2024-12-31-accounts

Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Parochial Church Council of The Parish of Bilston For the year ended 31 December 2024 Registered Charity Number 1138955 Page I

DIOCESE OF LICHFIELD Ir Come follow Christ in the footsteps of St Chad The Parochial Church Council of The Parish of Bilston st Trustees, Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2024 Charity re8iStration number 1138955 Ob'ectives and Activities The Parochial Church Council of Bi15ton (the PCCI has the responsibility of co-operating with the Acting incumbent, currently in vacancy, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church. pastoral, evangelical, social and ecumenical. The PCC is also spiritually responsible for the maintenance of the church The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church and to become part of our parish community at all of our three Churches- St Leonards. St Chads and St Mary's. The PCC maintains an overview of worship throughout the parish and makes suggestions on how our services can involve the many groups that live within our parish. Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer, scripture, music and sacrament. Also, through non-sacramental activities of hospitality and fellowship we aim to reach non churched members ofthe community. Public Benefit The trustees of the Charity are aware of the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit in The Advancement of Religion for the Public Benefit and have had regard to it in their administration of the Charity. The trustees believe that, by promoting the work of the Church of England in the Ecclesiastical Parish of Bilston, it helps to promote the whole mission of the Church (pastoral. evangelistic. social and ecumenicall more effectively. within the Ecclesiastical Parish, and that in doing so it provides a benefit to the public by.. Providing facilities for public worship, pastoral care and spiritual, rnoral and intellectual development, both for its members and for anyone who wishes to benefit from what the Church offers,- and Promoting Christian values and service by rnembers of the Church in and to their communitie5, to the benefit of individuals and society a5 a whole. Activities and Performance The Parish of Bilston- Vision Mission Statements & MAP Vision Statement "We, the congregations of Bi15ton Parish, seekto grow as the family of God and the people of God." Mission Statement "We are Committed to serving God, sharing the Gospel and servlng our communityto the very best of our abllity day by daf. Mission Artion Plon MAP Disci le5hi What we are doin Weekly worship in all 3 churches. A variety of type5 of worship across the parish meeting the needs of different groups of people. Use of Readers and Churchwardens across all churches. Weekly zoom Bible Study with extended prayer session. Celebration of Patronal Services across the parish. Special celebrations at Christmas/Easter/Harvest. now: Page 2

Services in Bushfield Court. Confirmation/young people's Eroup ongoing. Fresh Expression bi-monthly IFusion@41 We join a monthly prayer meeting with Churches Together. Fellowship after service in all churches each week. Quarterly in5PIRE Praise Services Encourage involvement in services for readingslprayers etc. What is lanned for the next 12-month erlod: Develop confidence in prayer across all congregations with training offered. Develop an entry-level Bible Study Group. Grow the parish youth group to be sustainable. Develop a prayer diary that the whole parish can use confidently. What we ho etodoin3-5 ears: Baptism and Wedding families attending regular worship. Parish teaching weekends - develop a culture of learning. Establishing more daily reading material networking. Evan elism What we are doin Baptism and Funeral ministry. Jacob's Well Cafe which enables St Leonard's to be open 7 days per week. Pastoral presence whilst church is open. The Parish Centre at St Chad's providing community space. Quarterly Memorial services following large number of funerals in the Parish. Special services encouraging schools and community to take part- Christingle. Remembrance, Crib, Reclaiming Christmas. Midnight communions. Harvest, Patronals etc. Parish social events including fund raisers and fetes etc. Work with schools- Bilston CofE, Green Park, Villiers Primary, Tip-Top Nursery. Monthly Service in Bushfield Court. Place of Welcome at St Chad's. Fresh Expression bi-monthly on a Saturday. Heavily involved with Churches Together at Christmas, Easter & Summer. Community Kitchen at St Mary's and encouragement of community engagement. now.. What is lanned for the next 12-month eriod: St Mary's- develop more outreach through events, social media and contact with the community. St Chad's- More leafleting the estate with events going on. seek ways to engage new people. St Leonard's- encourage more pastoral engagement in café Establish a team equipped to lead Seeker courses. Continue to develop and refresh memorial service and funeral follow-up. What we ho e to do in 3-5 ears: Develop the evening Service at St Leonard's. Mission weekends within the parish. Develop a Café Church. Develop a Youth Choir. A regular Parish Seeker Course with a team. Having more presence outside of the church building. Vocation What we are doin Encourage active participation in services and general church activities. Develop the ministry of Lay Readers with regular leading of worship. Offer regular bible study and prayer. Encourage Confirmation and ongoing study. now: Page 3

Encouraging after-service hospitality at all services. Encourage engagement with the Parish Pastoral Team. Encourage open discussion about spiritual matters among the congregation. Young People lead one service (café style) per month at St Leonard's Plan for the future of the PCC by encouraging the interest of younger people and those more recent members of congregations. What is lanned for the next 12-month Encourage on-going Stewardship. Help people identify their own ministry. Develop a youth service led by enabled young people. eriod: What we ho etodoin3-5 Encourage and enable people to 'own' a ministry. Encourage and enable the congregations to consider the future of each of the churcheslservices within the parish. Seek to establish more ordained ministry in the Parish. ears: Since March 2024 the Parish has been in Vacancy following the departure of Rev Simon Skidmore. Advertising is underway to engage a Priest in Charge to undertake the necessary changes to the Parish Scheme. Achlevements and Performance Desplte being in Vacancy, we have continued with an altered and flexible pattern of services throughout the year, with the exception of St Chad's dropping their service on the 3rd Sunday of each month and continuing with a Fusion@4 service on the Saturday of that week bi-monthly for the time being. Readers and churchwardens have been crucial to this pattern as external support has been minimal. Communion has been sparse in our new pattern, with St Leonard's init1311y getting priestly communion once per month thanks to Rev Glynne Watkin and Rev Foluso Adedipe, however this reduced to once every 2 months when Glynne was taken ill. St Mary's received Priestly Communion occasionally thanks to Fr Tony Hutchinson. St Chad's only received Priestly Communion from very occasional visitors. All three churches have received Communion by Extension at a maximum of once per month. The Pastoral Care Team have maintained contact with those member5 of the congregations who are housebound, visiting and taking Home Communion where requested. The Bible study has continued on ZOOM tackling the books of Revelation and James amongst others. Links with the schools have been maintained with more schools, services added this year as an academy trust and a Local Schools Confederation each brought their member Schools together for carol services in St Leonard's. The local Baptist minister has agreed to take school assemblies on our behalf for the time being. The young people'5 group has developed and has begun a Café Church service at St Leonard's once per month as part of the regular pattern of worship. Jacob's Well Café continues to operate 6 days per week, enabling the church to be open to all. St Mary's Comrnunity Kitchen has Erown and developed and now caters for people from far and wide. St Chad'5 have endeavoured to maintain their link with fiptop Nursery. providing a story time at Christmas for the children to share the nativity story. Funeral ministry has been busy and memorial services well attended. St Chad'5 'Place of Welcome, has continued on a weekly basis. Fusion@4 has continued, albeit on a bi-monthly basis, with growing confidence amongst those organising and running the event. Services at Bushfield Court Care Horne have continued on a monthly basis with a Carol Service at Christmas also. Ba tisms Weddin 5 and Funera15 The prebooked baptisms took place as planned, including a familygroup who were baptised at St Marfs on Easter Sunday by Simon. Others who came into book, decided that they would not go ahead because they could not have the date that they wantedl Our policy of preparation and attendance remains unchanged. This year we have had 5 weddings, carried out by local ministers, and have a further 5 booked for 2025 in St Leonard'5. There are still many people in and around Bilston who see St Leonard'5 a5 'their church, as many family members have been baptised. married or had funera15 in there. Funerals in the parish are a major ministry. This year has been difficult as we have needed to outsource most of the 56 funerals that have taken place. The number of ministers from near and far that have helped us out are far too numerous to thank individually. Page 4

but we are indebted to each one. All of our bereaved families are invited to return for memorial services shortly after the funeral, and again for a service ne3r to Christmas. Some attend a number of different memorial services. Minist in the Communi The parish takes part in a number of initiatives designed to minister the community including- Jacob's Well Café which enables St Leonard'5 to be open 7 days per week and which offers affordable food and beverages, a warm space in which to relax with friends or take refuge, occasional food parcels for those in need and a listening ear for those in need of pastoral care. The opportunities to offer pastoral care have increased over the past year. St Marls Community Kitchen has gonefrom strength to strength and provides a quality home cooked meal for a very minimal price. A wide variety of people take advantage of this offer and come into contact with members of the church. Services in Care homes. This was reduced to just one after two of the others closed down, but we hope to extend this to other homes within the parish boundary during 2025. St Leonard's maintains a close connection with at least two local primary Schools and a lesser connection with others. School choirs are invited to take part in several special services per year and individual classes come into church as part of their RE curriculum. St Leonard's have a thriving 'knit'n'natter' craft group, offering friendship and activity to people of all ages and all abilities. St Chad's has a 'Place of Welcome, which meets each week on a Thursday morning offering a warm space and an opportunity to make friends. St Mary's host a group of gardeners who maintain the churchyard and tend the graves. making it a tranquil space which is open during the daytime, particularly tor those who are bereaved. St Leonard's has close link with the Bilston British Legion in the Community, hosting a service in September to dedicate their new flag. St Leonard's is usually involved in the planning and leading of the service at the War Memorial for Remembrance and other services. Members of the parish are heavily involved with Churches Together in Bilston and Bradley and take a leading role in the planning and execution of the three main community events during the year-carols in the Town, Easter Witness in the Town and 'HOPE in the PARK, a large community service involving over a thousand people and at least 6 prirnary schools. Several Social events have taken place across the parish over the past year including a number of fetes and tabletop sale5, a Christmas Tree Festival, food bank collection. community harvest service and lunch, Funeral Directors Carol service. etc. Overall, community engagement within the parish has increased and continues to grow. Deaner SnodRe ort 2024 Synod met on three occasions during the year. Building upon the significant changes adopted in 2023 the following issues were considered. th On 7 February, Synod was held at St. John's in the Square. The Shaping for Mission project was finally concluded in its current form. Synod considered its response to the Diocesan Strategy Document to cover the next six years. A presentation event was held at the Regis School. th On 6 June. Synod wa5 held on St. Stephen's Church, Hilton Street. The main business of the meeting was a presentation by Rev. Sarah Scofield relating to her role as Chaplain to Wolverhampton University. The complexity of her role surprised many Synod members. Two students from the University a150 spoke about the experience of being away from home for the first time. Many students are from other countries experiencing new customs and types of food and often arrive with vnsultable clothing for winter. Loneliness is a common experience and the benefit of belonging to a close community whilst away from home cannot be ignored. For some, finding a church for worship and fellowship suitable to their needs is a challenging task. Synod then broke into small groups to consider further, the issues raised. At the conclusion of the presentation, Richard Merrick, announced that Sarah had agreed to become the A551Stant Rural Dean. th The final meeting of the year took place at Holy Trinity Heath Town on 8 October. The agenda included funding Deanery Synod, the Living Faith project and the Diocesan Strategic Framework as it is now called, as mentioned above. All Wolverhampton Deanery Synods conclude with members giving brief verbal reports about the state of their parishes.. A notable report confirmed that St. Martins of Tours. Dixon Street. is in the proce55 of closing. Phil Dooley Re ort on the roceedin s of the P.C.C.2024 The Parochial Church Council {P.C.C.I has the responsibility of cooperating with the incumbent in the mission of the Church. As With all churches in the Church of England, the parish is a charitable body and therefore P.C.C. members are also trustees and hold responsibility for the financial affairs in the parish and care for buildings. Page 5

