2024-12-31-accounts

Annual

Report 2024

Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/ 1

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

Sunday 11th May 2025 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/ 2

ST BRIDE’S CHURCH

St Bride’s Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Parish Office: 0161-226 3047 | Email: [e-mail]

RECTOR: REV’D PETER MATTHEWS

St Bride’s Rectory, 33 Shrewsbury Street, Manchester, M16 9BB Tel: [phone] | Email: [e-mail]

ORDAINED LOCAL MINISTER: REV’D VIV ECCLES

c/o St Bride’s Parish Office, St. Bride’s Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Tel: [phone] | Email: [e-mail]

CHURCHWARDENS

(vacant)

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL SECRETARY

Nathan Gonzalez, 8 Belmont Street, Old Trafford, Manchester, M16 9JW. Tel: [phone] | Email: [e-mail] or [e-mail]

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/ 3

Contents Page ~~a~~ Rector’s Introduction 5 ~~po~~ Agenda For Annual Meetings 7 ~~po~~ Annual Meeting of Parishioners Minutes 9 ~~po~~ Annual Parochial Church Meeting Minutes 10 ~~po~~ Electoral Roll Report 12 ~~po~~ Secretary to the PCC Report 13 ~~po~~ Fabric and Health & Safety Report 14 ~~po~~ Safeguarding Report 15 ~~po~~ Parish Policy On Safeguarding Children 16 ~~po~~ Parish Policy On Safeguarding Adults 17 ~~po~~ Treasurer Report 18 ~~po~~ The Project 25 ~~po~~ Bizzy B’s 26 ~~po~~ Welcome & Warm Space 28 ~~po~~ Prayer Report 29 ~~po~~

Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/ 4

Rectors Introduction

Welcome to the St Bride’s Report for 2024. Within these pages, you will find an overview of the activities, achievements, and progress our church community has made over the past year. In addition, the report includes our financial statements and key policy documents. While these may seem dry at first glance, they are an integral part of documenting who we are, what we stand for, and the work we undertake together as a church family. I encourage you to read through and reflect on all that God has been doing among us.

This year, we have been blessed to continue our services and ministries, focusing on the Gospel readings from the lectionary, primarily drawn from Mark. These passages have been the foundation of our sermons, inspiring and guiding our community. Furthermore, several members of St Bride’s participated in a St John’s Bible study group that commenced in the spring and also explored Mark’s Gospel. Remarkably, one member of this group made the life-changing decision to become a follower of Jesus. This profound moment serves as a reminder of the eternal impact our words, actions, and relationships can have on the individuals within our community. This report highlights some of the ways we are serving and making a difference.

Looking ahead to 2025, my prayer and vision for St Bride’s is that we grow into a church that reaches out even more boldly with the Good News of Jesus, making a tangible impact by forming deeper connections and nurturing more disciples.

Thank you for your dedication, your faith, and your invaluable contributions to this church family. May God bless you abundantly.

Peter

Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/ 5

Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/ 6

Agendas for Annual Meetings

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 2024 meeting. (These minutes were approved by the PCC on 29th May, 2023)

4. Election of Churchwardens. Churchwardens are PCC members ex officio.

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

1. Apologies for absence

2. Minutes of 2024 APCM. (These minutes were approved by the PCC on 29th May, 2024)

3. 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)

