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¢ r*trieted
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
Mdtlr*po
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