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← The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of St Bride's, Old Trafford

2023-12-31-accounts

Annual Report 2023

Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/

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St Bride’s Church, Old Trafford Annual Parochial Church Meeting

Sunday 21st April 2024 at 10:30am

Our Annual Church Meeting is an opportunity to deal with the business of the church, to discuss issues that are concerned with our community life, and to think creatively about our future as we follow God’s leading. Inside this booklet are reports on the activities of the church, which I ask you to read, and so be able to come to the meeting with well prepared questions and ideas for discussion.

Thank you for all that you have done and contributed during this past year, but, most of all, thank you for being part of the family here at St Bride’s. “So then, have your minds ready for action. Keep alert and set your hope completely on the blessing which will be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” – 1 Peter 1:13 (GNB)

Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/

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ST BRIDE’S CHURCH

St Bride’s Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Parish Office: 0161-226 3047 | Email: admin@stbrides.uk

RECTOR: REV’D PETER MATTHEWS

St Bride’s Rectory, 33 Shrewsbury Street, Manchester, M16 9BB Tel: 0161-226 1251 | Email: peter@stbrides.uk

ORDAINED LOCAL MINISTER: REV’D VIV ECCLES

c/o St Bride’s Parish Office, St. Bride’s Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Tel: 0161-226 3047 | Email: viv@stbrides.uk

CHURCHWARDENS 2022/2023:

(vacant)

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL SECRETARY 2022/2023

Nathan Gonzalez, 8 Belmont Street, Old Trafford, Manchester, M16 9JW. Tel: N/A | Email: nathan@stbrides.uk

BANKERS:

Royal Bank of Scotland, Drummond House Branch, 1 Redhaughs Avenue, EDINBURGH, EH12 9JN.

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER:

Mr. John Holdsworth B.A., F.C.C.A., C.Ed.

The Parochial Church Council is registered charity no. 1146679

Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/

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Contents Page
Rector’s Introduction 5
Agenda For Annual Meetings 6
Annual Meeting of Parishioners Minutes 8
Annual Parochial Church Meeting Minutes 9
Electoral Roll Report 12
Secretary to the PCC Report 13
Fabric and Health & Safety Report 14
Safeguarding Report 15
Parish Policy On Safeguarding Children 17
Parish Policy On Safeguarding Adults 18
Treasurer Report 19
The Project 27
Bizzy B’s 28
Welcome & Warm Space 32
Church Administrator Report 34
Prayer Report 36

Charity Number: 1146679

Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/

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Rectors Introduction

Welcome to our St Bride’s Report for the year 2023. Inside you will find descriptions of some of the things we have been doing and you will also find our financial statements and important policy documents. Don't let this put you off! Please read and enjoy as this document is kept as a record of who and what we are and what we are about.

It has been brilliant to see so many new people becoming part of us, coming from diverse backgrounds has given us opportunities to hear different languages in our gatherings - as well as enjoy different wonderful foods - barbeques can never be the same!

Our theme for the year was Closer and so most of our sermons were about how we are called from afar to follow Jesus, getting closer to him to then remain there while resting in his presence and so abiding in him.

The big change for me, and so bringing change to St Bride’s, is that in May I became Rector of St John the Evangelist on Ayres Road, holding it in plurality with St Bride’s. For me this means two churches and two PCCs. I began by being at one church on a Sunday rather than flitting backwards and forwards. This means I can be there for conversations after the service and for any other Sunday events, but it also means I am not at St Bride’s for half of all Sundays and in the week, I am not always available. It has been good to see the growth in relationships that have occurred as so many are welcoming and helping new people become settled.

My hopes for 2024? That we grow ever closer to Jesus and each other as we encourage and build one another up while ministering to those around us.

Thank you for all you have been doing and for being part of this church family. God bless you. Peter.

Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/

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Agenda for Annual Meeting

Meeting of Parishioners (Open to everyone on the Electoral Roll plus all Local Government Electors in the Parish)

  1. Prayer

  2. Apologies for absence

  3. Minutes of the 2022 meeting (These minutes were approved by the PCC on 30th May, 2022)

  4. Election of Churchwardens for 2024/2025 Churchwardens are PCC members ex officio.

  5. Annual Parochial Church Meeting (Open to everyone on the Electoral Roll of the Church. Non-voting observers are welcome.)

  6. Apologies for absence

  7. Minutes of the 2022 (These minutes were approved by the PCC on 30th May, 2022)

  8. Identification of issues for discussion at the APCM or future PCC meetings (Anyone on the Electoral Roll may suggest an item for discussion, but PLEASE be sure to let Peter Matthews or Nathan Gonzalez have notice of the item in advance)

  9. Rector’s Report

  10. Report of Electoral Roll

  11. Report of Secretary to the PCC

  12. Officer Report from PCC Report on Fabric

  13. Report of Parish Safeguarding Officer

  14. Parish Policy on Safeguarding Children

  15. Parish Policy on Safeguarding Adults

  16. Report of Treasurer and Presentation of Accounts for 2023 Independent Examiner for 2023/2024

  17. Report for The Project

  18. Report of Bizzy B’s

  19. Report for Welcome and Warm Space

Charity Number: 1146679

Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/

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  1. Report of Church Administration

  2. Report for Prayer

  3. Election of 1 Deanery Synod Representatives (for 3 years)

  4. Election of 2 Members of the Parochial Church Council

  5. Selection of Sidespeople

  6. Issues for discussion at the APCM (as identified above)

  7. Praying for the work of the church

Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/

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Meeting of Parishioners Minutes

Date: 23rd April 2023
Attendance: Nathan Gonzalez (NG) Linda Penrose (LP) Chara Hosie (CH) John Hosie (JH)
Jeanette Mclaughin (JM) Anthony Taivino (AT) MJ Sharp (MS) Maxine Kohyte
(MK) Scott Hewitt (SH) Cannie Fung Waizz (CFW) Savio Chin (SC) Letty Chin (LC)
Solomon Adebayo (SA) Doug Matthews (DM) Karl Matthews (KM) Bex Matthews
(BM) Rachel LI (RL) Koay Wang (KW) Teresa C (TC) Pheba C (PC) Penny Matthews
(PM) Anthea Thompson (AT) Alma Weeks (AW) Ann-Marie WIlliams (AMW) Angela
Cooper (AC) Roger Gill (RG) Ambrina Gill (AG) Laura Crossman (LC) Susie
Crossman (SC) John Myring (JM) Clare Myring (CM) Sarah Myring (SM) Lynda
Sterling (LS) Peter Matthews (PM) Libby Adderly (LA) Jenni Williams (JW)
Susanna Hewitt (SH)
Apologies: Graham Cooper (GC) Viv Eccles (VE) Rob Eccles (RE)

Meeting Minutes:

Meeting of Parishioners (Open to everyone on the Electoral Roll plus all Local Government Electors in the Parish). 1. Prayer 2. Apologies for absence One Notice of absence sent from GC emailed through on 20.04.2023 3. Corrections for Annual Report Rev’d not rev for Viv Eccles PCC Secretary is Nathan Gonzalez Page 11 paragraph 2 Safeguarding report: no ‘in’

  1. Minutes of the APM 2021 meeting (These minutes were approved by the PCC on 5th May, 2022) 5. Election of Churchwardens for 2022/2023 Churchwardens are PCC members ex officio. No Candidates stood for Churchwarden - No Candidates elected for church warden. 6. Psalm 16 7. Worship 8. Reading: Luke 24:13-35 9. Talk 10. Peace

Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/

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Annual Parochial Church Meeting Minutes

