The Parish Church of St Cuthbert Birkby Huddersfield Church & Community under one Roof Annual Meeting of Parishioners and Annual Parochial Church Meeting Saturday I I th May 2024 I O.00am Registered Charity No. 1145033
A MESSAGE FROM THE VICAR APCM VICAR'S REPORT FORAPCM IN APRIL 2024 In the autumn of 2023 a group of people from both churches committed ourselves to attending a course in Bradford called Personal Growth and Leadership. The course looks at different 'laws' in order to better understand how we might grow in our own leadership qualities and transfer that growth into our churches. One of the first laws we encountered was the 'Law of Intentionality, This law teaches us that growth just doesn't happen and we need to develop a sense of priority in order to achieve the hopes of a thriving and flourishing church that is filled with confident Christians who are equipped and able to serve others in God's name. As the course came to an end we met as a group to make dccisions about what it was we would like to see most in the dream church of 5 years, time. The conclusion we reached was we should aim al growing both younger from our starting point of now downwards and also developing more services and events for families, children and young people. Neither of these will happen overnight and if we don't consider the hope we hold intentionally now then it will never happen. In order to realise our hopes and share our hopes with the wider church and community here in Birkby we must all be willing to play a part. It is at this point we recognise the gifts and skills we have and identify which of those we are possibly able to offer in the journey. So many faithful people have over the years served Si Cuthbert's in so many rolcs and ways I could write a book not a report. I recognise the frailty and weariness of these past times of service in myself as well as others. So many face challenges and yet we meet weekly to praise God, hear his word and pray for the church, the world and ourselves. When we meet to together we are cclebrating God's love and his call in our lives, when we leave that time together we go into the world carying his love for all people with us. Surely an expression of that task is to share, to tell, to serve and to invite people to join us as we celebrate. I would love to think that as we seek to raise funds and the energy to install new heating and serve our community we can Icam and discover new ways of living togethcr in our world at this timc. In other words we could become intentional about growing and scck to put that thought first in all the things we plan and do. The PCC will always welcome ideas from others of new events and services we can consider and offer in our dream of being all we are and all we are called to be. Plcasc hold St Cuthbert's and the dream of growth in your prayers and when you hear God offering guidance please share it widely as he will always be faith1 and provide. REV JOANNE HUSTWICK VICAR
ANNUAL MEETING OF PARISHIONERS Those on the Electoral Roll ofst Cuthbert s Church and residents in theparish, whose names are on the Local Government Register ofElectors, may vote at this meeting. AGENDA Election of a Clerk to the Meeting Apologies for absence Minutes of last year's meeting held on Sunday 16th April 2023 Matters arising from the minutes Election of Church Wardens
ANNUAL MEETING OF PARISHIONERS th ON SUNDAY 16 APRIL 2023 Chair Rev Joanne Hustwick Present There were 26 members of the congregation present (25 adults and 1 child). Rev Joanne opened the meeting with a prayer. ELECTION OF A CLERK TO THE MEETING Rev Joanne proposed that Sarah Ratcliffe was elected to clerk the meeting. This was agreed by all persons present at the meetlng. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Jane Chesman, Paul Whittaker and Joy Blnns. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON SATURDAY 30TH APRIL 2022 Approval was requested that the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Parlshioners held on Saturday 30 April 2022 were a true record of the meeting. With the exception that Gill Cheal's sumame was corrected to Cheal and not Cheale as proposer for the Church Warden. Proposed Jill Dodd Seconded Don)thy Leech Thls was agreed by all persons present at the meeting. MATTERS ARISING There were no matters arising, ELECTION OF CHURCHWARDENS The position of Church Warden is an annual appointment with candidates being eligible to serve for a maximum period of six consecutive years. No nominations were received for the position of Church Warden. Joy Binns remains warden until the Archdeacon's Visita- tion in June 2023. We will continue to seek a Church Warden or Wardens, Rev Joanne Hustwick brought the meeting to a close at 11.07am. Signed Date..
ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING All laypersons whose names are entered on the Electoral Roll ofthe Parish are entitled to attend this meeting and take part in ihe proceedings. Lay persons whose names are not on Ihe Electoral Roll may attend the meeting but are nol eligible to vote. AGENDA l. Apologies for absence 2. Minutes of last year's APCM held on Sunday 16th April 2023 (Appendix l } 3. Matters arising 4. Presentation of revised Electoral Roll 5. Election of 2 members of PCC to serve 3 years 6. Annual Report of the procccdings of the PCC 7. Annual Report of the financial dealings of the Parish 8. Presentation of the Annual Accounts for the year ending 31 st December 2023 9. Appointment of an Independent Examiner l O. Receive Reports I l. Questions arising from the reports 12. Closing Prayer for the end of the meeting
PRESENTATION OF REVISED ELECTORAL ROLL This year is a norn]al annual revision of the electoral roll not a full version. The electoral roll now stands at 35 people, 14 inside the parish and 21 outside the parish. SARAH LOUISE RATCLIFFE ELECTORAL ROLL OFFICER ELECTION OF 2 MEMBERS OF PCC TO SERVE 3 YEARS ANNUAL REPORT OFTHE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PCC PCC members who havc scrved on the PCC since the APCM on 30th April 2022:_ Chair Clergy Rev Joanne Hustwick Rev Ruth Bradley Church Warden Vacant Elected Members Miss Sarah Ratcliffc from 2021- 2024 Mr John Morley from 2021- 2024 Mrs Jill Dodd from 2023-2026 Mr Stephen 1.1 2022-2025-left March 2024 Ms Naima Ratsep 2022-2025 1 lell August 2023 Co-opted Members Mr Jonathan Marshall Deanery Synod Representative Mrs Dorothy Leech & Mr John Morley Church Treasurer Mr Jonathan Marshall Secretary to the PCC Miss Sarah Ratcliffe Planned Giving Officer Mr Jonathan Marshall Electoral Roll oificer Miss Sarah Ratcliffe Safeguarding Advisor Vacant Lettings Administrator Mrs Jane Chesman Health & Safety Advisor Vacant Environment Officer Mr Mike Smith The PCC met on 9 occasions during the year from the APCM in 2023 to the APCM in 2024. The average attendance at PCC meetings was 7. The total number of PCC members
during 2023124 was 9 but reduced to 7 as Naima Ratsep and Stephen Li left. Structure, GovernaDce and Management Members of the PCC are either elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) or, ex-officio, in accordance with the Church Rcpresentation Rules. All church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and to stand for election to the PCC. Objectives and Activities The PCC of the Parish Church of St Cuthbert has the responsibility of co-operating with the Incumbent and with the Church Wardens in promoting within the Ecclesiastical Parish the whole mission of the church- pastoral, social and ecum¢nical. It also has maintcnance responsibilities for the church buildings and the grounds. Standing Committee This is the only committee required by law. It has the power to transact the business of the PCC between its mectings, subject to any directions given by the PCC. The Standing Committee consists of the Incumbent, the Church Wardens, the Lay Chair, the PCC Treasurer, the PCC Secretary and, a lay PCC representative. Electoral Roll On 3 1st December 2023 there were 35 people on the Electoral Roll, 14 from inside the parish and 21 from outside the parish. The Electoral Roll has been reviewed in 2024 prior to the APCM, in compliance with the Church of England regulations which require a completc revision every 6 years. Worship and Church Attendance In 2023 the average Sunday attendance was 23 adults and 2 children. Occasional Offices numbers. Funerals 5 (3 in church and 2 at Huddersfield Crematorium) Baptisrns 6 Marriages O Sunday services at 7.45am and I lam. Revlew of the Year In addition to the general business of the PCC, the following topics were discussed:_ Finance, Building issues. Worship, Fundraising, Charity Donations, Future of St Cuthbert's Church SARAH tL4TCLIFFE SECRETARY TO THE PCC