The P.C.C. has met on six occasions during 2024. There has also been one Business by Correspondence, to decide an urgent matter when no ordinary meeting was imminent. At every P.C.C. meeting in the Parish of Bilston, a number of routine matters are dealt with. These matters include minutes of the previous meeting and any matters arising, the state of the buildings, the financial position, any health and safety concerns or Safeguarding issues. Additional matters are addressed as they arise. Annually, the P.C.C. must approve the contents of the annual report and accounts to be presented to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting IA.P.C.M.I. During 2024 the P.C.C has considered the following additional matters. The blessing of same sex marriages. In connection with the current vacancy. the Suspension of Patronage and preparation of a Parish Profile. The purchase of a parish Laptop and Zoom License to cope with tasks previously done by clergy. Managernent of the Parish Centre. Request to hire one of the Parish buildings. Funding of a training course. Philip Dooley, P.C.C. Secretary St Leonard's Church Warden's Re ort. 2024 has been a difficult yearl Early in the year Rev Simon Skidmore announced that he would be leaving us at Easter to take up a post at Halton, nr Runcorn in the Diocese of Chester. As we had previously decided. through financial necessity, not to replace Rev Dave Wills and so become a Parish with only one priest, the departure of Simon meant that we were without anyone and so had to get by on our own. Rev. Glynne Watkin and Rev. Foluso Adedipe both agreed to continue to take a Communion Service alternately on the first Sundays of each month. This pattern enabled us to fulfil the commitments to Baptisms that had already been booked, with some minor alterations to the dates. Sadly, in August, Glynne suffered a heart attack and was unable to return for the rest of the year, we pray for Glynne and his wife Debbie who has also been unwell. It quickly became evident that no further help was available within the area, though Rev. Chris Thorpe and one of his readers each did cover one evensong during the summer. A pattern of Service of the word. Café Church and Family Service took shape, and a few special guests were secured. In July Bishop M ichael visited us, in AuEUSt we joined together in a parish service at St Chad's with Rev. Treena Larkin, Bishop's Chaplain, and in September Fr. Tony Hutchinson took St Mary's Patronal Festival, with a visit from Rev. Christopher Landau from Telford at St Leonard's the following week. Our own Patronal Festival was taken by Rob Miles from CPAS who explained the role of CPAS as part of our patronage board and explained the more general work of CPAS, and we had a return visit frorn Rev. Treena Larkin in December. Although in writing and reading this it seems like a fair amount of support, there have been an awful lot of services in between which have had to be covered and securing this minimal level of support has been very hard workl On a personal note. April became a month of learning to do lots of things that I did not think I could l Booking weddings, baptism5 and funerals, having to find cover for funerals, taking services, choosing hymn5. producing weekly notice sheet5, keeping on top of finances. monthly service rotas for all three churches, producing the Parish Profile etc. The list goes on . Churchwarden has become a full-time job and more. My personal thanks go to Phil, without him becoming an excellent 'house husband, I would not have been able to manage all of this. Mark, like the other church warden, has taken the lead in looking after the building. dealing with builders, utility bills, repairs. quinquennials, electrical inspections etc. as well as taking on the chair of the DCC and PCC. Churchwarden for him has also become a full-time job and he has to be on the phone most days sorting something outl Life at St Leonard's continued much as before. Diane Woodberry took over the Wednesday Communion service, assisted by Joyce Groucutt. Diane continued to lead the Pastoral Team, visiting and taking home communion to several parishioners. Jacob's Well café continued to be open daily with a team of volunteer5 Supporting the two paid workers. The knit'n'natter group continued to meet every Thursday and the slimmer5 on Fridays. In December Karl Green handed in his notice in the cafe and Kim Eglington took over hi5 hour5, giving her 20hrs of work Ithough she actually does many morell. The young people's group continued to meet on Tuesday evening for a meal and games followed by some study and prayer. DurinE this time, they planned and researched the topics for our Café church Service once per month. This group took a break from September onward as life became too busy. but the young people continued to come along to help with the Café Church. The Bible Study on ZOOM on a Tuesday evening continued with Phil Dooley taking the lead assisted by Shaheen, a brother from Birmingham. Throughout this year we have said 'farewell' to a number of old friend5, Joyce Highfield, Jean Carter, Irene Davies, Jeannie Ashworth, Dianne Morgan-smith. Audrey Bull, Ivy Walker. Rudolph Kellingbeck, I hope that I haven't missed any. We have also said 'hello' to several new friends at St Leonard's. with some of them completin8 a confirmation course and now awaiting confirmation when we finally get a date for this. Page 6

The major building work on the Chancel area was finally completed in February and our resident scaffolding finally disappeared I We were able to meet together in the main body of the church and able to use the screens again. The altar rail was also restored to its former Glory. However, within about a month of the workmen departing we had a small fall of plaster, but it turned out to be an unimportant area where the old and new were blended together. It did not warrant the expense of a new scaffold. However. following a torrential storm in July a further leak was found involving damaged roof tiles and rotted wooden louvre doors, this will require dealing with in the near future. In addition to this, a leak in the tower became evident following a number of breakdowns on the clock,. this will probably require a major scaffolding job and will almost definitely need additional funds raised by way of grants. Funerals have been a major part of our work this year with about 59 funerals in the Parish. 46 in St Leonard's, each one of them needing a priest to be found. Funerals in church appear to be an important part of life and death in Bilston and a future incumbent will probably continue to need sUPPOrt with this ministry. In addition to the actual funerals all are invited back to memorial services. Joyce Groucutt has been a major support as verger for all funerals and does an exceptional job of managing the event on the day. Spending so much time in church this year has highlighted the need for people to be around to interact with the public in a pastoral way. I have had the privilege of talking and praying with many people. most experiencing loss or pain. Just being alongside people day by day and engaging with their everyday lives, listening to their problems and joys, builds relationship which can then lead to openings to share faith with people. The strangest request that I have dealt with was to find a care home to take somebody on respite within the hour! Members of St Leonard's have continued to be heavily involved with Churches Together in Bilston and Bradley. We have attended monthly prayer breakfasts and planning meetings three time5 per year. We have also been instrumental in the three event5 of the year- Easter Witness, Hope in the Park and Carols in the Town. Though the surnmer trip had to go by the wayside this year due to being too busy to organise it. the Mcmillan Coffee Morning did go ahead as did a couple of Table Top Sales helping to raise much needed funds. Ann Reaneyorganised a Community Harvestservicewhich offered an opportunityfor the communityto cometogether to celebrate. It was a great success with the school choir taking part and parents sitting alongside invited guests to thank God for His goodnes5. A lunch wa5 provided afterwards and was a good chance to get to know some of the parents. We were able to provide food parcels for some of the parents who were in need and details of some needs were passed on to a small charity which was able to fulfil these. The food collected for the harvest continues to provide food parcels for some of the needier folks of Bilston. Both Villiers Primary and Bilston C of E Primary attended church for their Harvest services this year. St Leonard's Patronal Festival was attended by Rob Miles from CPAS {Church Pastoral Aid Society) who was able to share something about the work of CPAS in supporting churches in their evangelistic aims and providing training programs. He also attempted to explain the role of CPAS on the Patronage Board of the Parish. The Christmas Tree Festival was in full swing again this year with the opening night being well attended. There were more trees this year than last, but less people seemed to come in to vote in the intervening time. However, the church looked lovely bedecked in trees. Reclaiming Christmas at the beginning of December was hit by severe weather as one of the now familiar storms blew through but was still attended by two school choirs and more than 60 adults. This year we hosted 4 schools Carol Service5 - Villiers Primary, Bilston C of E Primary, Shine Academies Trust {of which Villiers is a member) and the Local Schools Consortium lof which Bilston C of E is a member). All of the services had a buzz of excitement about them and were enjoyed by pupils. staff and parents alike. They offered the opportunity to about 750 children, about 150 staff and 350 parents to come in to church to celebrate the birth of Christ. Chri5tma5 services were generally well attended this year despite some bad weather. The Parish Memorial Service, Carol Service and Midnight Communion were all attended by approaching 70 people with the Crib service being a 51ight disappointment this year as numbers fell a little. Financially. whilst we are not in the ideal situation of being able to pay all of our bi115, our income is up a little on last year. Having said that we are still, by my calculations, about £14,000 short of where we should be on annual income. We have reduced our Gas bills somewhat by fitting a Hive system which enables us to manage it more effectively, but we are still trying to identify places where we can cut costs more. The Hive system has demonstrated that to heat the church for each service costs around £40-£50, 50 we have made the decision to reduce evensong to every other week, and one morning service per month takes place in the lounge instead of in church. We do need more people to get involved in the yearto come. People able to work the technology-screens and sound desk, people willing to help with maintenance, cleaning the church. decorating the window ledges, helping with money raising ideas, maybe even working with the children on a Sunday morning. There are many other ways to get involved, why not have a word and see how you could help. At the end of the year we began a monthly fellowship evening taking part in the quiz at the Bankfield Arm5 preceded by a meal for those who wish to partake. All are welcome on the last Thursday of each month. All in all, though it has been a difficult year it has been a good year and has put us in an appropriate place to welcome a new minister. We have learned new patterns of worship and have managed church life on our own, learning the new skills needed to support a Page 7