Date: 23rd April 2023
Attendance: Nathan Gonzalez (NG) Linda Penrose (LP) Chara Hosie (CH) John Hosie (JH)
Jeanette Mclaughin (JM) Anthony Taivino (AT) MJ Sharp (MS) Maxine Kohyte (MK)
Scott Hewitt (SH) Cannie Fung Waizz (CFW) Savio Chin (SC) Letty Chin (LC) Solomon
Adebayo (SA) Doug Matthews (DM) Karl Matthews (KM) Bex Matthews (BM) Rachel LI
(RL) Koay Wang (KW) Teresa C (TC) Pheba C (PC) Penny Matthews (PM) Anthea
Thompson (AT) Alma Weeks (AW) Ann-Marie WIlliams (AMW) Angela Cooper (AC)
Roger Gill (RG) Ambrina Gill (AG) Laura Crossman (LC) Susie Crossman (SC) John
Myring (JM) Clare Myring (CM) Sarah Myring (SM) Lynda Sterling (LS) Peter Matthews
(PM) Libby Adderly (LA) Jenni Williams (JW) Susanna Hewitt (SH)
Apologies: Graham Cooper (GC) Viv Eccles (VE) Rob Eccles (RE)

Annual Parochial Church Meeting (Open to everyone on the Electoral Roll of the Church. Non-voting observers are welcome). 1. Minutes of the APCM 2021 (These minutes were approved by the PCC on 5th May 2022) 2. Identification of issues for discussion at the APCM or future PCC meetings (Anyone on the Electoral Roll may suggest an item for discussion, but PLEASE be sure to let Peter Matthews or Nathan Gonzalez have notice of the item by Wednesday, 20th April 2023.) 3. Rector’s Report PM Mentioned about the changes to his role and being in plurality with St John's Church, Old Trafford and his time now being split.

  1. Report of Electoral Roll

CM We have an idea of the numbers that are members. You must be over 16 and worshiped here for 6 months or longer.

  1. Report of Secretary to the PCC

  2. Officer Report from PCC Report on Fabric

GC sent Questions in advance regarding the report on fabric. Regarding the future proposal for the door system. PM Raised the issue of not having church wardens to help with maintenance of the church. It is not PM’s role to maintain the church, he is a church leader.

Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/

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A big thank you to Susanna Hewitt for time contributed to help sorting some maintenance of the building. Thank you to all who have done stuff around the building.

  1. Report of Parish Safeguarding Officer

PM thanked AC for her work as Safeguarding Officer.

  1. Parish Policy on Safeguarding Children This was read out in the meeting.

  2. Parish Policy on Safeguarding Adults This was read out in the meeting.

  3. Report of Treasurer and Presentation of Accounts for 2022 Independent Examiner for 2023/2024

CM raised that LP and CM have been joint treasurers.

CM mentioned that JM has been supporting them with all the financial work for the past year. CM expressed thanks to JM for his support.

CM raised the JM cannot be the treasurer ‘forever’. JM has expressed his intention to stand as PCC treasurer for next year (2023/2024) CM thanked everyone who financially gave to the church.

CM reminded us of the truth that ‘God Provides’.

Deuteronomy 14:22-29 - Our giving is an act of worship. 1 Peter 5: 7

JM suggests to the church to think about our ‘tithe’ and what we can give to the church. JM reminded the church that we do accept church via standing orders, Contactless donation machine and cash.

JM reminded we can complete a Gift Aid Report

The Independent Examiner is John Holdsworth and has said yes to continuing. PM thanks him, CM, LP and JM for their hard work.

  1. Report of Small Groups (Create ‘n’ Connect)

  2. Report of Bizzy B’s

PM thanked Charlotte for her work as the lead of Bizzy B’s.

PM mentioned that Charlotte is stepping down and encouraged us to pray for the next leader whoever it may be going forward.

  1. Report of Cross Yoga

  2. Verbal Report of Prayer from Chara Hosie

Prayer is happening in St Brides and God is at work.

Formal times of Prayer - During the Services (E.G Prayer for Ukraine), Monday Evenings at 7pm,

Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/

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Monday - Thursday 9am Morning Prayers (Uses the C of E Daily Prayer and Praying through prayer requests from the post box)

CH mentioned other times of prayer such as before the project and Bizzy B’s Prayer walking is happening on a Wednesday at 7:30am

2x 24-hour prayer times that happened this year

Others have been involved in leading at Manchester House Of Prayer. If you would like to know more speak to Jenni Williams or Susanna Hewitt.

