of England is releasing grant funds and some of these will require that parishes complete the online EFT data. The Area Dean Daniel Ramble, and Lay Chair Liz Dent, try hard to make meetings relevant and interesting, as well as making sure key messages are passed from Diocesan Synod and senior leaders within the Diocese.

Angela Akers, Kathryn Malkin and Revd Denise ( Deanery Synod Representatives )

==> picture [529 x 10] intentionally omitted <==

BENEFICE OF MOSSLEY – St George’s Church ANNUAL MEETING of PARISHIONERS 30[th] April 2023

1. Present: J. Bruce; J. Hely; J. Renshaw; N. Hossle-Standring; J. Hossle-Standring; R, Brooks; M.L. Hainsworth; C. Winterbottom; B. Anderton; S. Howard; M. Brooks; D. Dunn; D. Shore; B. Williamson; D. Williamson; R. Ashton; J Hely; S. Butlin; B. Gartside; C. Hibbert; L. Taylor; C. Richardson; B, Kinder; K. Malkin; C. Mellor; D. Mellor; J. Mellor; W. Berry; C. Berry; A. Partington; I. Partington; R. Gerrard; L. Gerrard.

2. Welcome and opening prayer: Julie Bruce (Vice Chair) opened the meeting with a prayer. She then welcomed those members of the congregation who had remained for the meeting; she explained that this meeting was the Annual Parish Meeting and that the Annual Parochial Meeting would follow directly after.

3. Apologies: None.

4. The Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Parishioners taken on 8[th] April 2022 were taken as correct.

5. Election of Church Warden’s: The Vice Chair then announced the election of Church Wardens for the year 2023/24. There were two candidates for election – Nigel Hossle-Standring and Jo Hossle-Standring. As there were only two candidates there was no need for an election. Therefore, Nigel Hossle-Standring and Jo. Hossle-Standring were duly elected as Church Wardens for the year 2023/24.

Due to the CW being a married couple it has been decided that we will resurrect the position of Deputy Church Warden. Two people had put their names forward – Rita Brooks and Debbie Mellor. They were both duly elected as Deputy Church Wardens for the year 2023/24.

17

The Vice-Chair then offered a vote of thanks to Jacqueline Hely for here sterling work as CW, especially over the last two years of interregnum.

The Annual Meeting of Parishioners was then closed at 12.25.

PCC Secretary ( Jacqui Renshaw )

==> picture [529 x 9] intentionally omitted <==

BENEFICE OF MOSSLEY Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on 30[th] April 2023

1. Present: As Vestry meeting.

2. Apologies: As Vestry meeting.

3. The Minutes of the APCM held on 8[th] May 2022 – taken as correct.

4. Presentation of accounts: The Treasurer gave her report on the accounts. Unfortunately, were unable to pay our Parish Share last year; 2022. However, we were able to pay 50%.

Giving has not changed and remains the same. Although we have lost some members of the congregation, we have also gained some.

Gift-Aiding – We have been unable to claim from HMRC this year because we do not have a Gift Aid Coordinator. The Treasurer is in the process for sorting this out.

.

Notes on Investments held at the Diocese – Unfortunately, our investments made a loss of £1,083.00 last year. These investments are from legacies, sale of buildings etc. We could sell some of them if we wished but it is hoped that they will make some gains this year.

5. Appointment of Independent Examiner: The Vice Chair than reported that Mr Alan Brooks was happy to again take on the role of Independent Examiner for 2023/24. The Vice Chair gave a vote of thanks to Mr Brooks for his work.

6. Presentation of Revised Electoral Roll: Kathryn reported that there are 88 people on the Electoral Roll.

7. Annual Report: The Vice Chair turned to the Annual Report, she asked those present to read the report and if they had any observations etc., could they discuss them with the Wardens or Vice Chair at a later date.

8. Elections to PCC 2023/24: Those re-elected are Julie Bruce, Vice Chair; Nigel Hossle-Standring; Jo Hossle-Standring Church Wardens (both ex-officio); Debbie Mellor, Deputy Warden; Rita Brooks, Deputy Warden; Carol Winterbottom, Treasurer; Jo Hossle-Standring, Secretary; Kathryn Malkin, Deanery Synod Rep. and Electoral Roll co-ordinator; Jacqueline Hely; Jacqueline Renshaw; Dorothy Dunn; Charlotte Mellor; David Pritchard. The Vice Chair welcomed David Pritchard to the PCC, unfortunately he was unable to attend.

The Vice Chair then reported that we needed a new PCC Secretary as Jacqueline Renshaw was stepping down. The Vice Chair offered a vote of thanks for her work in past.

Jo Hossle-Standring had agreed to take up this post, this was proposed by Rita Brooks, seconded by Jacqui Renshaw, and was carried.

The Vice Chair closed the meeting at 12.32.