future incumbent. During this year our income has increased, our numbers have grown, and we have all grown in fellowship and in our relationship with God. We look forward to next year with hope and excitement to see what God has in store for us, and continue to pray that the right person will be appointed to lead us into the future. Our thanks go to Glynne Watkin and Foluso Adedipe for supporting us With Communion services, to Rev Kate Watson and all the numerous local clergy who have conducted funerals for us. and especially to Kim Benton who has been an invaluable source of knowledge and advice to keep us financially on the straight and narrowl Jane Dooleyp Mark Bircher st Mar s Church Warden's Re ort Although we have been in an Interregnum. which means we have not had a Vicar in the Parish since Easter Sunday last year, we have been extremely fortunate at St Mary's because we have maintained our regular congregation. At present we currently have one extended Communion a month if we can arrange a lay reader, or Holy Communion if we are fortunate to have visiting Clergy. other Sundays there are Service of the Word conducted by the Church Warden. Despite this our congregation has remained loyal to us throughout the year, even though this is not our preferred style of worship. We are very fortunate that our members are all very willing to help with Church cleaning and maintenance. Along with this, they also assist with gardening in our grounds and Columbarium in order to retain the immaculate condition for relatives to visit. In May, we lost one of our oldest and a most loved member of our congregation, Marjorie Hill. Although she had been unable to attend church for some time she is very sadly missed by us all. Marj and her husband Jim had been pivotal members of St Mary's congregation for many many years with Jim serving as a lay reader until his death in 2011. Unfortunately, we had a fall of plaster work over one of our external doors last year but we are glad to report that has now been renovated by Crofts builders. Last Summer we held a very successful Summer Fete. This was advertised on St Mary's Facebook page. In addition, we distributed leaflets and posters to our community. This event was very well attended. In September we held our annual Patronal service for the parish and this was conducted by Father Tony Hutchinson who also presided on Remembrance Sunday and accompanied the congregation to the service at the War Memorial. Also. in this month, we organised a Coffee Morning to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Research and this was well supported. During the year, we held Harvest and Christmas Lunches for members of our congregation and this gives everyone an opportunity to meet together, over a meal to enjoy each others, company. Our Christmas Fayre wa5 a resounding success attended by our extremely supportive local community. We are delighted to report it was the most successful event we have ever held. The annual Christingle Service raised money for The Children's Society and provided everyone present with Christingles to take awav with them. Once again, our Midnight Mass service wa5 well attended and was appreciated by everyone present as a moving way to welcome in Christmas Day. We would like to thank all who have supported us throughout the year, our congregation, members of our local community and visiting clergy. Your constant SUPPOrt is greatly appreciated. Christine Mllls & Eber Carter st Chad's Churchwarden's Re ort The loss of Rev Simon came a5 a great blow to the congregation of St Chad's, losing not only friends but also Kim and the children who were active and enthusiastic members of the church. Since they left nearly a year has gone by and there have been some ups and down5. As we move forward into the year ahead, we look in hope towards a year where we welcome new members, care for our present congregation and develop new ideas, always with a warm welcome. We recognise that the state of our finances could be better. We have booked to have the damage to the roof around the bell tower repaired at the end of February, hopefully followed by the internal ceiling repairs. Once this is done, we will see if we can afford some of the other repairs that are needed. The area through the emergency exit has been cleared and a srnall play area was created. Community Payback has assisted us Wlth clearing the grassed area and cutting back some of the bushes. We are hoping that they will continue to help us to manage this area. Page 8

We have looked closely at our heating bills and have attempted to trim this where we can. We continue to look for better and More cost-effective ways to manage the heating and make it more comfortable without costing the earth. Our pattern of 5ervice5 has changed a little, with one Communion by Extension per month and two services of the word. We miss one service per month in favour of a Fusion@4 Imessyl service on a Saturday which we run bi-monthly. The 'Place of Welcome, on Thursday morning has continued slowly but IS Still going with a steady group. We are looking for ways to develop this and are exploring different themes in the months to come. One way in which we are hoping to expand is through the Gardening Club which we started last year but rested during the winter. We hope to start fresh in the spring with the wardens, planting seeds and looking towards developing the group. Fusion@4 is our 'messy church, activity which we run bi-monthly on a Saturday afternoon. As Simon and Kim took the lead on this previously, leaders have had to create their own style of afternoon. We leaflet parts of the estate to try to encourage families to join in. A group from the congregation and leadership plan a theme and wark out activities, songs, teaching and food around the theme. We have explored themes such as Creation, Pentecost, David and Goliath and Christingle, and numbers have varied from 33 one month to as few as 6 another. The emphasis is on learning together for the whole family and parents/carers are encouraged to join in with their children. In August we had the pleasure of hosting a Parish service led by Bishop's chaplain Treena Larkin. The service was well received and. enjoyed by all who attended, she shared something of her faith journey from NHS to Bishop's Office as well as presenling a challenging sermon. It was good to share in a full Holy Communion service. We had a visit from the children from Tip Top Nursery at Christmas which was enjoyed by children and adults alike. There was storytelling, singing and activities with the children, who for their age group were well behaved. We also had a visit from ou r local councillor who came to one of our services. Finally, the long-awaited upgrade to our aud io-visual system got u nderway with the purchase of a laptop and the ability to use a new sy5tern called ising. Once we sorted out a few glitches Wlth wifi this new system has proved to enhance our experience of worship immensely and we now look forward to the addition of a TV Screen instead of needing to use the projector and screen system. So, looking back it ha5 been quite a busy year and at times we have felt the weight of responsibility that we bear. However, we look forward to the coming year with hope and determination. On a sad note, we said goodbye to Jean Ralph a5 2024 slipped away, Jean was a long-term member of our congregation. Linda Pearson & Ali50n Spencer Safe uardin Re ort Safeguarding is the action that is taken to promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adult5. protecting them from abuse or maltreatment and preventing harm to their health or development. As a parish we want to ensure that the children and vulnerable adults in our community are protected and recognise the calling and duty to love and care for the vulnerable and protect all from abuse. For this reason, we have taken guidance from the Lichfield diocese on how best to protect those in our community. These are the following advisories that we have followed.. Currently, we have a designated safeguarding team which is led by Kerry Bircher. The role of the Safeguarding Officer is to be the named person volunteers and church members would report any disclosure5 or child protection concerns to. If required. the Safeguarding Officer will refer on any disclosure5 or child protection concerns to the appropriate organisation e.8., The Local Authority in which the vulnerable personlchild lives, social services or police. All parish members who rnay take responsibility within their church such as PCC/DCCmembers, churchlparish warden5 or those who are responsible for children or vulnerable adults as part of their role within the church MUST have a current DBS issued by the diocese which must be renewed every 3 years. All parish members who may take responsibility within their church such as PCCIDCC members. church/parish wardens or those who are responsible for children or vulnerable adult5 as part of their role within the church MUST have completed Page 9

basic awareness and foundation safeguarding training Ipreviously CO and Cl.) Kerry Bircher has continued to ensure all PCC/DCC members have current DBS certificate5 in line with our current safeguarding policy by becoming a diocesan verifier to streamline the process and avoid the need to rely on external verifiers. Goingforward into 2025. as a parish we need to be more aware ofour communities and the challenges they face and take safeguarding more seriously due to the impact it can have on people's live5. We need to ensure that any concern is reported to a safeguard lead no matter how small we feel the issue is. We need to ensure that all members of the parish who are in these roles do hold a current DBS and have completed safeguarding training. It is now mandatory that any future mernber of PCC/DCC, church/Parish warden must complete basic awareness and foundation safeguarding training and hold a current DBS within 8 weeks of appointrnent. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. Acting on your concerns or seeking advice is rarely a bad idea. People often question 'What if I'm wrong, but we have to ask ourselves 'what if I'rn right,. We can't assume that someone else has seen what we may have seen or will pass on concerns. Proverb5 31v 8 says Speak upfor those who cannot 5peokfor themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute., Kerry Bircher- Safeguarding officer Jacobs Well Cafe Re ort After a short Christmas break, we reopened in January 2024 offering a warm, safe, friendly place for people to come in, have a bite to eat and a drink while making new friends. February 2024. we lost one of our best customers in Joyce Highfield, we provided a buffet for Joyce's wake, she has been sorely missed by customers and staff alike. We only had a short break for Easter this year, we were sorry to say farewell to Simon and Kim. Jeremiah. Anna and Naomi. We did a couple of Tabletop sales in the first half of the year. These fund-raising events help us to keep our prices low, enabling everyone to be able to come in and enjoy a cuppa. In July we celebrated "Black Country Dav, where we served Faggits, Mash 'n' paes, Gray Paes and Bearcon, Liver'n'onions, Bearcon doorsteps and plenty more. This was appreciated and enjoyed by manv. We hosted the Macmillan Coffee Morning once again in September, raising £240.00 pounds for this cause which is close to many hearts. it was a great turn out. During October our lunch club sadly ended, due to a fall in numbers and many customers coming in to use the café as normal, this led to us making a loss on the food for the lunch club. The meals have been greatly missed by some for whom it was the only home cooked meal of the week, we hope to be able to make some '5pecials' from time to time. November brought the Christmas tree festival once again on the day that the lights were swltched on in the town. The event turned out to be a great success. We staffed the kitchen for the refreshment5 and food on the opening night. Our entry in the tree competition was plagued by pesky Elves with a sign about "promoting your good Elff I In December Kim and Dee went to do their Food Safety Course, passed and received their Certificate's with flying colours. Dee and Alison also did their 'Fir5t Aid at Work, Course, passed and received their Certificate's also with flying colours. Kim, Dee and Rachel were dressed up as Elves for Christmas and our customers loved it so much and said that it wa5 really nice to see staff enjoying and being involved at Christmas. Jane took our photos dressed up as Elves and put us on Facebook, customers came in to see us, and they had hot drinks with Christma5 pudding and custard, they really enjoyed being served by Elves and would return. th Karl one of our employees left us on the 13 of December, we had a collection and a little buffet. and customers carne in to say goodbye and to wish him good luck for the future. We have received some reviews of some of our customers.. A group of pensioners who used to frequent another café in the town, came to ours to try and said "This is much better, friendlier and the food is good and a good price. Plus, the Atmosphere is great" Another customer said she has been coming to Jacob's Well Café for a while, she stated "the volunteers are very pleasant, helpful and the food is lovely, there is a wide variety of food to choose from a good value prices" One gentleman stated, 'The staff are friendly, and I like the way the staff make time to sit down and have a chatr. This was a great end to finish 2024 and a good start to a New Year in 2025. Kim, Dee. Ali50n, Kerry and Rachael Page 10