CH mentioned that JW is exploring the ALM pathway in Prayer.

CH mentioned that Cross Yoga has been useful in supporting the contemplation in prayer. CH mentioned the Lectio Prayer app that people can also use for their prayer.

  1. The Project

PM thanked LP for her work on the project

  1. Report of Church Administration

NG Thanked everyone for their work and support so far.

  1. Election of 2 Deanery Synod Representatives (for 3 years)

Susanna Hewitt Elected as Deanery Synod Rep. Unopposed

  1. Election of 4 Members of the Parochial Church Council

Re Election Linda Penrose

Newly Elected Ann Marie Williams and Anthea Thompson

PM thanked everyone on PCC for their hard work this year.

  1. Praying for the work of the church CH Led us in Prayer with the Lords Prayer

  2. Meeting Closed in worship

Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/

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Electoral Roll Report
Written by Nathan Gonzalez & Clare Myring Date 21.04.2024

The Electoral Roll for St Bride’s Church on 21st April 2024 numbered 50 people. There have been no changes since the last APCM. In 2023 we have had 4 new families join the church, with a total of 10 new people becoming regular members. These changes are not yet reflected on the Electoral Roll. So we have a working electoral roll of 50 people. Nathan Gonzalez (PCC Secretary) & Clare Myring (Electoral Roll Officer)

Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/

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Secretary to the PCC

Written by Nathan Gonzalez Date 27.02.2024

  1. At the beginning of 2022 the elected members of the P.C.C were Susanna Hewitt, Linda Penrose, Douglas Matthews, Nathan Gonzalez, Chara Hosie, Clare Myring, Viv Eccles

  2. Appointed to PCC in the APCM of April 2023, Ann Marie Williams, and Anthea Tompson.

  3. Appointed to PCC as Deanery Synod Representative in the APCM of April 2023, Susanna Hewitt

  4. Still no Appointed Church Warden and 1 Deanery Synod Representative position.

  5. The PCC appointed Nathan Gonzalez to office as PCC secretary. Linda Penrose as Vice Chair. John Myring Co Opted onto the PCC to the office of Treasurer.

  6. The PCC met on 6 Occasions. All in person for PCC members other than Viv Eccles Who could not be present with us but attended over Zoom.

  7. PCC Standing Committee met on 6 occasions between PCC meetings to deal with urgent business and to agree to the PCC Agenda.

  8. Each Meeting included prayer, worship and or a Bible reading, routine reports on finance, safeguarding, small group projects, Mission, Health and Safety, and contributions from Nathan Gonzalez regarding Church Administration who is no longer in post. Each meeting concluded with a review and prayer.

  9. Other business considered by PCC included business regarding building use and space hire with Ramp Church.

Nathan Gonzalez, PCC Secretary

Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/

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Fabric and Health & Safety Report

Written by Peter Matthews Date 12.03.2024

The church building has become a place of leaks due in part to bad quality of build, poor design of drainage and buildup of debris in the gutters which needs removing regularly. Without church wardens we haven't had anyone who has been able to concentrate on keeping up to date with tasks and so to then deal with some long standing issues. While Nathan was administrator, he was able to begin organising some of what needed doing yet as we go into 2024 the eight years of building use are showing their toll on the fabric. The space is excellent and enjoyed by many and we hope to improve on our care and maintenance of this wonderful resource that we thoroughly believe God has gifted us.

There were no major health or safety issues to report, just some minor injuries mostly in the kitchen with abrasions and small burns.

Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/

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Safeguarding Report
Written by Angela Cooper Date 06.02.2024

1. Responsibilities

The Church of England is committed to the protection of all children and adults, especially those who may be vulnerable, for example due to illness or disability. St Bride’s has adopted safeguarding policies which should be reviewed at the A.P.C.M each year. The policies help us to create a safe environment for both children and vulnerable people. They are designed to ensure that volunteers are better prepared to respond to suspicion or allegation of abuse whether the alleged abuse is outside or within the church; also, that the risk be reduced of someone using a position in the church to exploit a person. Safe recruitment and training procedures are in place to enable high standards of care.