4. Rector’s Report

5. Report of Electoral Roll

6. Report of Secretary to the PCC

7. Officer Report from PCC Report on Fabric

8. Report of Parish Safeguarding Officer

9. Parish Policy on Safeguarding Children

10. Parish Policy on Safeguarding Adults

11. Report of Treasurer and Presentation of Accounts for 2024 and Independent Examiner for Report for 2024

12. Report for The Project

13. Report of Bizzy B’s

14. 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/ 7

1. Report for Prayer

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

3. Election of Members of the Parochial Church Council

4. Selection of Sidespeople

5. Issues for discussion at the APCM (as raised with the rector or PCC secretary 24 hours prior to the meeting)

6. 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/ 8

Meeting of Parishioners Minutes ~~|~~

|~~|~~|Meeting of Parishioners Minutes
~~|~~| |---|---| |Date:|21st April 2024| |Attendance:|Nathan Gonzalez (NG) Susanna Hewitt (SH) Scott Hewitt (SH) Linda Penrose (LP)
John Myring (JM) Peter Matthews (PM) Penny Matthews (PM) Clare Myring (CM)
Rachel Dean (RD) Jenni Williams (JW) Anthea Thompson (AT) Graham Cooper
(GC) Chara Hosie (CH) John Hosie (JH) Roger Gill (RG) Noor Gill (NG) Ruben Gill
(RG) Faiza Gill (FG) Ambrina Gill (AG) MJ Sharp (MS) Linda Sterling (LS) Malc
Sterling (MS) Alma Weekes (AW) Rob Eccles (RE) Viv Eccles (VE) Fred Walters
(FW) Kai Fu (Carlos) Law (KFL) Hin Chi (Ginny) Wong (HCW) Wai Yee Cannie
Fung (WYCF) Po Yuen Paul Kung (PYPK) Sangwahi Nkhwazi (SK)| |Apologies:|Douglas Matthews (DM) Susie Crossman (SC)|

Meeting Minutes:

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

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 2023 meeting (These minutes were approved by the PCC on 14th May, 2023)

4. Election of Churchwardens 2023/2024. Churchwardens are PCC members ex officio.

No Candidates stood for churchwarden - No Candidates elected for churchwarden. . Meeting Concluded 10:44 am

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

Annual Parochial Church Meeting Minutes ~~Pf~~

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||| |---|---| |Date:|21st April 2024| |Attendance:|Nathan Gonzalez (NG) Susanna Hewitt (SH) Scott Hewitt (SH) Linda Penrose (LP)| |John Myring (JM) Peter Matthews (PM) Penny Matthews (PM) Clare Myring (CM)| |Rachel Dean (RD) Jenni Williams (JW) Anthea Thompson (AT) Graham Cooper (GC)| |Chara Hosie (CH) John Hosie (JH) Roger Gill (RG) Noor Gill (NG) Ruben Gill (RG)| |Faiza Gill (FG) Ambrina Gill (AG) MJ Sharp (MS) Linda Sterling (LS) Malc Sterling| |(MS) Alma Weekes (AW) Rob Eccles (RE) Viv Eccles (VE) Fred Walters (FW) Kai Fu| |(Carlos) Law (KFL) Hin Chi (Ginny) Wong (HCW) Wai Yee Cannie Fung (WYCF) Po| |Yuen Paul Kung (PYPK) Sangwahi Nkhwazi (SK)| |Apologies:|Douglas Matthews (DM) Susie Crossman (SC)| |1.|Annual Parochial Church Meeting (Open to everyone on the Electoral Roll of the Church.| |Non-voting observers are welcome.)| |Whole Church Said hi to Viv who joined over the phone as she could not be with us in person. Viv| |is celebrating it being 30 years since becoming a minister.|

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1. Apologies for absence 3. Minutes of 2023 APCM. (These minutes were approved by the PCC on 14th May, 2023) 4. 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)

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||| |---|---| |GC asked for Time to read the report as it was sent out late|.| |5.|Rector’s Report| |6.|Report of Electoral Roll| |NG to take on electoral roll officer.| |7.|Report of Secretary to the PCC| |Corrections Standing Committee met on 6 occasions not 2.| |8.|Officer Report from PCC Report on Fabric| |9.|Report of Parish Safeguarding Officer|

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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/ 10

PM mentioned a massive thank you to Angela Cooper for her service as our Safeguarding Officer. PM also outlined the importance of a safeguarding officer and as AC is now stepping down we need one. If someone feels prompted, then please come chat to PM. New safeguarding officer to re-write the safeguarding policies.