Youn Peo le's Confirmation Grou The Young People's group at St Leonard's continued throughout most of 2024. We combined onEoing study with recapping on the confirmation material to assist the one young person who was still preparing. Some of the 'friends' that had initially attended with the young people dropped off, but others came and went at various times. The one young person remaining who was yet to be confirmed decided that she did not wish to be confirmed alone in April at St Martin's, so she delayed in the hope that there would at least be some adults from Bilston accompanying her when the opportunity came around again. The young people are getting very confident at asking for prayers for themselves and others as well as raising issues in the news that they feel we should pray about. They have not quite picked up the courage to pray aloud in front of each other but have begun to write prayers for the services. In July we broke up for the summer. Unfortunately, due to the pressure of work within the parish we were unable to resume in September. However, the remaining young people were very keen to continue with the Cafe Church services that they had been conducting on a monthly basis. The group began to lead Café Church services on a regular basis, starting in February by looking at the Glory of God, with Pentecost following in May where we looked at the fruits and the gifts of the spirit. We then decided to take the fruits of the spirit one by one to explore what is meant by each one. The group have been very enthusiastic about this, and even when we were not meeting regularly, they would do some research at home towards the service and would attend on the Saturday before the service to decide who would do what and to rehearse. In addition to those who were happy to lead and to read lesson5, Others were happy to make drinks or manage the sound systern. After the same choice of final song for several months I had to suggest that we gave 'Shine, Jesus, Shine, a rest for a couple of months I We will be resuming our weekly meetings in 2025, we have a great group of young people and are always open to others joining us. Jane Dooley St Mar s Church Communit Kitchen Our decision to hold a Community Kitchen for our local residents has proved a resounding success. We are proud to report that this venture has gone from strength to strength. We started offering soup and sandwiches for £1 and now our custorners have the choice from 6 homemade main course5, cakes and tea or coffee still for £1. We open the Community Kitchen twice a month on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. We originally thought we would cater for the local community. but our customers come now from all parts of Bilston most ofthem on a regular basis. It not only provides them with a hot nourishing meal but companionship also which they greatly appreciate. In September we not only welcomed the members of Bilston Congregational Church for lunch, but also the Mayor of Wolverhampton. Councillor Linda Leach. joined us, which was greatly enjoyed by everyone. At Christmas we provided a full Christmas lunch complete with cracker5 and chocolate5 for all. We are very much looking forward to another successful year. The Communlty Kitchen Team Parish Pastoral Care Team The Pastoral Care Team is a Parish group set up by Rev Simon to maintain links between the ill, housebound and the Church. Our main commitment is to visit members of the congregations at home to offer companionship and to take Home Communion to them. We Bive time for prayer whilst visiting too. Another branch of our ministry 15 to V151t Bushfield Court on a monthly basis. This is usually very well attended. We celebrate Christmas and commemorate the war dead with them. If anyone fee15 they have Something to offer the Parish through this group please contact me, or if you have knowledge of anyone who fee15 they need our services also get in touch. Diane Woodberry Place of Welcome. A project set up by the Church Urban Fund and the Diocese to provide a safe space for the lonely and isolated. Page 11

Meeting every Thursday morning between 10am and 12 noon in Saint Chads, We give our folk free tea or coffee together with biscuits or sometimes cake. If anyone wants to bring their crafts with them or play board games or just have a natter that is up to them. If you know anyone who would like to join us please let me know. Diane Woodberry. St Leonard's Service of the Word & Famil Services As a result of there being no Ordained Minister, by necessity the number of Service of the Word IS.O.Wl services has increased. At St. Leonard's we have continued with a farnily service variant once per month, usually on the 4 Sunday of each month. The format for Family Services remains adaptable to the theme of the month, a short introductory liturgy with confession is followed by between two or three readings with a reflection, prayer and song or hymn for each reading. The inclusion of the occasional bible quiz or other activity keeps people on their toes! Themes this year have included, delivery {Christmasl, Bible Sunday Special, what causes quarrels. places of worship, Olympic Games and other themes. We have continued to mix the old with the new in terms of music. The removal of the scaffolding in February once again enabled the use of screens for the projection of words and illustrations. Joanne, Mark and Kerry Bircher along with Dale Stroyde have continued to provide the "tech" expertise needed to put on such services. We all look forward to growing and developing this service further in 2025. Phil & Jane Dooley Parish Adult Confirmation Pre aration Re ort. For 2024, Phil Dooley undertook the preparation. There were three candidates, two from St. Leonard's and one from St. Chad's. The preparation takes the form of a six-session course which aims to provide a brief introduction to the essentials of the Christian faith. The sessions included lively discussions dealing with aspects of being a Christian in the world we live in. with each candidate demonstrating a keen interest in the topics discussed. The course concluded in mid-June with the expectation of an autumn Confirmation Service. Unfortunately, due to the prolonged process of appointing the Bishop of Wolverhampton, at the time of writing no date for a Confirmation Service has been announced. However. we look forward to a joyou5 occasion later in the year when each candidate is able to publicly have their commitment acknowledged by the wider church. Phil Dooley Fusion We meet every other month as our outreach on the third Saturday in Saint Chads between 4 and 6 pm. There have been anything from 6 to 35 people from the estate and further afield. Our purpose is to introduce the love of the Lord Jesus to people who have never known of it before. There are folk aged from I to 70. We do this through games, crafts and enjoying food together finishing with a short service. We welcome anyone to our evenings. 50 if you're interested, please come along. Diane Woodberry. Parish Bible Stud Re ort. The current Parish Bible study established by Simon Skidmore has continued following hi5 departure on Easter Sunday. Originally, there were two groups. one on Tuesday evening on Zoom, the other in person at St. Leonard's on Wednesday after Shoppers Communion service. Currently only the Tuesday Zoom course is in operation. Page 12

In order to continue, it was necessary to purchase a Parish Zoom licence or account. This done, the previously existing members quickly re-assembled and off we went. There were early 'tech' issues, but these have been resolved and a lively group meets each. We have breaks at opportune moments usually when a Bible book has been completed or over public holidays. The study always ends with a short prayer time, where the need5 of people known to group members are prayed for. Those attendin8 are parish members from St. Chad's and St. Leonard's with one member who lives in Solihull but found us following a 'tip-off by a group member. Another former member of the Baptist church joins us from her Care Home. There are no members from St. Mary's yet. Hint Hint They would be very welcome to attend. There is no requirement to be a Bible expert and those attending are free to just sit and listen if that is their wish. At the time of writin& the group has wrestled with the complexities of Revelation and is approaching the end of The Book of James which is full of practical advice for Christian5. We have yet to decide which book to study next. Phil Dooley. The Trefoil Guild The Trefoil Guild uses St Marfs facilities regularly for their meetings. It is Guiding for Adults and a source of fun and friendship, offering members personal and social opportunities while supporting Guiding and Scouting. Its, aims are to keep alive, among its members, the spirit of Guide and Scout promises. Their activitie& have included visits to thÈ Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton Art Gallery. Boscobel House, Cosford Aerospace Museum and a Christmas meal. The meetings have included craft activities and afternoon tea. The Guild is a small group who would always welcome new members. Wendy Hawkins Churches To ether In Bilston and Bradle Bilston Parish remains heavily involved in Churche5 Together in Bilston and Bradley and in particular the three main events that are organised each year. Easter Act of Witness - this takes place in the town centre on Good Friday and usually involves readings and songs. Congregations from a number of member churches join in and the large wooden cross from St Leonards is carried through the town at the beginning and end of this {usually with a few people following). This is followed by a snack lunch together and a quiet 'Last Hourf Service at St Leonard's. Hope In the Park - this is a large event which takes place in Hickman Park, usually on the last Sunday in June. In recent year5 this has involved having to raise funds via Emma Bu55ey Trust and James Beattie Trust due to having to hire 3 stage andlarge generator at a cost of about £2,000. The event is organised by a dedicated group from Churches Together and a topic is planned with suitable songs and attivities. This is then backed up by a group who go into about 6 primary schools who all take part in the event, learning the songs, planning their own performance and usually encouraging every child to complete 3 task with somethinE to bring along to the event. A band and speaker5 brought together from various churches share the gospel with over 1,000 children, parents and general public each year. with individual churches invited to have sta115 With activities, prayer stations and games. In 2024 the topic was 'Superheroe5' and the song the schools learned wa5 'Jesus you're my superhero. you're my star. my best friend, _ every child in 6 different schools learned these word5- probably about 3,000 local children! It's hard work but well worth the effort. Chri5tma5 Carols in the town this event proved to be somewhat challenging this year due to the market moving into the high st and takin8 'our pitch. We did manage to find a spot outside a closed down shop and met the challenges as best we could but this yearfs event did not have the same feel as usual. Prayer Breakfast- Each month members from Churche5 Together meet on the Saturday nearest to the 15, to pray together for our town. schools, events and anything else which needs our prayers. We meet at 9.00am at Wetherspoons to chat and pray for about an hour. and then those who can stay and eat breakfast together. It is a useful time of fellowship and support and a chance to share in prayer together. Once again members of the parish, mainly St Leonard'5 have been involved throughout the year, working and praying together with churche5 across Bilston, as they have also held us in prayer. Jane Dooley & Mark Bircher Page 13

