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2025-12-31-accounts

REPORTS OF CHURCH GROUPS FOR 2025/2026

It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life

Revelation 21:6

Please have this report with you at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting which will be held in church on Thursday, 16[th] April 2026 at 7.30 p.m.

Report Page Report Page
Audio / Visual 2 Finance Committee 11
Baby and Toddler 2 Gift Aid 11
Building Projects 4 Link Governor 12
Children’s Church 5 Missions Team 13
Churches Together 6 Music Group 13
Churchyard 8 Parochial Church Council 14
Community Choir 8 Pastoral Care Team 15
Craft Group 9 Prayer Meeting 16
Deanery Synod 9 Safeguarding & Policy 16
Fabric Maintenance
 10 Vicar’s Report 17

AUDIO VISUAL TEAM

We have a dedicated team of people who work hard, usually quietly in the background, to ensure everyone can interact fully with the services. This allows people to hear clearly and have easy access to visual aids to worship, including written, picture and video resources.

The teams take responsibility for setting up and running the sound system, and preparing the PowerPoints used for the order of service and then operating them through the service. Needless to say, I am very grateful for every member of the team who plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth running of the services.

The audio-visual team for Sunday services is made up of Andrew Benson, Bill Clarke, Nicola Gordon, David Hempsall and myself. We do not have any reserves who are able to step in at the last minute which adds pressure on those already working hard.

We are looking to add more people to help with both the sound and visual teams.

The PowerPoint team make effective use of the new laptop and broadband connection. Audio recordings to aid worship are now used in most services. The team would like to investigate the possibility of permanently fixing the projecting equipment securely to provide a higher quality, reliable image.

A faculty application to upgrade the speakers in church has been approved by the Diocesan Advisory Committee. This gives permission to mount 4 speakers to columns in the nave using brackets which tighten round the column to prevent any damage to the marble. The PCC have sought quotes from 3 companies and the aim is that the work will be completed as soon as possible once the PCC selects their preferred quote.

HELEN CLARK

BABY AND TODDLER GROUP

The Baby and Toddler group was established in 2017 as a key part of the church’s mission strategy to share the good news of Jesus with families with young children. This focus continues, and the group engages with the families and their children to strengthen the link with our church community. We provide a safe space for parents, carers and their little ones to make friends and have fun.

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The group follows a two year plan with Christian input through story, songs, craft activity and simple prayers using Makaton signing. Chris Whitmore and Julie Benson attend a hub meeting every half term to join with other church groups to discuss ideas and take advantage of training opportunities. On 8[th] November, Julie and Chris attended an Early Years Conference at St John’s House and on 22[nd] November we also participated in a course run by the Diocese of Manchester entitled: ‘Children’s Ministry Training’. The aim was to: explore faith, play, inclusion and participation. Hopefully some of the team will attend the National Playtime Conference in Wigan which takes place on Saturday 19[th] September 2026 as this is an excellent opportunity to develop new ideas, view up to date resources and refresh one’s own enthusiasm for this form of ministry. Exact numbers of those attending will be established nearer the time.

At the end of the Autumn term, we spent three sessions retelling the Christmas Story using a new text written by Stephanie Openshaw and some very simple Christmas carols. In the final session we also had a visit from Santa who presented children with a copy of the book so that the little ones could revisit and enjoy the story at home with their family. A number of Christmas boxes were made up by our playgroup members.

At Easter we intend to cover the main events using the Play Along Bible written by Bob Hartman. This text covers the events of Easter in a very simple form. Copies of the Awesome Easter Surprise will be presented as an Easter gift so that our toddlers can share the Easter story at home in more depth with their families.

The average attendance is between 25 and 35 children a week. There is a cap of 50 children registered at any time. Those who have not attended for an extended period of time are contacted at the end of term to check they still want a place. With so many little ones leaving in the summer, we thought that we may struggle with numbers in September but this has not been the case. Lots of new members have joined us and the group continues to thrive. Last month we purchased a new Bluetooth speaker in order to make our story time and singing slot more enjoyable. With the increase in numbers, it was necessary to improve our music provision.

Visits from Michelle Nicholson and her colleague Rachael from the Early Years Team at Christ Church Walshaw School have not happened during this academic year but contact with Michelle Nicolson has been made via Steph and hopefully this can be re-established in order to strengthen links between the school and church.