PCC Secretary ( Jacqui Renshaw )

==> picture [528 x 9] intentionally omitted <==

18

FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR YEAR ENDING 31st DECEMBER 2023

Statement of Financial activities (S.O.F.A)

INCOMING RESOURCES Incoming resources from donors Other voluntary incoming resources Activities in Furtherance of the councils objectives Activities for generating funds Income from Investments & Bank Int. Other Incoming Resources	UNRESTRICTED FUNDS £ 20,758.85 3,037.71 4,126.80 10,112.79 421.42	RESTRICTED TOTAL FUNDS FUNDS 2023 2022 £ £ £ 20,758.85 22,175.37 2,541.00 5,578.71 6,036.62 4,126.80 9,096.51 70.00 10,182.79 8,298.25 74.35 495.77 245.97
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES RESOURCES USED Cost of generating funds Grants (money given to Charity) HLF/ LPOW Funding Costs Activities relating to the work of the Church Church management & Administration	38,457.57	2,685.35 41,142.92 45,852.72
	474.42 555.00 36,398.29 4,859.24	474.42 296.85 555.00 300.00 2,904.86 39,303.15 36,247.70 95.00 4,954.24 5,713.78
TOTAL RESOURCES USED	42,286.95	2,999.86 45,286.81 42,558.33
Net incoming/ outgoing resources before transfer	-3,829.38	-314.51 -4,143.89 3,294.39
Gross Transfers between Funds -in Gross Transfers between funds - out Gains and losses on investments assets	968.39 -2,860.99	968.39 -1,083.91
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS		-314.51 -3,175.50 2,210.48
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total Funds brought forward 1st Jan 2023 Total Funds carried forward 31st Dec 2023	30,715.91 27,854.92	7,513.21 38,229.12 36,018.64 7,198.70 35,053.62 38,229.12

INCOMING RESOURCES

Incoming resources from Donors Gift-Aid - Bank Gift-Aid - Envelopes Tax Recoverable on Gift-Aid Other Planned Giving Loose Plate Collections Donations to Garden of Remembrance Donations to Junior Church Other Voluntary Incoming Resources One off Gift-Aids gifts Donations to Church Funds 200 Club Flower Fund Fabric Fund Income Restoration Fund Activities in the Furtherance of the Councils Objectives Parish Magazine Sales Fees for Weddings & Funerals - P.C.C Fees for Weddings & Funerals - M.D.B.F Money raised for Charity this includes c/q not presented in 2022* Activities for Generating Funds Fairs,Murder Mistery,Pancake Day, Other Funds Generated Magazine Income - Advertising Church Queen 2022/23 Christina Income from Investments Dividends Bank & Building Society Interest Other Incoming Resources Archive Project Funds HISTORIC ENGLAND GRANT DCMS LPOW SCHEME TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES**	Unrestricted Funds 4,687.00 7,835.27 4,600.05 3,286.03 50.00 300.50 20,758.85 500.00 2,537.71 3,037.71 329.40 1,760.00 1,295.00 742.40 4,126.80 3,717.42 1,493.37 523.00 4,379.00 10,112.79 266.63 154.79 421.42 38,457.57	Restricted Funds 1,773.00 768.00 2,541.00 70.00 70.00 74.35 74.35 2,685.35	TOTAL 2023 4,687.00 7,835.27 4,600.05 3,286.03 50.00 300.50 20,758.85 500.00 2,537.71 1,773.00 768.00 5,578.71 329.40 1,760.00 1,295.00 742.40 4,126.80 3,717.42 1,563.37 523.00 4,379.00 10,182.79 266.63 229.14 495.77 41,142.92	TOTAL 2022 3,031.50 7,326.32 1,439.46 7,864.20 2,000.34 400.00 113.55
				22,175.37
				200.00 3,452.37 1,824.25 560.00
				6,036.62
				380.36 5,266.00 3,057.00 393.15
				9,096.51
				4,022.10 3,708.15 568.00
				8,298.25
				208.33 37.64
				245.97
				45,852.72