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE FINANCIAL DEALINGS OF THE PARISH Treasurers Re ort Treasurers Report G¢neral Account Incom¢ I would like to start my report by saying a massive than you to those who have continued with their regular giving. However, planned giving of all kinds was down on last year by a £5149. Our income from lettings remains reduced, mainly due to lack of heating but is slightly higher than last y¢ar by £88. The gift aid rcfund shown in the annual accounts is for the previous year's giving, i.e., it is claimed and paid in 2023 but covers the giving for 2022. The gift aid we claim is directly related to the amount wc give. The gift aid claimed back in 2023 was down slightly by £40 on the previous year. The PCC extend thanks to those who give generously of their time and money to St Cuthbert's. I would urge everyone to continue with their regular giving and to remember to give on weeks that they are unable to attend church. Anyone who does not CULTently take part in planned giving, via weekly envelopes or standing order, I would encourage to consider doing so, and, if you are a taxpayer, to Gift Aid any donations that you make to church funds. This increases the value of your donation by 25 % by allowing us to reclaim basic rate tax on your donations. For more inforniation speak to the Treasurer, Johnny Marshall. Expenditure Unfortunately, due to the ditTicult year we faced, we were not able to pay our Parish Share in full. We paid just over 81 % totalling £22095. Our energy cost decreased by £402 compared to last year. Howevcr, we had no gas, so this was for electricity use only, With the increases seen in energy prices, if, and when we are back using gas our energy bill will increase. Although, due to some of the bill being taken up with electric heating, it's difficult to judge what this would be. Also, we are being charged a daily standing charge for having a gas meter. This has been just over £ I I per month. Buildinglmaintenance costs this year decreaqed by £365 and included a large expenditure for the Quinquennial Survey (£876). Summary Wc started the year with a balanc¢ of £18,750 and ended the year with £12,844. We had a deficit ofrcceipts ovcr payments of -£5906. 3Rs Account Income Our planned giving of all kinds was £1,058, an increase of £37. Expenditure There were no payments from this account in 2022. Surnmary We started the year with £6,400 and ended the y¢ar with £8,839. Charitable Giving I am plcased to report that we kept our commitment to 10 /0 Charitablc Giving as follows:_ Link Diocese in Timpulia £200 Embrace the Middle East £ 100 Children's Society £ 100 Christian Aid £ 100 Open Doors £ 100 Welcome Centre £200 Forget Me Not Hospicc £400 Church Anny £ l 00 Hudd Mission £200 Yorkshire Air Ambulance £70 Mary's Meals £ 100 Water Aid £ 100 Additional Donations Welcome Centre £ l O One Community Foundation £ l O Personal note I would like to express my thanks to Gill and Rev Joanne for their continued support while I start to take on the role and responsibilities. It has been a fairly steep learning curve on what's requircd when and how lo get things transferred into my name so your continued patience at this time is much appreciatcd. MR JONATHN MARSHALL TREASURER
PRESENTATION OF THE ANNUAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31.12.23 StCul1thts glrkby••34J141 F1mbl Sl•twnotsforthB Yearer4lEd3lDeuThb¢r31)23 The Itha•1 ststemerts ol Ifc l>ee•Wertd wiih1htthwthAttthI 2(th Aeceims &P•iMtnts basis Planr¥dfjlbI Gfft Plan4 WmGfftAld 114n 3323 14796 349 3672 84 bl Othw8lvlW¥dwtsry rnMIpii Oona¢h>¥ & iowles OuasloMI tyKeffltftySpedfk Use 1252 J024 io 1262 J296 224 A11 hl Fo45 n21 B21 7503 74 IlanwA Gnnt (VATlIMI nk lrtqr•n 874 174 Enef 3611 24$ 3520 3757 512 3757 511 Chwth Admlnimrnllm 107 107 462 2AQ 87 8311 8311 il & 11•• 3665 4642 a*rilies Speclll¢ 21 219) 3190 2957
Si Olrft Flnabxl•l stsiementsl•rtheYearENled JI Ottemr7D2> Y¢tsl 23 Trtsl Plannedimry 23 4185 22196 4634 24411 74S6 174 1590 Tthl Rtt4lpts 30757 197 PhsPor• 21095 thirth expernes If thirth repa5 & PlalrttnJKe 4642 MlsslrffiGl44vd& l>or4tlw4 lh 219) 2ts0 36663 2957 43245 36663 36663 43245 -3467 Cashat trank•MI harnlat ljan 21 LU
St Cuthbwts FInaOI Stst•erts forthe Year ENlert31 De£emknr11123 ststemenl rfAsseis and uable5 G•NIFu ftesirftted Ftmd B•Currtrt 12844 21683 25 177 3046 3046 36 2868 U•bNlll•s {kn