2. No-one should drift into helping

Any vacancies should be advertised with a job description. Volunteers need to make a ‘Confidential Declaration’ regarding their suitability to be involved in the area of work. The volunteer is required to make a paper application and references will be taken up. There needs to be an interview and if the person appears to be suitable for the role an application can be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service. The Safeguarding Officer is informed of anything that would make the person unsuitable for the role. The volunteer is then required to take complete on-line training prior to taking on their new role; this involves both Basic and Foundation training and applies to Children’s Workers, Church Wardens, and PCC members. These are available via the following link: https://safeguardingtraining.cofeportal.org/ Anyone who struggles with technology should contact Amanda on 0161 828 1465 to book a face-to-face training session at St John’s House,155-163 The Rock, Bury, BL9 0ND . A record of agreement is signed, and they receive a copy of our ‘Good Practice’ guidelines.

Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/

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3. Support

Working as teams and offering encouragement and constructive criticism is the best safeguard against poor morale and slipping standards.

4. Risks

If the church does not strive to adhere to the policy, the church’s insurance company may refuse to deal with a claim by a child that he or she has been harmed by the negligence of someone acting on behalf of the church. By their hiring agreement the Arabic Church undertakes to follow our child protection policy.

5. Practicalities

The safeguarding board has the Children’s and Vulnerable Adult’s Safeguarding Policies on display as required by the Diocese. The Safeguarding Officer’s photograph and contact telephone number are also on display (also required by the Diocese).

A copy of the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy is available in the church foyer where anyone can access it if they so wish.

The church website includes Safeguarding information.

Angela Cooper (Parish Safeguarding Administrator)

Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/

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Parish Policy On Safeguarding Children

Written by Angela Cooper Adopted May 2017

This statement was agreed at the Parochial Church Council meeting held on 8[th] May 2017. It will be read at the Annual General Meeting held in the month of April each year where progress in carrying it out will be monitored.

Children and young people are part of our church. They have much to give as well as to receive. We will listen to them. As we nurture them in worship, learning, and community life, we will take into account the wishes and feelings of children and young people.

As part of our commitment to children and young people, the P.C.C. has appointed Angela Cooper to be the Parish Safeguarding Officer from April, 2018.

Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/

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Policy on the Safeguarding of Adults in the Church

Written by Angela Cooper Adopted: May 2017

This statement was adopted by St. Bride’s Church at a Parochial Church Council meeting held on 8th May 2017

This policy will be reviewed each year to monitor the progress which has been achieved.

  1. We recognize that everyone has different levels of vulnerability and that each of us may be regarded as vulnerable at some time in our lives.

  2. As members of this parish we commit ourselves to respectful pastoral care for all adults to whom we minister.

  3. We commit ourselves to the safeguarding of people who may be vulnerable, ensuring their well-being in the life of this church.

  4. We commit ourselves to promoting safe practice by those in positions of trust.

  5. The parish commits itself to promoting the inclusion and empowerment of people who may be vulnerable.

  6. It is the responsibility of each of us to prevent the physical, emotional, sexual, financial and spiritual abuse of vulnerable people and to report any such abuse that we discover or suspect.

  7. We undertake to exercise proper care in the appointment and selection of those who will work with people who may be vulnerable.

  8. The parish is committed to supporting, resourcing, training and regularly reviewing those who undertake work amongst people who may be vulnerable.

  9. The parish adopts the guidelines of the Church of England and the Diocese. 10. Each person who works with vulnerable people will agree to abide by these recommendations and the guidelines established by this church.

Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/

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Treasurers Report for Year to 31 st December 2023

Written by John Myring Date: 04.03.2024

Managing the Finances of the Church is an ongoing challenge; I would like to hope that it will get easier, but I fear it will be an ongoing challenge.