1. Parish Policy on Safeguarding Children Read out by CM.

2. Parish Policy on Safeguarding Adults Read out by LP.

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

JM Gave a brief talk about the church’s financial situation.

PM Briefly spoke about our expectation that we do not want people to give what is not practical and for individuals to ‘live’. However, for those with more flexible income to consider what they give.

CM Briefly spoke about giving and our future ‘giving Sunday’. JM Proposed the accounts, GC Seconded, Carried Unanimously.

1. Report for The Project

2. Report of Bizzy B’s

3. Report for Welcome and Warm Space

4. Report of Church Administration

5. Report for Prayer

6. Election of 1 Deanery Synod Representatives (for 3 years) No one stood for Election of Deanery Synod.

7. Election of 2 Members of the Parochial Church Council

PCC welcomed Susie Crossman and John Myring onto PCC.

1. Selection of Sidespeople

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

3. 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/ 11

Electoral Roll Report ~~ee~~ Written by Nathan Gonzalez and Clare Myring Date April 2025 ~~a es~~

Introduction

This report provides an overview of the Electoral Roll for the past year prior to the APCM of 2025. The purpose of the Electoral Roll is to maintain an up-to-date record of individuals eligible to participate in governance and decision-making processes within the church.

• The total number of individuals on the Electoral Roll remains at 50.

• No new registrations or removals were recorded.

The electoral roll will be renewed in April 2025 before the APCM of 2025.

Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/ 12

Secretary to the PCC ~~ee~~ Written by Nathan Gonzalez Date 20.09.2024 ~~a es~~ 1. At the beginning of 2024 the elected members of the PCC were Susanna Hewitt, Linda Penrose, Nathan Gonzalez, Clare Myring, Douglas Matthews, Chara Hosie, Viv Eccles, Anne Marie Williams and Anthea Thompson.

1. Appointed to PCC in the APCM of April 2024, Susie Crossman and John Myring.

2. Those leaving PCC as of the APCM of 2024; Douglas Matthews, Chara Hosie, Viv Eccles.

3. No Appointment of Deanery Synod Representative positions in APCM of 2024.

4. Still no Appointed Church Warden.

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

6. The PCC met on five occasions after the APCM.

7. PCC Standing Committee met on four 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 and outward focus and Health and Safety,.

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

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/ 13

Fabric and Health & Safety Report ~~Pe~~

Written by Peter Matthews Date 24.01.2025 ~~e e s~~ The St. Bride’s building and site continue to see steady use, both for our regular activities (detailed elsewhere in this report) and by external groups. Notably, The Urban Fitness Collective CIC (Tuf*C) utilises Room 4 as an office and meeting space, and MSC Food Bank operates on Wednesdays to deliver its vital services.

However, this year has not been without challenges. The building has faced several issues, primarily due to the deteriorating roof, which has caused leaks and subsequent problems. The boiler also required significant maintenance, and the electronic lock on the office door ceased functioning. While we’ve managed to repair the boiler to some extent, a full pump replacement is planned for 2025. Additionally, the underfloor heating in the Worship Space stopped working toward the end of 2024, just before Christmas. Fortunately, that repair should be completed by the time this report is published.

These ongoing issues highlight the scale of work still needed to bring the building to a better standard. The main barriers are the high costs involved and the lack of personnel to organise and oversee maintenance. I would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Nathan Gonzalez and John Myring for stepping in on numerous occasions to address urgent issues.

On the positive side, we’ve been diligent in maintaining regular checks on the lift, which remains in excellent condition, on the gas boiler, and on the fire alarm system. Unfortunately, water damage has affected a sensor upstairs, and corrosion has impacted an alarm button downstairs, both of which require attention. We still have a need to replace the emergency lights for all the rooms upstairs and are in discussion with the diocese for how best to go about this.

Looking ahead to 2025, it would be wonderful to see the building used more frequently—not just for church-related activities but also for community events. To achieve this, we need more practical and organised individuals to take on the challenges of maintaining and improving the building. Addressing our financial challenges could also be supported by increasing space hire opportunities and prioritizing work to make the building watertight.