APPOINTMENT OF AN INDEPENDENT EXAMINER 11dependent Exam ier's Report to the Parochlal Ciiurch Councll of ..it Ihbert's Church, Birkby I repori on lh8 ac iu. ts of ttr.e St Cuthterfs Church for t ie year ended 31 $1 December 2023 Responsibllilles and bis13 c," fwirt i'.S the charity trustees i,,. r, i usl you are ponSIble for the i)reparalion of lfr accounts in accordan ,yilb I, e requirements of the charilies.lct 20111'the Arf). l POrt In respect of m> JXKI'n ialion of the Trust's accounts ca.-ried out under sectson 145 of the 20.11 id li J in carrying out my examinatiop I have followed all Ilie appllcable Direction gi'j 31 by the Charity Commission uTh4 ir section 14515)(bl of Ihe Act. 117dop•ndent •xaffllnei 3 sia..Imenl I have completed my ey.IilTllliaiion. I confim that no material miitter8 have come to Iiiy attention in connecl,:.n li ill. th8 exominab'on giving me cause to believe that in ny material I'8specl'. l. The accounllng rec tL? IL ?' ) not kepl tn respect of the Trust as required ty 'ieCtion 130 of the Act.. I . The aOu.7 do nol %,' rc with those records. I have no coneems and i iav.J ' ome auoss no other matters in in¢tIOn wlth the ilxaminalion lo which al ;nliiJr should b8 drawn in this report In order to enable a p.ropgr understanding Oi 7(. a,. counts lo be reathéd. lame.. Address.. hrt5tophi-. A.'..k Jss ACA 68 Yew Ti=Q I':o-d &'rchendi-' Huddersfi .iJ HD3 30R 16thApnl: ?I
- RECEIVE REPORTS HEATING UPDATE I have no need to tell you that our lack of heating over the past 2 years has impacted St Cuthbcrt, s greatly in morc ways than wc might have wished or expected. I don't think anyone thought we would take so long to be able to replace it. Our latest news is that we have received the Faculty giving permission for the church to install two new boilers which will be substantially better than the old ones and now we need funds to pay for the boilers and their installation. We have twelve months from March 23, to do this. Once they are installed we will also need to be able to afford the monthly gas bills to usc them. This is all a huge ask in the current economic climate! The latest estimate of costs is in the region of £24,000 to purchase and install, we do have this much money to spend. A determined fundraising and grant seeking piece of work needs to be organised and we also need people willing and able to do this and help us spread the word throughout the community. A meeting has been called for early May to decide ifthis will be possible. I have been dsking in church for ideas, suggestions and apart from one or two ideas it hats been remarkably quiet. If we manage to raise the money then we will need even more energy to open our building again to the community that lives around it. Many of our previous booking have found other venues and sites to hold their meetings and activities. Our own outreach such as work with children and families and offering a warm space and a friendly chat over a warn] drink and biscuit has ceased and we need to think carefully about how we begin again. The capacity within our congregation to volunteer and run such activitics and events has shrunk over recent years. Our prayers now must be focussed on St Cuthbert's future, its place in the community, its continuing worship and prayer, the welcoming of new worshippers as well as fundraising and an new seam of energy to be willing and able to serve the God who we love because he loves us first. Rev Joanne will give a verbal update on the fabrics of the church during the meeting. REV JOANNE HUSTWICK REPORT FROM DR PAULWHITTAKER OBE-MUSICAL DIRECTOR It really should not matter where we gather to worship but, inevitably, the space where we meet does have an impact on what we can do, and how. Despitc thc small space, the issues with visual and aural communication, and the distractions, we can be thank] that wc are still abl¢ to meet together and I would like to express my appreciation to everyone for how you cope with services in the narthex. There have been some services when we've really felt God, 5 presence, when there's been a sense of joy and enthusiasm, the singing has been wondcrful and we've been a close, connected community of believers. Trying to capture that every week is hard, yet the way we prepare for our worship - coming with an expectation of meeting God, hearing his Word and learning more about him - docs make a big difference.