Bilston Church of En land Primar School. We said a sad farewell to Rev Simon last year and feel his absence around our school. Ben Haldane from the Baptist Church is supporting us every other Monday in leading whole school worship. We are thankful for his support. We have welcomed two new foundation Governors- Mrs Jane Dooley and Ms Chineze Okoye and look forward to working more closely with them. Year 5 did the school proud when they shared their Harvest Around the World service at St Leonards in October 2024. Donations were shared between the Church and The Well- Wolverhampton Foodbank. Worship group support Worship daily in school and we have integrated Anglican rituals into our Worship. We have a new Christian Distinctivene55 advisor- Rebecca Nash - from Lichfield around Worship in February 2025. Our School Choir have supported events at St Leonard's, such as Reclaiming Christmas and Bilston Christmas Light Switch on. The new calendar year will see us develop our Worship Practice as well as review our teaching of RE across the school. We are also preparing for our next SIAMS Inspection which we expect will be sometime in 2026. Diocese, who will be leading whole school CPD Jo Lewis Worship & RE Coordinator Bilston CE Primary School Good She herd Relief In Need (Reg Charity No 11777831 We exist to help families and individuals who are in material need, to access quality preloved items for themselves and their families. We are housed in Bilston Methodist Church, Bow Street. Bilston. WV14 7NB and operate Monday to Thursday 9.30 till 2. Few people know that Wolverhampton is the 10th poorest city in the country with Bilston and East Park having the poorest families and the least services to support them. We have a 20% turnover of residents each year which is the highest in the city and a high number of female refugees with children. Our referrals for help come directly from social workers, housing officers and often churches in other areas too. At any one time we have over 400 families living in one room waiting for accommodation- once they achieve ternporary accomrnodation. they will leave that roorn with just a set of key5 no beds, furniture or anything else to put in their new home. We try our best in our one room project to provide what we can, even if that is just a pile of duvets to make beds on the floor. Some of our beneficiaries are care leavers, ex-prisoners. victims of domestic violence and many asylum seekers who have been granted status to Stay. We work tirelessly with Wolverhampton City of Sanctuary who visit us fortnightly and usually take away up to 100 items for those most in need in our city. From socks and pants to books and toys for their children, beddin& cutlery, crockery, curtains, clothes. we believe it is all part of our ministry to love our neighbour as ourselves. We always give items of preloved quality that we would use ourselves or give to our children, as we treat all our customers with the dignity God's family command. Our chair. Rev Mark Hathorne is a retired vicar of our parish and understands well how necessary this service is. Mike Reaney. a pastoral team member from the Parish, 15 on the road each day, either collectin8 donations or delivering much needed clothing and bedding. If you want to come and visit us, you are very welcome and if you want more information, please call Ann Reaney on 07845003656. We thank the Parish of Bilston for our partnership this year. Ann Reaney. Projert Manager City Homemaker. Page 14

Financial Review Total Net Assets.. £466,8181£453,73120231 Deficit'.1£16012024 Unrestricted Deficit:1£6,3031 Restricted Excess.. £6,142 IExcess £51,344 20231 Parish and Parish Centre Total Net Assets.. £355.5041£338,129 20231 Excess- £10,680 Unrestricted excess £10,680 [Excess £4,507 20231 The Parish account is to receive income from the three churches to pay the Common Fund and Parish Expenses. It also holds the proceeds of the sale of Curates house. In 2022 the investments were transferred from the General fund to Curate Endowment funds as this better reflects the situation. Whilst the income produced is unrestricted the capital cannot be spent. All income from the investments will be used for the Common fund and/or Parish expenses periodically to reduce the burden on the individual Churches. The income will be left to build up in the CCLA deposit account. The Parish Centre is shown within these accounts. In 2022 the Parish Centre Building was moved from the Parish Centre Restricted to Parish Centre Building Endowment. Again, this better reflects the situation. Whilst the income in unrestricted the capital cannot be spent without selling the building. All of the income and expenditure 15 recorded under the Parish Centre Designated. It IS the intention to build up a reserve fund for any work needed on the Parish Centre of £20,000 which would be shown separately as Parish Centre reserve. Along with this working capital of £5,000 retained. Once this figure has been reached then any surplus can be transferred and used to pay the Common fund and/or Parish expenses. The Parish Centre has seen the Parish centre hire increase from £8,260 2023 to £13,600 2024. Tiptop Childcare continue to expand and have enquired about hiring the whole of the centre. They currently pay £1,100 per month and 75% of the utility bills. In 2024 they paid £4,658. St Chads Total Net Assets.- £23,3011£40,916 2023] Deficit=1£17.6151- Unrestricted Deficit:1£16.2961 Restricted Deficit.. l£1,3191 IExcess.' £34,884 20231 St Chads income has reduced from £45.903 2023 to £3.647 2024. St Chad received a legacy in 2023 which is why there is such a difference. There have been reduttions in 0101 Gift aid collections. 0201 non gift aid collections and 0550 donations. However 0301 Loose plate collections have increased. Expenditure has Increased from £11,019 2023 to £21,262. The most notable differences being 1910 Common fund 2330 Church maintenance, 2350 Upkeep of Churchyard and 2440 heating and lighting when compared to 2401 and 2410. St Marvs Total Net Asset5'. £15.6511£19,585 20231 Deficit-1£3,93312024- Unrestricted Deficit.. {£3,9331 IExcess: £17,149 20231 St Mary's income overall has reduced from £31,472 2023 to £13,942 2024. The main reason for this is the legacy left by the Late Brian Fellow5 in 2023. Whilst Gift aid collections 0101 has reduced slightly 0201 Non gift aid collections have increased slightly along with 0301 loose plate collections. The expenditure has increased from £14,323 2023 to £17,876 2024. The main reason for this is St Mary's have paid in full their share of the Common fund £7,200 and an increase in 2330 Church maintenance. Page 15

St Leonards Total Net Assets: £65,8081£55,099 20231 Excess- £10,708 2024- Unrestricted Excess- £3,246 Restricted Excess.. £7,462 IDeficit= IE5,196120231 Overall income has increased from £89.088 2023 to £106,195 2024. This is mainly due to the receipt of insurance claims totalling £36,127 which of course has been spent on major repairs 2701. We have seen increases in 0101 Gift aid collections, 0201 Non gift aid collections, 0550 donations and two legacies were received totalling £10,551.. Expenditure overall has also increased from £94,284 2023 to £95,486 2024 which as previously documented is due to the major works 2701 expenditure. Other than all other areas are pretty Static apart from 1910 LDBF Common fund. Thanks go to Mark and Jane for their continued support and hard work throughout the year. Klm Benton Reserves Polic It is PCC policy to try to maintain a balance on free reserves (net current assets) which equates to at least three months unrestricted payments. This is equivalent to £28,216 20241£32,092 20231. It is held to srnooth out fluctuations in cash flow and to meet emergencies. The balance of the free reserves at the year end was £87,169 20241£121,867 2023J which is considerably higher than this target. In the uncertain economic climate, it is felt to have a healthy reserve is a good foundation for the future and will allow the charity to explore different outreach if identified and also be secure of having sufficient reserves if called upon in any unforeseen Investment Poli The charity is granted power to invest in suitable investments under the PCC Powers Measure 1956 and the Trustees Act 2000. As a charity, the Trustees have a duty of care to take such advice as is appropriate before investments are undertaken. This advice is sought from the Central Board of Finance ICCLAI in London. The charity's investment policies are based on two key principles: Ethical Investment- this includes ensuring that investments are held in companies which have high standards of corporate governance and att in a responsible way toward5 stakeholders. Long-term responsibilities the tru5tee5 are aware of their long-term responsibilities in respect of the Restricted and Unrestricted re5erve5 and as a result follow a prudent approach to investment decisions. Investment policy for long-term funds is aimed prirnarily at generating a sustainable income, with due regard to the need for the preservation of capital value, and the possible need to realise investments to meet operational needs. The charity doe5 not have a policy of generating income at excessive or high risk - known as "purchasing income" where high returns are guaranteed at the expense of capital. In summary. the charity has an overall policy to maximise income while preserving the real value of its funds. Due to the nature of the charity, an ethical investment policy is taken into consideration when investments are made: The charity follows the Ethical Investment Advisory policy as recommended by the Lichfield Diocese which includes the following: "We aim to invest in companies that- will develop their business in the interests of shareholder5,' * demonstrate responsible employment practice5,' are conscientious concerning issues of corporate governance, the environment and human rights: are sensitive to the community in which they operate." Planned giving. collettions and donations are the main sources of fund raising along with tax recoverable. Safe uardin The PCC believe they have fulfilled their duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have due regard to House of Bishops, guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults). Page 16

Re ortin Serious Incidents A Serious Incident is an adverse event, whether actual or alleged, which results in or risks significant harm to the charity's beneficiaries, employees, office holders, volunteers or to others who come into contact with the charity through its work, loss of the charit¢s money or assets, damage to the charity's property or harm to the charity's work or reputation. The trustees are not aware of any Serious Incidents in the last year. Fundraisin The PCC takes it fundraising responsibilities seriously and is very grateful to all donors - whether regular or occasional - for their support of the church and church events. PCC supporters are never taken for granted. The PCC take full responsibility for fundraising and do not Use commercial organisations or professional fundraisers. All money raised is either by donations, fundraising events, special appeals or legacies for which the PCC are most grateful. Volunteers The members of the PCC would like to thank all of the 45 volunteers who work so hard to make our Church a lively and vibrant community. Risk Mana ement The Ch'urch Wardens carry out regular Health and Safety Reviews and regularly inspect premises for potential hazards. We have safeguarding policies in place for child protection and for work with vulnerable adults, including rigorous DBS checking of staff and volunteers. Our insurances are reviewed annually to ensure adequate cover. An informal review of any new risks which may impact the work of the Church in the Parish is ongoing. Structure Governance and Mana ement The PCC is a Body Corporate established by the Church of England and is a Charity registered with the Charity Commission registration number 1138955. The PCC is governed by the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure {19561 as amended that came into effert on 2, January 1957, and the Church Representation Rules (contained in Schedule 3 to the Synodical Government Measure 1969 35 amended). The method of appointment of the PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. The Council comprises the Incumbent, the Churchwardens, a representative of the Readers, those elected to the Deanery Synod, and other members who are elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting, by those on the Electoral Roll. The PCC members receive training from courses run by the Diocese. Members of the congregation are always urged to join the Electoral Roll, and to stand for election to the PCC. The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance in the parish, and for all financial matters. The PCC met 6 times in 2024 Related Parties - The PCC does not employ any related parties or give contracts for work on the church to any related parties. Donations from Related Parties Donations from related parties191 during the year totalled £5,310 20241£5.192 20231. All these donations were received without condition. Remuneration aid to Trustees None of the trustees have been paid any remuneration or received any other benefits from employment with the PCC. enses aid to Trustees No Trustee was paid expenses in 20241£1991 for travel and subsistence. Page 17