At the moment the group charges £2 a child to attend, and there is no suggestion to change this. Fewer parents are carrying cash and the card reader is available to use. One family also contributes to our Porch Box every week.

We would like to thank everyone who assists in any way with helping to make this group a success. At the moment there are 7 people in the team though numbers have fluctuated due to circumstances. We are extremely grateful for the assistance that members of the congregation

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provide in setting up on Sunday after the service. Particular thanks go to Gordon, Helen, Janet and Peter who have stepped in on a number of occasions when the team has been depleted.

It is a privilege and a pleasure to be involved in this Ministry, and we would welcome anyone who would like to join the team. We are open to new ideas and passionate for our group to develop and move forward.

Area for Development

We have been running for a number of years now and although we have lots of toys, some of the more traditional wooden toys are in need of sprucing up! Alan has begun to repaint the wooden ride on toys using paint that is safe for toddlers and we hope to renovate the doll’s house furniture soon. We would like to invest in a wooden shop to add to our small world play area so if anyone comes across one, please let us know.

BABY AND TODDLER TEAM

BUILDING PROJECTS TEAM

Those involved in the past year’s work include Andrew Benson, Bill Clarke, David Hempsall (Convenor) and Norman Rigby. Access for the disabled has been the principal project on which the team has worked. A briefing paper having been sent to our church architect Rebecca Grimshaw, she has responded in terms best described as down-to-earth.

The team’s declared preference being for a permanent ramp (rather than electro-mechanical devices), the architect indicated her understanding of her predecessor Ian Lucas‘s proposal from 2014-2015. Her professional experience has led her to signal the likely difficulty in securing the requisite Faculty for significant changes to the exterior of a Grade 2* listed building.

In addition to securing the Diocesan Advisory Council’s consent, such a project will also need conventional Planning Permission from the local authority. Any such scheme is likely to encounter resistance from interest groups such as the Victorian Society.

Having said that she would not wish Christ Church to expend significant sums on a project which would be likely to fail, Rebecca understands that Christ Church must have a project plan in order to attract match-funding from grant making bodies. The government’s recently announced replacement of the Listed Places of Worship Scheme may well make any project even more difficult to implement. None the less, the team will inch things forward as it may.

DAVID HEMPSALL

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CHILDREN’S CHURCH

I am the main leader, but parents help when they are able, joining in with the action songs, singing and asking the children to listen and pay attention to me when appropriate. Lucinda has shared resources for lessons she has found on line, which I have found useful. However as the children are very young, the parents are restricted in how much they can do to help. It would therefore be useful to have an assistant leader. The older children do help the younger children by reading Children’s Bible Stories and other stories related to lessons.

Attendance has been good over 2025 and 2026, ranging from 2 to 7 children every Sunday and 2 to 3 parents. The age range is challenging with ages ranging from 2 years and under, 3 years, 5, 7, 8 and 12 years. I try to have age appropriate resources covering pre-school and the older children (word searches and cross words). I do craft activities that all the children can do. We also play games if there is time at the end of teaching time.

In 2025 I covered a range of topics from the Old and New Testament. We always have Wiggle Worm Worship with singing and prayer times. Children and adults choose songs and what they would like us to pray for.

We had 7 adults and 5 children taking part in our alternative nativity The Grumpy Innkeeper on 21st December 2025. It was lovely to have positive feedback from members of the congregation about our performance.

In January and February 2026 we have covered Jesus’ life ministry, the parables, Jesus’ baptism and teaching on Colossians 3:12 based on covering ourselves with compassion, patience, humility and gentleness. I am currently using the children’s story book

‘Let your light shine’, which describes how children show each other compassion and are related to school life and home scenarios at pre-school level of teaching.

I have used role play for a man who was paralysed and lowered through a roof and for the story of the Good Samaritan.

The change to the length of teaching time in Children’s Church on Sunday mornings is better now, because we go out later before the bible readings and sermon. I have toys available for younger children if parents want to stay in with their children, before or after the teaching in Children’s Church.

When it is Holy Communion I encourage parents and children to stay in church for the prayer after communion.

I invited our Diocesan Youth Worker Amelia Brummit to support me on Sunday 1st February 2026. She provided me with useful advice and ideas which I can use in the future. Amelia said she enjoyed spending time with us.