Leaders as well as congregation have had to adapt to our current worship space, and I am very aware (as Joanne, Ruth and Emmanuel are) of the pressure of trying to create a positive, welcoming environment, whilst also putting people at ease and encouraging them to focus on God. As always, we recognise and thank those of you who read, who lead prayers, who help prepare the space and the table, who make coffee, etc. Thc Body of Christ may currcntly be small in numb¢r but it is alive and still functioning! May we continue to support each othcr, encourage and pray for one another (and those we serve) as we focus our eyes on you, O Lord, and worship you in spirit and in truth. DR PAUL WHITAKER OBE MUSICAL DIRECTOR DEANERY SYNOD REPORT FOR 2023 Huddersfield and Almondbury and Kirkburton Deaneries continued to meet jointly in 2023 and they held 2 meeting in February and October. This was election year for a new tricnnial and St Cuthbert's has 2 Deanery Synod membcrs elected Dorothy Leech and John Morley. Their first meeting was in October at the Parish Church in Huddersfield. At the February meeting the following items were on the agenda Visiting speaker from Third Sector Leaders (TLS) Updates from both Diocesan and General Synods A discussion around ongoing safeguarding training In AOB Ihe following points were raised - Prayer walking during Lent (Hope Huddersfield initiative) and a brief outline of Martyn's Law (safety in public spaces) In October the following agenda items were presented Advcnt / Christmas resources Diocesan s0d r¢port Discussion about how the Synod can support ministry and mission in the parishes. This item led to a list of speakers to invite to speak at future meetings Election of officers Proposed dates for Synod to meet in 2024 DIOCESE OF LEEDS DIOCESAIY SYNOD REPORT 2023 The Synod met on three occasions in the year, twice on zoom and once in person in Leeds. The following items were raised in March 2023. the appointment of Hon. Assistant Bishop Rt Rev Paul Slater following his retirement as Bishop of Kirkstall (Leeds EA), a report from General Synod and the next steps group planning following the Living in Love and Faith discussions and vote, an update was offered on the Linda Box case and the Barnabus Project and a presentation was given on Bradford UK City of Culture 2025 which was followed by a discussion. In July topics included a motion to pass on prayer requests about the events in Sudan to all parishes, a question about support of the clcrgy during the cost of living crisis and a report from General Synod. There were 2 presentations from Geoff Park (Chief 14
Finance Officer) and John Knox (Head of Diocesan Property Team) and these were followed by a presentation on the review of the Diocesan Overseas Links (Sudan, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, the USA, Germany and Sweden). Many people spoke to the following discussion both powerfully and p¢rsonally about links with individual parishes and schools and the mutual fruitfulness of them. A farewell was said to Archdeacon Peter Townley. The October meeting began with news of an amendment to Canon 42 that effects appointment of Diocesan Safeguarding OtTicers in order to strengthen their ability for the work they need to engage with. A ller presentation was made concerning the Diocesan Overseas Links and Synod then turned to financial matters and the Diocesan budget for 2024 which included a year on ycar share payments increase of 30/0 necessary to return to pre 2019 levels. The Budget was approved. Bishop Nick asked for prayers for the November meeting of General Synod as debates and votes take place on the prayers of Love and Faith next steps. A further update about the Barnabus Project was given that included the opportunity to take part in the Personal Growth and Leadcrship course that some of our members have attended in the last six months. Finally a vote took place on new proposed Deanery Synod allocations for voting for Diocesan Synod representatives. It was also decid¢d that thc following election would be on a first past the post system. REV JOANNE HUSTWICK CLERGY MEMBER OF LEEDS DIOCESAN SYNOD SAFECUARDING REPORT 2023 What is Safeguarding and why is it Important? All individuals have the right to live their life safely and free from any abuse, harn] or neglect. In the current situation that the world finds itself, safeguarding is even more evident as people may be feeling isolatcd, fearful and vulnerable. We should all have an understanding and awareness of what safeguarding is and why it is important. Safeguarding is everybody's business and not just the responsibility of the people who are in authority or who have been appointed to Safeguarding roles. In this ever evolving world we now face new challenges, such as human traICk1ng, modern day slavery and County Lines. It is more important than ever for us all to have sufficient knowlcdge to help ensure everybody can be safe to live full and happy lives. You can find useful inforn]ation on Safeguarding and why it is important by visiting: www.churchofengland.org/more/safeguarding or www.leeds.anglican.org/safe Safeguarding Diocese News The Dioc¢s¢ safeguarding team are available if you have any enquiries they can be contacted on the main otrice no. O I l 3 353 0257 or safeguarding@leeds.anglican.org. 15