RESOURCES EXPENDED

A	CTIVITIES RELATED TO THE WORK OF THE CHURCH Ministry:Diocesan Parish Share Working Expenses of Incumbent Working Expenses of Associated Priest Vicarage Expenses Salaries, Wages & Honoraria Church running expenses -Gas Church running expenses -Electric Church running expenses -Water Church running expenses -Insurance Church Maintenance Upkeep of Services Upkeep of Garden of Remembrance Upkeep of Burial Grounds Parish Magazine expenses Junior Church Church Queen Interior/Exterior Decoration & repairs Major Repairs/Installations (Heating System) Restoration Fund Flower Fund Fabric Fund 200 Club Church Management and Administration Administration Wedding/Funeral fees payable to M.D.B.F Refund of Wedding fees (over paid) Cost of Generating Funds 200 Club Restoration Fund Car boots,Fairs etc. Digital Banking Costs Money raised for Charities (grants) Charitable Giving Grants for HLF/LPOW Architects & Surveyors fees TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED*	Unrestricted Funds 21,952.50 220.00 2,557.36 1,207.12 358.87 5,175.28 959.75 1,791.50 290.00 736.05 1,005.44 24.42 120.00 36,398.29 3,607.24 1,252.00 4,859.24 420.72 53.70 474.42 555.00 42,286.95	Restricted Funds 758.42 2,146.44 2,904.86 95.00 95.00 2,999.86	TOTAL 2023 21,952.50 220.00 2,557.36 1,207.12 358.87 5,175.28 959.75 1,791.50 290.00 736.05 1,005.44 24.42 878.42 2,146.44 39,303.15 3,702.24 1,252.00 4,954.24 420.72 53.70 474.42	TOTAL 2022 15,250.00 89.65 80.00 1,362.14 2,322.84 340.42 4,952.39 1,021.41 1,124.32 242.00 6,157.00 1,000.00 38.70 25.00 568.30 1,673.53
					36,247.70
					2,258.78 3,155.00 300.00
					5,713.78
					296.85
					296.85
				555.00	300.00
				45,286.81
					42,558.33

ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Fixed Assets

A1122 Investments Unrestricted A1123 Investments Specified Funds TOTAL FIXED ASSETS LIABILITIES PARISH SHARE Not carried forward to next year	2023 £ 7,040.35 10,523.19 17,563.54 11,597.50	2022 £ 6,636.96
		9,958.19
		16,595.15 15,250.00

FUND MOVEMENTS

Balance b/fwd - 1st Jan 2023 Incoming Resources Resources Expended Gains on Investments Balance at 31st Dec. 2023	38,229.12 41,142.92 -45,286.81 968.39
	35,053.62

ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS	Unrestricted	Restricted	TOTAL
by fund	Funds	Funds	2023
Investments fixed assets	7,040.35	10,523.19	17,563.54
Current assets	10,291.38	7,198.70	17,490.08
TOTAL NET ASSETS	17,331.73	17,721.89	35,053.62
Liabilities	11,597.50		11,597.50
The Restricted Funds Comprise of all organisational funds within the PCC

BALANCE SHEET DETAILED

FIXED ASSETS A1122 INVESTMENTS UNRESTRICTED A1123 INVESTMENTS SPECIFIED FUNDS CURRENT ASSETS A1501 BANK ACCOUNT CURRENT A1505 ORGANISATIONAL FUND ACCOUNTS A1550 CASH IN HAND Total Current Assets Net Asset Surplus/Deficit RESERVES EXCESS/(deficit)to date Z01 STARTING BALANCES Z03 LOSSES ON INVESTMENT	2023 7040.35 10523.19	2022 6,636.96 9,958.19
	17,563.54 9,988.01 7,198.70 303.37	16,595.15 14,120.76 7,513.21
	17,490.08	21,633.97
	35053.62	38,229.12
	-4143.89 38,229.12 968.39	3,294.39 36,018.64 -1,083.91
	35,053.62	38,229.12

REPRESENTED BY FUNDS 2023 UNRESTRICTED 27,854.92 RESTRICTED 7,198.70 TOTAL 35,053.62	REPRESENTED BY FUNDS 2023 UNRESTRICTED 27,854.92 RESTRICTED 7,198.70 TOTAL 35,053.62	2022 30,715.91 7,513.21
	35,053.62	38,229.12

1MOSSLEY PARISH CHURCH OF ST. GEORGE

FINANCIAL REVIEW 2023

PARISH ACCOUNT RECEIPTS & PAYMENTS

PARISH SHARE

We paid 65.4% of our Parish Share -£21,952.50

Gift -Aided donations for 2023 totalled £13,022.27 compared to £10,357.82 in 2022,

INCOMING RESOURCES this is money we receive from:

Giving through bank by Standing Order

Giving through weekly envelopes ,

although giving via weekly envelopes has reduced.

Loose plate collections at services, and single one-off donations

Fund-raising events and Income from Investments

Notes on Investments held at Diocese

The Cost Book value of our Investments is £11,253.96

The Market value of our Investments is £17,563.54

The Market value of our investments made a gain of £968.39

Expenditure

The Church Gas, Electricity,Water and Insurance were £178.81per week

Other regular payments Church Maintance, Upkeep of Services,Upkeep of the Garden of Remembrance.(not including maintenance of Church grounds) - £72.64 per week

This equates to an average of £251.45 per week.

This does not include payments towards Parish Share, Donations raised for Charities, Parish Magazine Expenses, or any major or minor repairs we have had done this year,

Looking forward to 2023 we will still need to find funding for :-

Completion of Church car park repairs (Urgent)

Updating of Sound System

Damage to Drains and Water pipes, both external & underground

Carol Winterbottom (Treasurer)