Reference and Administrative Detalls Charity Name: The Parochial Church Council of The Parish of Bilston Other names the charity is known by: NIA Registered Charity Number.. 1138955 Charitrfs principal address: St Leonard's Church Walsall Street Bilston WV14 OAT Correspondence address: St Leonard's Church Walsall Street Bilston WV14 OAT Website address: htt www.achurchnear ou.com PCC Members: Who Served from l January 2024 to the date this report was approved Trustee name Office lif any) Dates acted if not for whole period Ex-officio Revd. Simon Skidmore Acting Team Rector- Chair. Resigned 3110312024 Phil Dooley Secretary/Lay Reader/Dioce53n Synod/ Deanery Synod Diane Woodberry Alison Spencer Mark Bircher Lay Reader/ Deanery Synod Church Warden St Chad's Church Warden St Leonard's/Parish Warden/Lay Chair/Deanery Synod. Church Warden St Leonard's /Parish Warden Jane Dooley Christine Mills Church Warden St Mar¢s Church Warden St Marws Eber Carter Elected Members Charlie Srnith Deputy Church Warden St Leonard's St Leonard's (Safeguarding Co-ordinator) St Leonard's Kerry Bircher Matthew Bircher Linda Pearson St Chad's Church Warden (previously St. Leonard's member) St Leonard'5 Kay Edwards Joanne Bircher St Leonard's Elizabeth Rice St Mary's St Marls St Mary's St Leonard's Wendy Hawkins Mavis Heath Satwinder Peake 2110412024 Chineze Okoye St Leonard's 2110412024 Page 18

8ank 8a¥clay5 fsank PLC- Clueen Squ?Te W4JlverhomP¢tsn WVI IDS Investment CCLA ManaBer5 l An8cI Lane ECIIR 3AFJ Ir*dep¢rtderrt Examlner Jonathan Hlll Ltchliold tsiocesan f5oard of Flnance 51 m￿lty$ HOVSQ. Tho cioso. Léchiield. W513 7LD Approvod by the PCC on 10.04.202S stgned Dn Its bohalf by.. Mr Phlllp Doolev Page 19

Independent Examinerfs report to the trustees/members of The PCC of The Parish of Bilston Registered charity number, if applicable.. 1138955 I report on the accounts for the year ended 31%t December 2023 which are set out on the following pages. Res ective res onsibilities of the Trustees and Inde endent Examiner The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charitvs trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under Section 144 of the Charitie5 Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independen t examination is needed. It 15 my responsibility to examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act, to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 14515llbl of the Charities Act, and to state whether particular matters have tome to my attention. Basis of Inde endent Examiner's Statement My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in theaccounts, andseeking explanationsfrom the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a "true and fairf, view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Inde endent Examiner's Statement In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which give5 me cause to believe that in any material respect: accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act or the accounts do not accord with the with the accounting records I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed.. Jonathan Hill FCMA CGMA Lichfield Diocesan Board of Finance St Mary's House, The Close, Lichfield WS13 7LD .2025 Page 20

The Parlsh of Bllston Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31" December 2023 Accounting Policies The financial statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 using Receipts and Payments basis. There may be minor discrepancies in the totals as the pence are not being shown. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless Otherwise stated in the relevant notes to these accounts. The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body nor those that are informal gatherings of Church members. Cashflow Statement The Charity has taken advantage of the exemption in FRS102 from the requirement to produce a cashflow statement on the grounds that the income does not exceed £500,000. Going Concern There are no material uncertainties relate to events or conditions that cast significant doubt on the charit¢s ability to continue as going concern. Accounting Estimates and Prior Year Errors No changes to accounting estimates have occurred in the reporting period. No material prior year errors have been identified in the reporting period Description of Funds Unrestrirted funds are income funds of the PCC that are available for spending on the general purposes of the PCC, including amounts designated by the PCC for fixed assets for its own use or for spending on a future project and which are therefore not included in its 'free reserves" as disclosed in the trustee5' annual report. An explanation of purpose of each Designated fund are a5 follows: Flower Fund- Flower5 for St Leonard5 Church. Advise this account is closed and monies transferred to St Leonards account. Statement not received in 2022. PCC to consider in 2025. Flowers Fund- Flower5 for St Chad's Church Jacobs Well - Takings for Jacobs Well IFormerly The Melting Potl to identify exce551deficit - excess to be transferred to General fund when necessary. Building Fund - Ringfenced for work on St Leonards Building Pcentre - To record income and expenditure of the Parish Centre. Excess can be transferred to Parish funds. Suggest a reserve is built up of £20,000 and retain working capital of £5.000. Any exce55 15 transferred to PBrish fund5 to help with the payment of the Common fund and/or Parish expenses. Choir - Funds set asidE for the Choir - this fund has not been used for many years advise that the account is closed and transferred to St Leonards account along with transferring the funds to General fund. PCC to consider in 2024. Restrirted funds comprise of two elements :_ al income from trusts or endowments which may be expended only on those restricted objects provided in the terms of the trust or bequest bl donations or grants received for a Specific object or invited by the PCC for a specific object. The funds may only be expended on the specific object for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent at the end of each year must be carried forward as a balance on that fund. The PCC does not usually invest separately for each fund. Where there is no separate investment, interest is apportioned to individual fund5 on an average balance basis. Page 21

An explanation of purpose of each Restricted fund are as follows- Décoration - This is the re-decoration scheme for the vicarage. Belfry- Specific donation for the upkeep of the Belfry Fair- Thi5 is a grant from Emma Bussey Charity to help with Summer and Christma5 Fairs. Walford legacy- Is to be used for the upkeep of one of the graves in the Church yard. Mission Work at St Chad's - Donations specifically for Mission Work at St Chad's Project- Kitchen/Vestrynoilets- Specific donations for the project work at St Chad's SoftPlay- Specific grant for the soft play area at St Chad's St Chads - For specific donations to St Chads Warmth- Specific grant for Places of Warmth at St Chad's Christmas festival - Specific grant for the Christmas festival Lighting- Specific donations for the lighting upgrade at St Leonard's Welcome- Grant for Warm Welcome Endowment funds are restricted funds that must be retained as trust capital either permanently or subject to a discretionary power to spend capital as income, and where the use of any income or other benefit derived from the capital may be restricted or unrestricted. Full details of all their restrictions are shown in the notes to the accounts. Curate - Sale of the Curates House - Investments held in Diocesan Trust TN733. Transferred From Pcentre restricted in 2022 to reflect the correct situation. The income is unrestricted. but the capital cannot be spent. Pcentre Building- The Building at St Chad's. Transferred from Pcentre restricted in 2022 to reflect the correct situation. The excess income can be used for Parish purposes, but the building cannot be sold and the capital used. Incoming Resources Planned giving, collections and donations are recognised when received or when the PCC becomes entitled to the resource and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability. Tax refunds are recogni5ed when the incorning resource to which they relate is received. Grants and Legacies are accounted for when the PCC is legally entitled to the amounts due and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability. Dividends are accounted for when receivable, interest is accrued. All other income is recognised when it is receivable. All incoming resources are accounted for gross. Resources Expended Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded. if that award creates a binding or constructive obligation on the PCC. The diocesan parish share is accounted for when due. Amounts received specifically for mi55ion are dealt with as restricted funds. All other expenditure is generally recognised when it 15 incurred and is accounted for gross. Governance and Support Costs Support costs should be allocated between governance costs and other 5UPPOrt. Governance costs comprise all costs involving public accountability of the PCC and its compliance with regulation and good practice. Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources eg by allocating staff costs by time spent and other costs by their usage. Fixed Assets Consecrated and benefice property is not included in the accounts by s.10121{al&lCI of the Charities Act 2011. Moveable church furnishings held by the Vicar and Churchwardens on Special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal are inalienable property. listed in the Church's inventory, which can be inspected lat any reasonable timel. For anything acquired prior to 2000 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such asset5 are not valued in the financial statement. No depreciation is provided on buildings as the currently estimated residual value of the properties is not less than their carrying value and the remaining useful life of these a55ets exceeds 50 years, so that any depreciation charges would be immaterial. Other tangible fixed assets are valued at cost. The a55ets are depreciated where applicable at 50Yo per annum. The Parish Centre is revalued at 31 Decernber annually using Nationwide house price calculator and show on page 39 Page 22

Investments Investments in quoted shares, traded bonds and similar investment5 are valued initially at cost and subsequently at market value at the year end. Investments held for re-sale are treated as current asset investments. Debtors Debtors are measured on initial recognition at settlement amount. Subsequently they are measured as cash expected to be received Creditors and Accruals Creditors are measured at settlement amounts less any trade discounts. Accruals are measured on best estimate of the amount required to settle the obligation at the reporting date. Page 23

Parish of Bilston year ended 2024 Statement of Receipts and Payments 2024 Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment funds funds funds funds 2024 2023 Receipt5 Donations and legacies Income from charitable activities Other trading activities Investments Other income Total income 44,468 11,910 91 19,573 13,600 404 11,600 56,160 98,851 31,483 15,157 13,600 8,260 4,008 3,593 36,127 54,373 141,380 180,235 3,522 36,127 96,028 81 33,670 11,681 Payments Raising funds Expenditure on charitable activities Other expenditure Total expenditure 89 110.882 1,895 112,867 50 20,283 2,799 23,133 140 471 136,704 120,977 4,695 7,442 141.540 128,891 5,539 5,539 Net income l (expenditure) resources before transfer 116,8401 10,537 6,142 11601 51,344 Transfers Gr05S transfers between funds - in Gross transfers between funds - out Other recognised gains / losses Gainsllosses on investment assets Gains on revaluation, fixed assets. charity's own use Net movement in funds 1,000 1,000 7,487 11,0001 17,4881 11,0001 2.863 10,384 13.247 2.863 6.189 10,384 19,8351 13,087 47,698 115,840) 10,537 5,142 Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 103,008 18,861 14,793 317,067 453,731 406,032 Total funds carried fonNard 87,169 29,398 19,936 330,314 466,818 453,731 Page 24