During 2023 whilst regular giving continues its slow decline, we have been blessed with opportunities to generate income from people wanting to use the Building. Unfortunately, the running costs have escalated, with energy, maintenance and other regular running costs increasing by 80% in just a year.

The Financial impact of this has meant that in 2023 we have an overall deficit £2,200 compared to the previous years’ surplus of £4,600. The General Fund is responsible for this loss; the Project working with the Red Cross in supporting Asylum seekers shows a small deficit, mainly due to the timing of receipts from Fundraising efforts of the Big Breakfast Team, whilst the Youth and Children’s Fund continues to grow, although this growth has now slowed.

General Fund

The General Fund is where the day-to-day Income and Expenditure of keeping the Church running. is recorded. In 2023 our running costs exceeded our income by £2,300, a small increase from the deficit of £750 in 2022. Overall income increased £12,800, an encouraging 34%. Year on year Regular Giving to Church declined further by 6%, a trend that seems likely to happen into 2024. And as a consequence, our related Gift Aid income is smaller. Income from the use of the building more than trebled against the previous year; our challenge is now to sustain that level of income in coming years. We were also blessed by a one-off grant from the Diocese of £2,800 to help with the energy costs explosion that all Churches suffered. Collections, Fundraising, and other donations show small increases over 2022. Overall, our income was up 31% on the previous year, but this did not cover the 34% increase in our running costs.

Charity Number: 1146679

Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/

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An increase of £14,400 in expenditure is higher running costs in most areas. Energy Costs increased 75% year on year (these have now been capped and are beginning to decline). Maintenance costs are up by 80% and show no signs of declining and our Parish Share contribution (being our single largest cost) was 10% higher. Gas & Electric costs increased a staggering £650 per month over the previous year. Opportunities for savings elsewhere were limited, so the year-on-year increase in expenditure was 34%.

The deficit of £2,300 in the year reduced the level of the General Fund to £12,810 at the year end, leaving the General Fund in a reasonable position. The continuing high level of fuel costs and maintenance expenditure that are included in the 2024 give much concern over the future financial health of the Church.

The proposed Budget for 2024 attempts to reflect the impact of known and anticipated changes to activities in the Church and its Building. We continue to see reductions in regular giving from members of the Church; we can only pray that new people joining us may help and reverse this trend. Income from the use of the Church building will be much lower; the harsh reality is that we do not have the volunteers available to enable us to generate the income that we would like to from the building we have been blessed with. Overall, the Income in the proposed 2024 Budget shows a worrying 25% decrease versus the actual income for 2023.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem realistic to forecast such a significant reduction in expenditure. Our Parish Share is now agreed for the next three years the challenge for us will be to meet it in full. Our energy costs have started to fall and are being closely monitored but are still a major part of our running costs. Maintenance costs continue to be a big uncertainty particularly relating to the roof of the Church building; there are a number of projects that could be done but the funding is not easily available.

Work continues in controlling running costs, but the emphasis must be on increasing income to a satisfactory level. The proposed Budget, with full payment of the Parish Share, shows

Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/

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there will be a significant deficit in 2024 of over £12,000; which will wipe out the General Reserve and is not a position that can be repeated in future years; we just won’t have the money unless we increase our Income streams.

Designated Funds

Overall, these showed a balanced position in the year, but as usual this statement doesn’t reflect fully the blessings and challenges in a number of areas: -

Youth and Children’s Work – The Church has paused its Youth work and the ongoing activities with the Children have small running costs; we can plan going forward with sufficient resources.

St Brides Project – the Clients are attending every two weeks and being supported by cash donations, funded by the Red Cross, and from the efforts our wonderful friends at the Big Breakfast. Other funding is proving difficult to achieve so their efforts are really appreciated as they contributed over £10,000 in the year, which makes the work sustainable and enables us to top up the money provided by the Red Cross.

Other Funds – These funds are for income and related costs for Church activities that have taken place over the year.