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The older children aged 7 and 8 are enthusiastic readers and have grown in confidence over the past year. In fact they are willing to take an active part in our All Age Services. They have written out their own prayers to read on Sunday 15th February. One child will also be reading on the 15th. I am very happy the children feel confident and able to contribute in Church Services. Hopefully the opportunities we give them to take part at church will also help them in school and throughout their lives.

JULIE BENSON

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN BURY (Referred to as CTB in this report)

CTB is an inter-denominational network of churches committed to working together to make Jesus known to Bury residents. I have been Christ Church’s representative for many years, and there is space for another one or two people from Christ Church if anyone is interested.

Participating churches

Church of England: St John’s Birtle, United Benefice of West Bury, Christ Church Walshaw, St Peter’s, Bury Parish Church, All Saints Elton, St Stephen’s, St Thomas’s, Walmersley Rd Benefice Methodist: Tottington, Brandlesholme, Bolton Road, Seedfield, Jericho United Reformed: Bury URC

Baptist: Bury Baptist Salt and Light: Bury Christian Fellowship Pentecostal: Metro Christian Centre, Audacious Bury

Catholic: St Clements (previously Guardian Angels, Elton), St Hildas, St Joseph and St Marie. Salvation Army: Bury group

Activities

CTB meet 6 times per calendar year at various locations including Bury United Reform Church, Bolton Rd Methodist Church, Metro Christian Centre, the Salvation Army Centre, and St Clements (previously Guardian Angels), Elton.

On an ongoing basis CTB supports, promotes, and in some cases organises the following ongoing projects :

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Other missional items discussed and supported include:

The meetings always include space for individual churches to share good things happening, and this is always encouraging. Meetings always end with a time of prayer.

GORDON CLARK

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CHURCHYARD

A very quiet year in the churchyard with little activity. The efforts to deal with the remaining shoots of Japanese Knotweed do seem to be working although it still pops up in a few places but is steadily getting fewer. The wet weather in the autumn and winter has reduced the number of hours spent cutting back the brambles etc.

The trimmer mower (basically a powerful strimmer on wheels) is starting to show its age and isn’t as effective as it used to be. It needs a service but I think we are getting to the point where a new machine is probably required.

Camelot Garden Services continue to do a good job in cutting the grass in the graveyard and around the entrance.

BILL CLARKE

COMMUNITY CHOIR

The Community choir continues to thrive with current regular members of between approx. 30 and 40.

We meet weekly, term-time 7.15 – 8.45pm.

In 2025 we held two concerts - one in June, joined by Helmshore Ukelele group as our guests, raising £500 for The Bury branch of The Samaritans. Julie a spokesperson for The Samaritans attended the concert and spoke to the audience about the group. Our second concert was in December and we were joined by Tottington Public Band as our guests and we raised £560 which was split between the Band and Porch Boxes.

Our very active Social Group continue to organise events in the school holidays including meals out and various activities, this social side is a big part of our choir.

We have purchased two banners to be displayed on the Church railings. One to advertise an upcoming concert and one to promote the choir inviting new members. We have had 5 new members since the beginning of 2026.

The choir is enjoyed by all, and friendships continue to be formed.

ANGELA ASHWORTH

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CRAFT GROUP

Christ Church’s Craft Group was established in the spring of 2025 to undertake projects to benefit the Church or community.

Tasks completed to-date include:

Current projects include:

The group meet monthly and have a regular membership who share their skills and bring ideas to the group.

We would love to welcome new members whatever their skill level.

We would also welcome suggestions for future projects or donations of materials for specific activities

JOANNE MCKENZIE

DEANERY SYNOD

Deanery Synod is a collaboration of Anglican churches covering the whole of Rossendale and Bury.

There were 3 normal meetings held during 2025 in May (St Mary’s Hawkshaw), September (St Margaret’s Prestwich), and November (St Mary’s, Rawtenstall). In addition to this, an Early Years Day conference was held on Saturday 8[th] November.

The purpose of the meetings is to share positive stories of what churches are doing around the deanery, and to receive specific updates from diocesan officials and others.

Rev Donna Williams (Area Dean) chaired the September meeting, and Kath Pollard (Lay Chair) chaired the May and November meetings.

Each meeting has a ‘main topic’. In 2025 these were:

May – Phil Cansdale introducing himself as the new Director of `mission and Ministry. Phil led a Bible study on Ezekiel 27: 1- 14 – the valley of the dry bones, posing questions for group discussions.