Safeguarding Dashboard The Safeguarding Dashboard introduced by the Diocese of Leeds has been implemented within our parish. The dashboard is a vcry us¢ful tool for highlighting all of the safeguarding rcquirements and identifying the aspects which need to be addr¢ssed. The dashboard is completed by the Parish Safeguarding Otyicer and updates are reported to the PCC when required as well as annually in the APCM report. The dashboard has three levels of attainment and as your safeguarding compliance is attained you move to the next level. Level one encompasses policies, procedures, rolcs and training. Safeguarding Officer Each parish is required to appoint a Safeguarding Officer who will work closely with the Incumbent, the PCC Committee, and the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor. Within the Bcnefice we are actively working to appointing a new Safeguarding Officcr and without this appointment some of our dreams and hopes to offer more to the local community and see growth in the church family will not be able to take place. DBS Requirements All PCC members and anyon¢ working with childrcn and lor vulnerable adults in the parish need to hold a current DBS certificate. Karen Haigh has worked hard in the last year to fulfill this requirement. In the coming year she will add any new members of PCC and make sure that renewals for those needing them are obtained. Karen does this role for both parishes in the Benefice. Training A new national program ' Safeguarding Learning Pathways, has being implcmcntcd for safeguarding training which replaces the old levels of training that were available. The requirements for who is required to undertake each training course has also been revised. There are two new courses which have been introduced: Safer Recruitment and People Management and Domestic Abuse Awareness. PCC members require to take the following training. Basic awareness, Foundation and Domestic Abusc. These are delivered online or now can be done in person in a group setting. Online training is freely available for anybody to compl¢te on the Diocesan website at: www.churchof¢ngland.orglsafcguarding/promoting-safcr-church/safeguarding- training Policies All of the parish's policies are ready to update at the first PCC meeting after the APCM. We adopted the safeguarding policy statement 'Promoting a Safer Church, (House of Bishops 2017) at the PCC Meeting in Spring 2023 and this is reviewed annually. The statement confirnis that all people who work in the Church agree to abidc by the 16
policies, recommcndations and guidelines established by the Church. After the review has taken place we will ensure we are fully compliant on both the 'A Church Near You, website and our Facebook page. The Safeguarding Policy booklet is stored within the Vestry at the Church and the notice boards in the church. All contact dctails are to be displayed on the notice board in our churches Future Plans Looking towards the next twelve months our Parish will ensure our policies are kept up to datc and that safeguarding is a standing item on the PCC agenda. We will continue reviewing and completing the dashboard to improve and maintain our compliance. We will implement learning from all training when appointing volunteers in our church and community for all groups. REV JOANNE HUSTWICK- VICAR ST PHILIP, BIRCHENCLIFFE AND ST CUTHBERT'S, BIRKBY CURATE REPORT APRIL 2023 This year has brought new opportunities and developments, with the support of Rev. Joanne and church members. Having decided to reduce my working days to three it has creatcd opportunity to participate in meetings, events, training, clergy away days, and support Godly Play at Birkby Infants school. I have gained more understanding ofthe day-to-day role of being an incumbent, although I have much more to learn. I have chaired the PCC, ministered at Baptisms and recently at a fvneral, and participated with prayers at weddings at St. Stephen's church, Lindley. I was invited to preside at St. Stephen's church, Lindley, supported by Rev. Abbie, which I very much enjoyed, and l appreciate the support and feedback I received. I have also presided at St. John's, BiTkby and Christ Church, Woodhouse, and was welcomed and supported by church members. It has been an amazing journey of faith and reflection participating in the 'Personal Growth and Leadership Programme, with members from St. Philips and St. Cuthberts. This programme continues until March 2024. and has guidcd us a group to reflect on the facilitated sessions content and think about how we can develop thoughts and ideas to enable church growth. Thank you for your help and support and best wishes to all. REV RUTH BRADLEY CURATE 17