We continue to thank God for his generosity and provision.

John Myring PCC Treasurer March 2024

Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/

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General Fund - Budget 2024 12 Months to 31st December

Written by John Myring John Myring John Myring Date: Date: Date: 04.03.2024 04.03.2024 04.03.2024
2023 2023 2024
Budget Actuals Budget
Full Year Proposed
INCOME
Regular Giving - Church £21,050 £24,149 £21,580
Collections Donations & Fund Raising £2,240 £3,448 £3,840
Income from Use of Building £7,025 £16,455 £9,130
Gift Aid Reclaimed £5,450 £6,345 £5,890
Energy Grant from Diocese £500 £2,830 £0
Energy Rebates (Solar) £750 £770 £750
Total Income for Year £37,015 £53,997 £41,190
EXPENDI
TURE
Parish Share £20,335 £20,380 £20,465
Gas £5,160 £9,800 £6,720
Electric £9,000 £8,531 £6,292
Water £300 £2,017 £1,050
Insurance £1,722 £1,722 £1,744
Maintenance & Cleaning
Maintenance & Decorating £3,920 £5,682 £6,410
Cleaning Contract & Supplies £240 £524 £1,320
Incumbents and Curates Expenses
Vicars expenses £510 £222 £300
Rectory Costs
Council Tax £2,280 £2,283 £2,400
Water Rates £425 £767 £800
Office & Administration
Church Office Phones & Internet £810 £1,093 £1,020
Audit Fee £250 £225 £250
Bank Charges £420 £373 £360
Services & Mission

Charity Number: 1146679

Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/

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Giving £750 £0 £750
Alpha/Mission £750 £25 £250
Church Breakfast £500 £300 £500
CCLI & Other Licences £500 £537 £550
Sundries £2,400 £1,833 £2,400
Total Expenditure for Year £50,272 £56,314 £53,581
Surplus/(Deficit) for Period -£13,257 -£2,317 -£12,391

Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/

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Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/

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Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/

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Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/

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The Project

Written by Linda Penrose Date: 23.03.2024

The Project has continued to run for the whole of 2023. We have met fortnightly and provided the asylum seekers with money. The British Red Cross have continued to offer face to face case work despite considerable staff changes.

We have continued to serve hot food, cooked each week by volunteer asylum seekers and served to people in their seats by more volunteer service users. It has been wonderful to partner in this way. We continue to have a prayer time at 11.30am before opening at 12 – sometimes with prayers in up to 5 languages.

At Christmas we were treated to Ethiopian Christmas fare and each service user received a Christmas gift. Many thanks to all the people who worked together to make that happen. As usual there are many people to thank for helping to keep things going, so if you are one of them please consider yourselves thoroughly thanked.

Also thanks to Big Breakfast who have continued to fundraise for us, without whose contribution we would be struggling as Trafford Housing Trust have been taken over by a company who do not offer community grants.

We had a great time celebrating refugee week .

Throughout the year we have been delighted to have former service users return to celebrate with us when their applications have been accepted.

Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/

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Bizzy B’s

Written by Charlotte Bushell Date: 16.04.2024

Bizzy B’s is a popular place to be on a Friday morning! (There are about 50 children and their grown-ups.) Bizzy B’s is a stay and play, pre-school group for any parents, carers, and their children in the Old Trafford area (M15 and M16 postcodes) held on Friday mornings at St. Bride’s Church. The aim of the group is to provide a safe and welcoming place where families can come to spend time together, meet and connect with other people in the neighborhood who are at a similar life stage. Those who come not knowing anyone, are introduced to others in the group.

The volunteers kindly serve this community of Old Trafford and the leaders aim to show Jesus’ love to everyone who comes to Bizzy B’s. We’ve been really encouraged by how appreciative people are of Bizzy B’s; people seem to enjoy the space at St. Bride’s church as it’s big, light, and bright and there is space to be outside.

We want Bizzy B’s to always be outward focussed, so new people are welcomed in. We want it to be a diverse group of families reflecting the community of Old Trafford. And for it to be a safe place where people are comfortable at church because of the peace of the Holy Spirit and the love of Jesus the volunteers share.