September -Canon Anne Edwards gave a presentation on Clergy and Lay wellbeing.

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November -Abby Clephane-Wilson gave a presentation about safeguarding.

I represented Christ Church at the May meeting, and Steph at the September and November meetings.

If anyone is interested in representing Christ Church on deanery synod and would like to know more about what is involved, please feel free to discuss with Steph or me, or simply ask someone to nominate you for election at the APCM.

GORDON CLARK

FABRIC & MAINTENANCE TEAM

Role and Responsibilities

Membership

2025 activities

Whilst the FMT did not meet in 2025, it continued to monitor the building and grounds condition providing updates to PCC:

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The FMT also continued to work with the Building Projects Team including a review of future improvements to pedestrian access via the main entrance.

Future

ANDREW BENSON

FINANCE COMMITTEE

The committee comprises Andrew Benson, Bill Clarke, David Hempsall (Convenor) and Steph Mawhinney. Whilst the committee has not met during the past year, it will do so to review the state of the finances after work to upgrade the sound system loudspeakers is completed. This is necessary to assess what further progress may be made on the several projects – both routine and strategic – currently in hand.

The government’s scrapping of the Listed Places of Worship Scheme under which churches could apply to reclaim some or all of the VAT incurred in repair and development, though expected, is very disappointing. In the recent past, Christ Church has been able to benefit considerably from the scheme. What replaces it- £92 million over four years – is considerably less generous, so this is a blow.

DAVID HEMPSALL

GIFT AID OFFICER

The following amounts were paid into the Manchester Diocese Account and go towards the Parish Share.

Share.
Date Amount Total Payment Made
Jan – June 2025
Gift Aid £3708.25
GASDS (Small Donations) £551.29 £4259.54
July – December 2025
Gift Aid £3799.83
GASDS (Small Donations) £526.35
Repayment Interest
2025 Total		 £12.50 £4338.68
£8598.22

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CHRISTINE LANCASHIRE

LINK GOVERNOR

I am Link Governor to Christ Church Walshaw Primary School, part of the Sycamore Trust of Schools, which also includes St John’s, St Thomas’, Holy Trinity, Radcliffe Hall CE/Methodist and St Stephen’s and now Christ Church Ainsworth. 7 Primary schools in total, all with a shared vision taken from Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future”.

I know the schools in the trust have core Christian values, which I have seen evidence of in both my role as a Governor and by visiting 2 of the schools (Christ Church Walshaw and Holy Trinity) with The Bible Society “Open The Book Team”. This initiative brings the bible to life through role play, telling Old and New Testament Bible stories for 5 or 6 weeks at each school. I am currently at Christ Church with The Open the Book team for 5 weeks looking at the Easter Story. Leadership is very good in the schools and they support one another well.

At the last Governor meeting on 25[th] November 2025, we learnt that Christ Church Walshaw has 14 pupils in Nursery and 17 in Reception. Most of the children in Reception are meeting phonics targets and reading is strong across the school. Additionally, Mathematics across the school is improving. There are a total of 220 pupils at Christ Church Walshaw.

Pupil voice is important within the schools and after school clubs - the idea for a Chess Club came from the children, which now includes other board games. There is a Pupil Parliament and Central School Council. In the future there may be opportunities for outside agencies to run clubs, which will provide the school with additional funding.

Governors at Christ Church have completed Safeguarding and Cyber Security training in both 2025 and 2026.

I have regularly undertaken monitoring visits at the school, including helping in Early Years, observing learning through play, reading and RE link visits.

On 16[th] December 2025 I helped to put on The Christmas Experience for years 1 to 6, with Steph and Steve Mawhinney, Janet Hardman, Helen Clark and Amelia Brummitt. The Experience went very well.

I visited the Early Years Unit on Friday 6[th] March 2026 to monitor Reception Class reading and learning through play. I was very happy with my visit and witnessed excellent staff engagement with the pupils. The pupils were respectful and listened within my group of readers. Pupils’ safety is paramount and all staff take great care of them when teaching pupils both inside the classroom and in the outside play areas.