The Quinquennial Report is scheduled for the first quarter of 2025.

Peter

Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/ 14

			Safeguarding Report
Written by ~~a~~		Jenni Williams	Date ~~es~~	19.02.2025

We are committed to the protection of all children and adults, especially those who may be vulnerable for varying reasons.

There are practices in place at St Bride’s to keep children and adults safe.

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.

Safe recruitment and training procedures are in place to enable high standards of care. 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 and complete online training prior to taking on their new role. The Diocese provides training throughout the Diocese which the volunteer is required to attend. A record of agreement is signed, and they receive a copy of our ‘Good Practice’ guidelines.

The safeguarding board has the Children 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.

The church website includes Safeguarding information.

It is important to state that Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me or the Diocesan Safeguarding Office. (Contact information is on the Safeguarding board.)

Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/ 15

Parish Policy On Safeguarding Children ~~Pe~~ Written by Jenni Williams Adopted January 2025 ~~e e s~~

This statement was agreed at the PCC meeting held on: 8th January 2025

1. As members of this church, we commit ourselves to the nurturing, protection and safekeeping of all, especially children and young people.

2. It is the responsibility of each one of us to prevent the physical, sexual and emotional abuse of children and young people and to report any abuse discovered or suspected.

3. We recognise that our work with children and young people is the responsibility of the whole Church.

4. Our church is committed to supporting, resourcing and training those who work with children and young people and to provide supervision.

5. Our church is committed to following the policy and procedures published by the Diocese.

6. The parish will adopt good practice guidelines.

7. Each worker with children and young people must undertake Diocesan Safeguarding training, know the guidelines and undertake to follow them. Each shall be given a copy of the Parish’s agreed procedures and good practice guidelines.

As part of our commitment to children and young people, the PCC has appointed Jenni Williams to he the Parish Safeguarding Coordinator.

• Children and young people are an important part of our Church today.

• They have much to give as well as to receive.

• We will listen to them.

• As we nurture them in worship, learning, and in community life, we will respect the wishes and feelings of children and young people.

Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/ 16

Policy on the Safeguarding of Adults in the Church ~~PT~~ Written by Jenni Williams Adopted: January 2025 ~~a es~~

This statement was agreed at the PCC meeting held on: 8th January 2025

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

1. We recognise 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.

This church appoints Jenni Williams to represent the concerns and views of vulnerable people at our meetings and to outside bodies.

Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/ 17

Treasurer’s Report for Year to 31 st December 2024 ~~PT~~ Written by John Myring Date: February 2025 ~~a es~~

Managing the Finances of the Church continues to be a challenge for those involved. In last year’s report I had hoped that it would get easier, but that hope was unfounded; another deficit and an ever-growing list of things that need doing around the building.

During 2024 our Income from regular giving continued its slow decline, and the opportunities to generate income from people wanting to use the Building were diminished. Fortunately, running costs have decreased with reductions in energy costs, and a capping on what was spent on maintenance and other regular running costs have seen an overall reduction in expenditure. The Financial impact of all this has meant that in 2024 we have an overall surplus of £4,300 compared to the previous years’ deficit of £2,300. The General Fund continues its trend of being in a deficit. The Project, working with the Red Cross in supporting Asylum seekers, shows a substantial surplus, thanks to the efforts of the Big Breakfast Team.

General Fund

The General Fund is where the day-to-day Income and Expenditure of keeping the Church running is recorded. In 2024 our running costs exceeded our income by £3,000, a small increase from the deficit of £2,300 in 2023. Overall, income was reduced by £7,800, a worrying 15%. Year on year Regular Giving to Church declined a further by 7%, a trend that seems unlikely to be reversed in 2025, and related Gift Aid income is also lower. Income from the use of the building is 1/3rd less than previous year; we continue to work out how we can sustain this and increase this income source. We were also surprised by an unexpected rebate of our energy costs from prior years of £2,050. Collections, Fundraising and other donations show small increases over the previous year. Overall, income is down by almost 15% on the previous year; running costs were reduced by 12.5% so there was still an overall deficit of £3,000.

Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/ 18

With careful management of costs expenditure has been reduced by £7,000 from 2023, a decrease of 12%, This is primarily due to the lower Gas and Electric costs (£5,000), lower water rates and careful management of other running costs. Maintenance costs are similar year on year as a result of us doing what was essential and what we could afford. Our Parish Share contribution (being our single largest cost) was similar to 2023.

The deficit of £3,000 in the year further reduced the level of the General Fund to below £10,000, leaving the General Fund at a level that is only just acceptable.

The proposed Budget for 2025 attempts to reflect the impact of known and anticipated changes to activities in the Church and our Building. We hope the reductions in regular giving from members of the Church reverses, but it is still felt to be very fragile. We continue to pray that new people joining us may help to reverse this falling trend. Income from the use of the Church building is assumed to be similar. We continue to lack the volunteers available to enable us to generate the income that we would like from the Building we have been blessed with. Overall, the Income in the proposed 2025 Budget shows a small decrease versus the actual income for 2024.

In line with all the Parishes in Manchester Diocese we have had discussions about what level of Parish Share we can realistically afford to pay in 2025 and future years. We have now agreed a reduction of over 25% to £15,000 as a basis for the next few years. Our energy costs have started to fall and have been fixed at a lower level for the next two years. Maintenance costs continue to be a big uncertainty and will have to be carefully managed to ensure we get the balance between what is essential and what we can afford. It continues to be the situation that 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 much reduced payment of the Parish Share, shows there will be a balanced budget 2025. We have to work together to try and increase income in order to have the funding to address the maintenance wish list.

Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/ 19

Designated Funds

Overall these funds showed a much healthier 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 mainly paused its Youth work and the ongoing activities with the Children have small running costs. We can plan going forward with sufficient resources. All expenditure in the year was covered by the Income that was received.

• St Brides Project – The Clients continue to attend every two weeks and are supported mainly by cash donations. The level of funding provided by the Red Cross has reduced significantly in 2024. The Project is now only sustainable thanks to the hard work of our friends at the Big Breakfast. Other funding is proving difficult to achieve so their efforts are really appreciated as they contributed over £11,500 in the year which makes th work possible.

• 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.

Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/ 20

General Fund - Budget 2024 12 Months to 31st December

Written by John Myring Date: 04.03.2024

Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/ 21

Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/ 22

Charity Number: 1146679

Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/ 23

Charity Number: 1146679

Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/ 24

The Project ~~ee~~	The Project ~~ee~~	The Project ~~ee~~	The Project ~~ee~~
Written by Linda Penrose Date: ~~a~~		5/03/2025
	The Project has continued to run for the whole of 2024.

We 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 11.30 am before opening at 12.00 – sometimes with prayers in up to 5 languages.

We had a wonderful celebration meal for Refugee week with food from all over the world.

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.

Grace and Mark continue to do amazing work with the clothes stall, sorting and sourcing secondhand clothes and new underwear. Thank you for your hard work.

We have also partnered with Reboot to provide new fitted shoes for service users.

As usual there are many people to thank for helping to keep things going, so if you are one of them, please consider yourself thoroughly thanked.

Also, thanks to Big Breakfast who have continued to fundraise for us, not batting an eyelid when BRC changed their financing suddenly and drastically. The Big Breakfast raised over £1000 immediately and has continued to do so monthly. Thank you. You are a true blessing to us.

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/ 25

Bizzy B’s

Written by Clare Myring Date: 18/03/2025

All ready!

2024 was a year that saw a lot of changes at Bizzy B’s behind the scenes, but I’m happy to say the little people who come with their parents and carers were not affected and continue to come and enjoy Friday mornings filled with play, fun, friendship and love.