The play equipment and toys are kept clean and in good working order. The garden space and outside equipment is always popular when it’s dry. We have a song time, when we all come together at the end of the session and we have a snack time for the children and offer (much needed!) tea and coffee and some treats to grown-ups!

Throughout the Bizzy B’s year, it’s great to mark the Christian calendar and the positive seasonal celebrations to offer a change to what can become the repetitive rhythm of parenting little ones, to bring encouragement and opportunities to share Jesus’ love. We invite the Bizzy B’s community to church services and events throughout the year.

We marked Easter with a craft and explaining the significance of Easter for Christians. We’ve given flowers, gifts and cards of encouragement for Mother’s and Father’s Day, and at Christmas we had a special Bizzy B’s gathering with treats, Christmas carols and time to share the real meaning of Christmas through the nativity story. We also gifted all the children a Christmas book to take home.

Our group of volunteers are faithful, fun and amazing people. Charlotte Bushell leads Bizzy B’s with Linda Penrose and Clare Myring. John Myring kindly sets up and clears away for us. Barbara and Nat run the kitchen and Emma helps out with everything! We also have a few

Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/

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volunteers from the Bizzy B’s community, but more volunteers are always welcome, if you know anyone who would like to get involved, do get in touch! Charlotte will be stepping down from leading the team this summer, so please pray for the team as we look to recruit new volunteers and leaders.

Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/

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Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/

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Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/

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Charity Number: 1146679
Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW
Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/ 32
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Welcome & Warm Space

Written by Peter Matthews Date: 13.3.2024

Welcome Space was Warm Space in the winter months! Both were the time for the church to be open on a Tuesday afternoon with free refreshments available throughout and a place for people to come to chat, or not, and to play some tabletop games if they like and a few people have come along to regularly help out.

A community exercise group began to use the main space for an hour when the weather was too bad for them to be in the park. The numbers haven’t ever been high but there are plenty of times we get new people and visitors. The pile of bibles and gospels slowly goes down from these kind of events as people every now and then ask about them and if they can have one. We never refuse and we let them know they can come along to us to chat about anything interesting or confusing that they may find.

Charity Number: 1146679

Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/

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Church Administrators Report

Written by Nathan Gonzalez Date: 04.03.2024

Over the course of the past two years, we have seen a growth in regular revenue as a result of space hire in the church building. With this we have seen connections with social enterprises and local charities to support us in our mission and vision as a church who want to serve and love the local community and for people to come to know the presence of Christ who walks with us every day.

Though I write this report for the last APCM and am no longer the Church Administrator. The Church Administration is in a much better position than it was two years ago. Some achievements from last year include.

These are only some of the achievements as Administrator for St Brides and although I am no longer in post as of the end of 2023. It has been a privilege to have been able to support St Brides.

It is my recommendation to the PCC of 2024 - 2025.

Charity Number: 1146679

Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/

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Administrator role will pay for itself and support the long term sustainability for the church.

Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/

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Prayer Report
Written by Jenni WIlliams Date: 15.04.2024

Prayer is extremely important in building our relationship with Jesus and as a church we believe it should be central in all that we do.

There have been regular opportunities to meet to pray outside of Sunday mornings, people have gathered regularly on Monday and Wednesday mornings and on Monday evenings to pray.

We have an email address and a prayer box where people have requested prayer for specific things.

We have offered and prayed for people during the service.

The prayer rota has been developed so more people can lead us in prayers on a Sunday Morning.

Thank you to all who have served in this way, it has been very much appreciated.

If you feel you would like to be involved in leading the prayers, please come and talk to me.

Jenni Williams

Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/

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Thank you for taking the time to read our annual report. We ask that you continue to pray for us as a church as we enter into this next annual year.

If you feel prompted or would like to support some of the projects or groups that happen throughout the week then please don't be afraid to get intouch.

May the Lord Bless you and Keep you in his eternal love.

Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/

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