Statement of Assets and Liabilities 2024 Class and nominal code General Designated Restricted Endowment 2024 2023 Fixed Asset - Investments CB3008402- CCLA Bilston TN733- 402 CB3008420: CCLA Bilston TN733- 420 C83008477.' CCLA Bilston TN733- 477 Total Fixed Asset- Tangible Assets 6430- 2 x Inspiron Laptops 531 6431: 1 x Aspire Lap Tops 50 depreciation in 2025 and 2026 371 6431.. 2x Aspire Lap Tops purchased October 2024 743 CENTRE: Parish Centre STOW.. Stow Lawn Land Total Current Asset- Cash At Bank And In Hand 20780901.. St Mary's DCC Current Account 20956414.. St Leonard's Flower Current Account 30027537.. Parish Centre Account 40461474: PCC of The Parish of Bilston 63519228: St Chad's DCC Current account 70076899: St Leonard's Choir 70201782- The Melting Pot- St Leonards 90303410.. St Leonard's Church Current Account CB3008600: CCLA Bilston TN733- 600 CB3027993'. CCLA ICBFI St Leonards- Walford Legacy IDSBILSOII: IDS Decoration Scheme DOVER STREET IDSBILS012= IDS Decoration Scheme CUMBERLAND 6591: Flowers- Cash in hand Total Current Asset - Debtors Z05.' Account5 Receivable Total Liability - Agency Account5 6699: Agency collections Total 27,161 21,837 51,072 100,071 27,161 25,561 21,837 21,717 51.072 49,929 100,071 97,208 531 371 743 230,243 219,859 1,061 230,243 1.647 230,243 231,890 220,921 15,651 15,651 19,585 306 306 12,274 5,135 8,921 13,103 22,929 40,916 21 21 903 62,036 50,604 7,111 3,679 2,168 2,059 1,220 1,220 82 82 142 132.725 137.761 306 11,5621 13,960 10.799 11201 18,268 683 21 131 35,182 14,547 7,111 27 1125} {1,7601 3.977 12,307 2,141 1,220 82 85.481 29,398 17,845 40 40 3,560 3,560 3,600 4,143 3,600 4,143 1,469 1,469 1,469 6,303 1,469 6,303 Net total asset5 87,169 29,398 19,936 330,314 466,818 453,731 Approved by the PCC on 10.04.2025 and signed on it5 behalf bv: Ar Phillip Dooley Page 25

Statement of Assets and Liabilities 2023 General Designate Restricted Endowme nt 2023 2022 Fixed assets - Tangible assets 2 x Inspiron Laptops - Parish Centre - Stow Lawn Land- 1,061 1,061 219,859 2,122 219,859 219,859 Totals 1,062 219,859 220,921 221,982 Current assets- Cash at bank and in hand St Mary's DCC Current Account- St Leonard's Flower Current Account- Parish Centre Account- PCC of The Parish of Bilston - St Chad's DCC Current account- Flowers - Cash in hand - Parish Centre Cash - St Leonard's Choir - The Melting Pot - St Leonards - St Leonard's Church Current Account- CCLA Bilston TN733 - 402- CCLA Bilston TN733 - 420- CCLA Bilston TN733- 477- CCLA Bilston TN733- 600- CCLA ICBF) St Leonards- Walford Legacy 19.585 19,585 306 5,135 13,103 40.916 142 2,435 306 4,129 11,729 6,032 142 io 21 11,786 42,967 22,246 23,136 45.636 475 1,995 306 4,928 206 2,200 6,297 10,902 34,619 142 21 903 12,558 21 903 50,604 25,561 21,717 49,929 3.679 2,059 33,119 4,926 25,561 21.717 49,929 3,679 2,059 IDS Decoration Scheme DOVER STREET- IDS Decoration Scheme CUMBERLAND - Tota15 1.220 82 16,994 1,220 82 234,970 1,220 82 174,356 101,906 18,861 97,208 Current assets- Debtors Accounts Receivable - LDBF Common Fund 2022- Overpayment to P- LDBF Cornmon Fund 2022 Overpayment 40 4,103 4.143 1.133 9,835 Totals 40 4,103 4,143 10,968 Liabilities- Agency accounts Agency collections - 6,303 6,303 6,303 6,303 1,275 1,275 Totals Grand total 103,008 18,861 14,793 317.067 453,731 406,032 Page 26

Analysis of receipts and payments 2024 Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment 2024 2023 RECEIPTS Donations and legacies 0101- Gift Aid Collections Bank/Envelopes 0201- Non Gift Aid Collections 0301- Loose Plate Collections 0410 - Votive Lights/Church Boxes 0550- Donations appeals etc 0601- Tax recoverable on Gift Aid 0701- Legacies 08AI- Non-recurring one-off grants 0901- Other funds generated Donations and legacies Totals Income from charitable artivities . 0902- Heating Weddings&Funerals 1101- Fees for weddings and funerals 1210- Food Sales Melting Pot 1230 - Parish Centre - Hire of Hall Income from charitable activities Totals Other trading activities 1230 - Parish Centre Hire Other trading artivities Totals Investments 1001- Dividends 1020- Bank and building society interest 1230- Rent from lands or building5&Melting Pot Investments Totals Other income 1310 - Insurance claims Other income Totals Receipts Grand totals 10,097 3,342 10,393 235 9,611 5,920 613 10,097 11,703 3,342 3,159 10,393 7,728 235 183 10.703 6.502 5,920 4,563 10.613 60,000 600 2,154 4,254 2,855 56.160 98,851 91 1,000 10,000 600 4,254 44,468 91 11,600 3,758 8,112 3,758 1,480 8,112 4,683 18,773 8,964 840 30 31,483 15,157 18,773 800 19,573 40 11,910 13,600 13,600 13.600 8,260 13,600 8,260 3,230 231 60 3,522 3,230 318 460 4,008 3,142 131 320 3,593 81 400 404 81 36,127 36,127 96,028 36,127 54,373 36,127 54,373 141,380 180,235 33,670 11,681 PAYMENTS Raising fund5 1720- Costs of stewardship campaign 1730- Cost5 of fetes & other events 1740- Bank Charges Raising funds Totals Expenditure on charitable artlvlties 1801- Giving to missionary societies 1910- LDBF Common Fund 2001- Salaries 2201- Mission and Evangelism Costs 2301- Church running insurance 2310- Church office- telephone 2320- Organ /piano tuning 2330- Church maintenance 2331- Cleaning 2340- Upkeep of services 2350- Upkeep of Church Yard 2360 - Administration 2361- Parish Expenses 2401- Church running- electric- Inactive 2024 89 89 305 166 471 50 50 50 140 89 1.000 1,000 28,819 18,410 11,632 4,515 11901 333 10,956 9,277 390 710 285 626 10,990 5,179 716 2.002 423 286 5,450 600 6,542 2,591 78 128 3,136 28.819 11,632 12411 10,956 390 285 7.770 50 3,219 716 142 280 4,181 6,532 78 1,268 io Page 27

2410 - Church running- gas - Inactive 2024 2420 - Church running - water 2440 - Heating & Lighting 2518- Jacobs Well - Non Food Item5 2519 - Melting Pot Supplies 2590 - Parish Centre- Heating and Lighting 2602 - Licences & Subscriptions 2701- Church major repairs - structure 2710 - Church major repairs - installation Expenditure on charitable activities Totals Other expenditure 2310- Church office- telephone 2330- Church Maintenance 2333 Cleaning 2360 - Administration 2540- Parish Centre- Gas 2550- Parish Centre - Insurance 2560 - Parish Centre- Maintenance 2570 - Parish Centre- telephone 2580 - Parish Centre - water Other expenditure Totals Payments Grand totals 8,783 223 19,022 223 19,022 74 161 161 5,731 4,748 1,888 1,822 138 403 30,776 57,186 1,667 136,704 120,977 161 5,731 1,888 138 30,776 1,667 110,882 20,283 5,539 199 480 120 1,096 199 480 224 1,096 104 210 io 791 335 2,490 2.134 799 2,327 15961 1,631 4,695 7,442 141,540 128,891 2.490 799 15961 2,799 23,133 1,895 112.867 5,539 Page 28

Fund movement by type 2024 Fund AV Upgrade Restricted Sub-totals Opening Incoming Outgolng Transfer5 Gains/Losses Journals Closin8 1,000 1,000 115 884 884 115 Belfry Restricted Sub-totals 125 125 210 210 1851 {85) Building Designated Sub-totals 1,962 1,962 1,962 1,962 Cholr Designated Sub-totals 21 21 21 21 Christmas Restricted Sub-totals 3,353 3,353 1.000 1,000 2,353 2,353 Curate Endowment Sub-totals 97.208 97,208 2,863 2,863 100,071 100,071 Decoration Restricted Sub-totals 1,303 1,303 1.303 1,303 Fair Restricted Sub-totals 206 206 206 206 Families Restricted Sub-tota15 10,000 10,000 10.000 10,000 Flower Designated Sub-totals 449 449 142 142 306 306 Flowers Designated Sub-totals 800 800 116 116 683 683 Harvest Lunch Restricted Sub-totals 600 600 600 600 Jacobs Well Designated Sub-totals 11,499 11,499 19,270 19,270 18,186 18,186 12,583 12,583 Lightlng Page 29

Restricted Sub-totals 1,447 1,447 2,893 2,893 11,4471 (1,4471 Mission Restricted Sub-totals 2,037 2,037 50 50 1,986 1,986 Pcentre Designated Sub-totals 4.928 4,928 13,600 13,600 4,687 4,687 13,841 13,841 PCentreBuilding Endowment Sub-totals 219,859 219,859 10,384 10,384 230,243 230,243 Project Restricted Sub-totals 500 500 500 500 SoftPlay Restricted Sub-totals 1,268 1,268 1,268 1,268 St Chads Restricted Sub-totals 163 163 163 163 Walford Restricted Sub-totals 2,059 2,059 81 81 2,141 2,141 Warmth Restricted Sub-totals 1,831 1,831 11,0001 {I,0001 831 831 Welcome Restricted Sub-totals 495 495 495 495 General Unrestricted Sub-totals 103,008 103,008 96,028 96,028 112,867 112,867 1.000 1,000 87.169 87,169 Totals 453,731 141,380 141,540 13,247 466,818 Page 30

Fund movement by type 2023 Opening Incoming Outgoing Transfers Gainlloss Closing Belfry- Belfry Restricted 125 125 125 125 Sub-total for Belfry Building- Building Fund Designated 1.962 1,962 1,962 1,962 Sub-total for Building Choir- St Leonard's Cholr Designated 21 21 21 21 Sub-total for Choir Christmas- Chrlstmas Festival Restricted 2,500 2,500 853 853 3.353 3,353 Sub-total for Christmas Curate- Sale Of Curate House Endowment 91,019 91,019 6,189 6,189 97,208 97,208 Sub-total for Curate Decor - Decoration Scheme Restricted 1.303 1,303 1,303 1,303 Sub-total for Decor Fair- Summer Fair Parish C Restricted 206 206 206 206 Sub-total for Fair Flower- Flower Fund Designated 449 449 449 449 Sub-total for Flower Flowers - Flowers Fund Designated 186 186 948 762 762 Sub-total for Flowers General- General fund Unrestricted 61,731 61,731 161,155 161,155 107,702 107,702 13,7621 13,762) 103.008 103,008 Sub-total for General Lighting- Lighting At St Leona Restricted 1,447 1.447 1.447 1,447 Sub-total for Lighting Manager- Manager Post Restricted 1,200 1.200 11,2001 11,2001 Sub-total for Manager Melting Po- Melting Pot Designated Restricted 10,178 1.593 11,771 9,239 10,456 254 10,711 2,538 11,3381 1,200 11,499 Sub-total for Melting Po 9,239 11,499 Page 31