USE OF ST CUTHBERT'S BY THE COMMUNITY It is good to see that despite the lack of heating some community groups still value the space that St Cuthbert's can offer for their activities. The Cubs and Beavers continue to meet regularly during terni time. The Ladies exercise group led by Samara Aziz meets twice a week and continues to thrive. We have also been pleased to see the return of Crcative Connections for occasional meetings during the Winter months. The narthex has provided a cosy and welcoming spac¢ for those who value these meetings. New to St Cuthbert's in recent months has bcen the Curling group led by John Morley. The members met for many years at the Stadium Sports Centre but when this closed suddenly in Ihc Autumn the group moved to St Cuthbert's. It may be chilly and the floor may be uneven but we are pleased to offer space so that the group can continue to meet. In addition to these activities Linden Playgroup continues to use the crypt to provide excellent educational opportunities for the Under 5s in the local area. JANE CHESMAN LETTINGS ADMINISTRATOR 11 QUESTIONS ARISING FROM THE REPORTS 12 CLOSING PRAYER FOR THE END OFTHE MEETING 18
ST CUTHBERT'S ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING TH HELD ON SUNDAY 16 APRIL 2023 Chair Rev Joanne Hustwick Present There were 26 members of the congregation present at the meeting (25 adults and 1 child). 1. Apologies for absence Jane Chesman, Paul Whrttaker and Joy Binns. 2. Minutes of last yearfs APCM held on Saturday 30th April 2022 (Appendix 1) Those present at the meetin were asked to approve the minutes of the Parochial Church Meeting held on Saturday 30, April 2022. Seconded Lucille Mitchell Proposed John Morley Approved by all present at the meeting. 3. Matters arising None. 4. Presentation of revised Electoral Roll Sarah had nothing further to add to the report and confirmed the revised Electoral Roll as 39 members with 16 from inside the parish and 23 from outside the parfsh. Rev Joanne thanked Sarah for taking on the role of Electoral Roll Officer and revising the Electoral Roll. Rev Joanne also encouraged anyone not on the Electoral Roll to think about joining so they would be eligible to join the PCC and play an active part in the wnning of the church. 5. Election of 2 members of PCC to serve 3 years No nomination have been received to serve on the PCC. Two PCC members, Lucille Mitchell and Jill Dodd wlll stand down this year. Rev Joanne thanked them both for their sterllng and falthful seIce on the PCC. Unfortunately, wlth vacant posltlons on the PCC, this now puts more pressure on the re- maining PCC members. Addendum- following the meeting Jill Dodd has agreed to continue for another 3 years. 6. Election of 2 Deanery Synod Representatives for the Triennial 2023-2026 Dorothy Leech agreed to continue in the role of Deanery Synod Representative for another 3 years. 19
- Annual Report of the proceedings of the PCC Rev Joanne thanked Sarah for pulling togelher the information for the Annual Report of the proceedings of the PCC. Gill Cheal advised that she was not a co-opted member of the PCC.
- Annual Report of the financial dealings of the Parish Gill Cheal advised that she would finally be stepping down as Treasurer after doing the role for over 10 years, Gill thanked everyone who has helped her during this time. Rev Joanne thanked Gill for doing such an amazing job for such a long time, with no formal training and moving from the old paper system to an online system. Rev Joanne psented Gill with a card and gifts as a token of our appreciation. The new accountsnt Christopher Arckless has examlned the accounts and found no Issues. Chris has agreed to continue as our Independent Examiner and has very kindly donated his fee to the Welcome Centre. Our grateful thanks will be passed onto Chris.
- Presentation of the Annual Accounts for the year endlng 31st December 2020 The accounts have been Independently examined by Chris Arckless and adopted by the PCC. These were accepted by all present at the meeting.
- Appointment of an Independent Examiner Chris Arckless was appointed as the Independent Examiner for both St Cuthbert's and St Philip's with the approval of all those present at the meeting.
- Receive reports from our retiring Church Wardens, Dr Paul Whittaker OBE- Musical Di- rector, Huddersfield Deanery Synod, Safeguarding, Use of St Cuthbert's, Church Groups and Organisations. All the reports were tabled in the APCM booklet.
- Questions arising from the pOrtS No questions were raised. Rev Joanne said that if anyone thought of something they wanted to raise after the meeting, then they could contact her or any member of the PCC.
- Closing Prayer for the end of the meeting. Rev Joanne closed the meeting at 11.35. Sarah presented Rev Joanne with some flowers at the end of the Servi on behalf of the PCC as a thank you for keeping things going in difficult times. Signed Date.................................... 20