Our first two terms followed the normal routine, with Mother’s Day and Father’s Day marked with chocolate gifts, and Easter with the telling of the Easter story at Singing Time, and of course, Easter eggs for everyone. However, our team leader Charlotte Bushell gave us notice with sadness that she was returning to work full-time and would not be continuing in September. We are so grateful to Charlotte for her love for Bizzy B’s and her hard work, leadership, and example. You can be sure the team has missed her.

In the summer Linda Penrose and I stepped up to share overall responsibility for Bizzy B’s, but we really cannot do it without the ongoing support of our lovely volunteers. Barbara and Natalie provide endless brews and the appreciated fruit and toast for Snack Time.

Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/ 26

Emma is our all-rounder, doing a bit of everything as needed. John organises the getting out of the equipment, with the help of people who come early (especially Razia), and putting this away. We now have a team taking it in turns to do Singing Time: Jayne, Hannah, Andy, Jenni, and Ron have all had a go! Linda and I guard the door to welcome everyone and prevent escapes! Everyone has done an amazing job, and we cannot thank you enough for the way we all work together to make sure the children have fun and the grownups can relax.

We had a maximum of 59 adults bringing 66 children in one week, but we average around 50 children who come each week. We collected food for the Booth Centre and MSC Food Bank in October to mark Harvest time and we celebrated Christmas with a visit from Wiggle the Worm who told the Christmas story (with the help of Jo Haslem, Manchester Diocese Early Years Advisor) and provided a gift of board books (The Nativity) for the children.

Jo told us one of the parents said, despite the mayhem going on all around, she finds Bizzy B’s a calm and peaceful place, a refuge. Someone told me it is a sanctuary. It is our prayer that everyone who comes through the door will be blessed and know the love of God.

In action! Bizzy B’s Photo’s Nov/Dec 2024 (Permissions given)

Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/ 27

Welcome & Warm Space ~~Pe~~
Written by Peter Matthews Date: January 2025 ~~ee~~ ~~s~~

Welcome Space has been running most Tuesdays from noon until 2 p.m., and often a bit longer, throughout the year. It provides a welcoming environment where anyone can come to sit, chat, or simply enjoy some peace and quiet. There’s always food and drink available — mostly snacks, but occasionally something more substantial, like cheese on toast with salad.

While we haven’t seen large crowds, a small core group of 8 to 10 regular attendees has formed, and on one occasion, we welcomed over 20 visitors. Being open and accessible has also led to people dropping by to ask about community services or church events. We’ve had opportunities to give away a couple of Bibles and pray with individuals for various needs.

Over the year we’ve seen relationships deepen and strengthen, and it’s clear that Welcome Space has become a valued part of the week for some. When we’ve had to close, it’s been noticeably missed.

To continue running effectively, we need more volunteers, particularly Christians, ideally from local churches. Looking ahead, it would be wonderful to reintroduce a Christian small group that could meet after Welcome Space. This would provide an opportunity to guide interested attendees toward deeper connections and faith-based discussions while they’re already available.

On a personal note, I’ve found Welcome Space to be a fantastic way to get to know people better—not just through shared meals or playing the tabletop games available but also by serving alongside them.

Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/ 28

Prayer Report ~~ee~~	Prayer Report ~~ee~~
Written by Jenni WIlliams Date: February 2025 ~~a~~

We believe as a church that prayer should be central in all that we do. It is an important part of our faith and helps us to develop and deepen our personal relationship with Jesus and as a fellowship together.

There continues to be 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.

People have requested prayers in different ways which have included the prayer box within church, the prayer email address and the prayer WhatsApp group. This has enabled us to pray for specific requests when needed.

We have offered and prayed for people during the service.

Thank you to all who led the prayers during the Sunday morning service, it has been very much appreciated.

I would like to ask for more people to get involved with leading the prayers during the service.

If you feel you would like help, please come and talk to me as support and guidance can be given if required.

Charity Number: 1146679 Address: St Bride's Church, St Brides Way, Manchester, M16 9NW Website URL: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15896/ 29

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 in touch.

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/ 30