Mission- Mission Work At St C Restricted Restricted 1,633 500 96 2,037 Sub-total for Mission PCentre- Parlsh Centre Designated Restricted 1,633 500 96 2,037 2,933 8,260 9,264 3,000 4,928 Sub-total for Pcentre 2,933 8,260 9,264 3,OiX) 4,928 PCentreBui - Parish Centre Buildi Endowment 219,859 219,859 219,859 219,859 Sub-total for PCentre8ui Projert- Kitchen/Vestry/Toile Restricted 500 500 500 500 Sub-total for Project SoftPlay- Soft Play Area Restricted 1,268 1,268 1,268 1,268 Sub-total for Softplay St Chads- St Chads Fund Restricted 163 163 163 163 Sub-total for St Chads Walford - Walford Legacy Restricted 1,995 1,995 63 63 2.059 2,059 Sub-total for Walford Warmth- Places Of Warmth Restricted 2,000 2,000 168 1,831 1,831 Sub-total for Warmth 168 Welcome- Places Of Welcome Restricted 495 495 495 495 Sub-total for Welcome Grand total 404,611 180,235 128,891 6.189 453,731 Staff Costs 2024 2023 Wage5 & Salaries Social Security costs Average number of Employees £21,217 £0.00 £4,590 £0.00 During the year the PCC employed two Café assistants in Jacobs Well Iboth part-tirnel and none of the payments were large enough to attract social security costs. One of the employees resigned on 13.12.24. One of the employees subsequently increased their hours to 20 hour5 per week. [Their contracts began l August 20231. Page 32

There were no employee benefits to key management personnel in the previous or current year. The PCC uses the National Employment Savings Trust INestl via the Diocesan Payroll Scheme, for its pension payments. However, no pension payments are being made as neither employee qualifies automaticallv. Trustees, Remuneration & Ex enses None of the trustees have been paid any remuneration or received any other benefits from employment with the PCC No Trustee was paid expenses in 20241£199] for travel and subsistence Related Parties No other expenses were paid to any other PCC member, per50n5 closely connected to them or related parties. Donations from related parties19 PCC membersl totalled £5,310 20241£5,192 20231 Fee5 for the examination of the accounts 2024 2023 Independent Examinerfs fees Other fees: Bookkeeping: St Chad Other fees.. Bookkeeping.. St Leonard's Other fees.. Bookkeeping: St Mary's Other fees- Bookkeeping: Parish Total 150 150 160 450 210 130 I,ioo 620 770 Anal sis of Transfer between Funds 2024 Debit Credit Description Tfr from Places of Warmth to General- to help with heating costs as per letter from D Woodberry dated 09/0412024 Tfr from Places of Warmth to General- to help with heating c05t5 a5 per letter from D Woodberry dated 0910412024 Fund Fund Type i.000.00 Warmth Res 1,000.00 General Unr Page 33

Anal sls of Transfer between Funds 2023 Deblt (yedt DÈsulptlo Fulid 2.000.00 Per 4046 1474 Pcentre oes 2.ooo.oo To 30027537 General ihir i.000.00 Tfr frorn Genera I to Pari sh éntre K8 ri dy up General i.000.oo Tfr from General to Parish Centre KB ti dy L2P pTrntre Des 762.09 Tlr frorn Geiera I to Fl owers to bri ryd to ni I General 762.08 Tf r from General to Fl owers to brlng to nll Flawws Des 593.62 Tfr frt)m ti ng pot des to fjenÈYal K8 ti dy up General Unr 838.56 Tfr frorn Mdtlng Pot restrlcted to deslgnated to cl o se fund M4tirgpo Re5 593.62 Tfr from Meltl ng pct des ta General K8 tl dy up Oe5 1.200.00 Tfr frgm Managers Post to Md ￿ ng Pot De51gnated a s sal arles pal d Aug/sept/oct/Nov md￿ngp0 Des 83S.56 Tfr from M￿tIrng Po¢ rtrieted to d&i8nate(I to cl o se fund m￿￿￿pa Des 1.200.QO Tfr from Managers past to Md ti ryg Pot Designated a s salari es pa5 d Aug/Sept/oct/Nav total I I ng É3.677.?4 Ma nager Res 598.62 Tf r From Genera I to IJ ng Pot KBtldyup General 500.00 Tfr from Md tl ng pot restricted to deslgnate<l ¢Yy up MeltyryPo Res 593.62 Tfr from Genera I to Md tlng Pat K8tldyup Mdtlrpo Des soo.00 Tfr Frorn Mdtlng pot restrl cted to designated Ka tl dy up MdtlrEPc Oes Fixed Assets Freehold Buildings Church Equipment Total Assets Cost or Valuation Asatljan Additions in the Year Disposal in the Year Revaluation lif anyl Value at 31 Dec 219.860 1,061 1,115 220,921 1,115 10,384 230,244 10,384 226,162 2,176 Page 34

al Tangible Fixed Assets Accumulated Depreciation Asatljan Charge for the Year Disposals Value at 31 Dec 219.860 1,061 232,420 530 530 219,860 531 220,391 Net Book Value at l Jan 2024 Net Book Value at 31 Dec 2024 219,860 230.244 1,061 1,646 214,663 231,890 Freehold Buildings Parish Centre- £230,243 20241£219,859 20231- The Parish Church Centre is revalued at 31 December annually using Nationwide house price calculator referred to on page 27 Stow Lawn Land: £1.00 - a nominal figure the land has not been formally valued 2 X Inspiron computers purchased in 2022 depreciation 50% per annum I X Inspiron computer purchased in 2024 depreciation 50Yo per annurn bl Fixed Asset Investments Atl Jan Addition Disposal Transfer Change in Market Value At31 Dec Endowment Fund Investments 97,208 2,863 100,071 Total 97,208 2,863 100,071 CCLA ICBFI Lichfield CB3008402 TN733- £27,16120241£25,56120231 CCLA ICBFI Lichfield CB3008420 TN733 - £21,837 20241£21,717 20231 CCLA {CBFI Lichfield CB3008477 TN733 - £51,072 20241£49,929 20231 summary of Assets by Fund 2024 Unrestricted Desi8nated Restricted 884 1851 Endowment 2024 884 1851 1,962 21 2,353 100.071 1,303 206 10,000 306 683 87,169 2023 Restricted- AV Upgrade Restricted - Belfry Designated - Building Designated - Choir Restricted - Christmas Endowment- Curate Restricted - Decor Restricted - Fair Restricted - Families Designated - Flower Designated - Flowers Unrestricted General 125 1,962 21 3,353 97.208 1,303 206 1.962 21 2.353 100.071 1,303 206 10.000 306 683 449 87.169 103,008 Page 35

Restricted - Harvest Lunch Designated - Jacobs Well Restricted - Lighting Restricted - Mission Designated - Pcentre Endowment- PCentreBuilding Restricted - Project Restricted - SoftPlay Restricted - St Chads Restricted Walford Restricted - Warrnth Restricted- Welcome Total 600 600 12,583 11,4471 1,986 13,841 230,243 500 12,583 11,499 1,447 2,037 4,928 219,859 500 1,268 163 2,059 1,831 495 453,731 11,4471 1,986 13,841 230.243 500 163 2.141 831 495 19,936 163 2,141 831 495 466,818 87,169 29,398 330,314 Summary of Assets by Fund 2023 Unrestritted General fund 103,008 103,008 61,731 Designated Building Fund Flower Fund Flowers Fund Melting Pot Parish Centre St Leonard's Choir 1,962 449 1,962 449 1.962 449 186 10.178 2,933 21 11,499 4,928 21 11,499 4,928 21 Restricted Agency collection Belfry Christmas Festival Decoration Scheme Kitchen/Vestry/Toilet5 Lighting At St Leonards Manager Post Melting Pot Mission Work At St Chads Places Of Warmth Places Of Welcome Soft Play Area St Chads Fund Summer Fair Parish Centre grant from Bussey Walford Legacy 1,421 125 2,500 1,303 500 1,447 1,200 1,593 1,633 2,000 495 1,268 125 3.353 1,303 500 1,447 125 3,353 1,303 500 1.447 2,037 1,831 495 1,268 163 206 2,059 2,037 1,831 495 1,268 163 206 2,059 206 1,995 Endowment Parish Centre Building Sale Of Curate House TN733 Total 219,859 97.208 317.067 219,859 97,208 453,721 219,859 91,019 406,024 121,867 14,787 Page 36

Receipts & Payments Comparatives Previous Year 2023 Unrestricted Restricted Endowment 2023 2022 Receipts: Donations and legacies Receipts from charitable attivities Other trading activities Investments Other receipts Total receipts 97,333 15,157 8,260 3,530 54,373 178,654 1.517 98.851 15,157 8,260 3,593 54,373 180,235 98,595 13,823 9,231 1.337 1,617 124,605 63 1,581 Payments: Raising fund5 Payments on charitable activities Other payments Total payments 454 118,653 9,264 128,372 17 501 .471 119,155 9,264 128,891 1,067 74,493 9.600 85,161 519 Net receipts / Ipayments) resources before transfer 50,282 1,062 51,344 39,443 Transfers Gross transfers between funds - in Gross transfers between funds - out Other recognised gains / losses Gains / losses on investment assets Gains on revaluation, fixed assets. charity's own use Net movement in funds 7,487 {4,9491 7,487 17,4871 316.491 1316,4911 12,5381 6,189 6,189 19,8351 47,698 112,796} 12.723 39,370 18,4131 44,406 11,4211 (2,897) 6,189 Total funds brou8ht forward 77,463 17,691 310,878 406,032 366,662 Total funds carried forward 121,870 14,793 317,067 453,731 406,032 Page 37