JULIE BENSON

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MISSION ACTIVITY

Mission activity has taken a number of forms over the last 12 months

Mission partners

We continue to support a range of mission partners both financially and through prayer. These include The Bible Society, CAP, Street Pastors and Tearfund

We have also held services devoted to some of these charities

Additionally, via individual giving we support Porch Box and Compassion providing food donations to the former and sponsoring two children through the latter

The Church’s Mission Team is now disbanded but it would be it would be valuable to re-establish this group to maintain both giving and connection to these key causes

Mission Community

We are an active part of a Mission Community which covers Unsworth, Hillock, Radcliffe, Walshaw and Ainsworth

We are represented at the Mission Community sub-groups

The purpose of these groups is look at ways in which the churches of the Mission Community can work together to nurture faith and serve the wider community. This has included initiatives such as litter picking, charity collections and providing Christmas and Easter-themed books to local schools

We have also undertaken joint faith-based activities such as prayer walks, Zoom prayers and the Bee Inspired service

Additional Mission Activity

As a church we continue to reach out to our local community through events such as choir, cake and chat, toddler group and the Valentine’s Day event

JOANNE MCKENZIE

MUSIC GROUP

Members: Kate Clarke, Angela Ashworth, Jo Haslam, Alaina Anderson, Paul Rigby (guitar) Steve Mawhinney (piano)

The music group supports and leads the musical aspects of worship. We meet at 9. 30 -10.30 to rehearse the music. It is hoped that the songs sung 5 minutes before the service help to prepare and focus the congregation before the service starts. Songs for the service are chosen by the service leaders. The music group leader chooses the songs before the service and any communion hymns. I also notify the CCLI about the songs we are using in the services to enable copyright payments.

We still need to use a number of videos when instrumentalists are away. The group would be delighted to welcome additional members. Phil Cansdale is also hoping to play the piano if available.

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The group was augmented by a number of the congregation for our carol service and Ruth Boaden kindly played the piano.

The group is always happy to consider new material to introduce to services (so please feel free to speak to one of us if you have any suggestions).

We would also like to express our thanks for the supportive comments received from many of you.

KATE CLARKE

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL REPORT

The PCC has met six times during the year (May 2025 – March 2026). The council is made up of 14 members. Andrew Benson joined the PCC in September 2025 as a co-opted member as Treasurer, who will eventually take over the role from Bill following a shadowing period.

There are currently 4 vacancies within the PCC due to 4 members retiring from their roles and 2 vacancies within Deanery Synod.

Attendance has been as follows: Rev Steph Mawhinney 6 /6, Helen Clark 5/6, Joanne McKenzie 6/6, Janet Hardman 6/6, Jo Haslam 5/6, Frank Yung 5/6, Norman Beswick 0/6, Chris Lancashire 3/6, Nicola Gordon 4/6, Gordon Clark 4/6, Bill Clarke 6/6, Kate Clarke 6/6, Andrew Benson 5/6, Steve Mawhinney 4/6, Craig Giles 1/2.

On Saturday 31st May 2025, members of the PCC spent a day together worshipping, praying and reflecting about where God may be leading our church. We were very encouraged as we took some time out to think about what is good about our church and came up with some new ideas including:

During the year we have discussed a wide range of issues including

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In addition, we have discussed regular reports submitted by the following teams:

Finance, Pastoral Care Team, Fabric and Maintenance Team, Building Projects Team, Safeguarding, Mission Team, Craft group, Baby and Toddler Team, Community Choir, Audio/Visual Team, Music Group, Refreshment Team, Children’s church and Link governor.

JANET HARDMAN

PASTORAL CARE TEAM

The Pastoral Care team was formed in April 2022. The first team meeting was held on 21[st] June 2022.

The Pastoral Team introduced a referral form so people who wanted help or someone to talk to could refer themselves. It could also be completed by another member of the congregation or friend on behalf of someone who was in need, but only on the condition that they had given their permission in advance. It was also agreed that the person in need does not need to attend church, but they should be known to a church member.

Norman Beswick stepped down from the coordination role of the team last year but is still very much an integral part of the team with his pastoral work.

Our Mission Statement was reviewed at the end of 2025, and it was felt that no amendments were required.

The team have met three times since May 2025 to discuss support required and also for each other.

Although there have been no new referrals for a while, the team continue to offer support to people who are experiencing difficulties in their lives within the church family and most recently to new visitors to our church. We have, however, received prayer requests via the referral / prayer request form. Support also continues to those individuals who are already known to the team via phone calls and visits. Mavis continues to send bereavement / get well cards. It is also pleasing to see that pastoral support is going on by church members who are not formally on the Pastoral Team.

The team would welcome new members to help strengthen our work.

JANET HARDMAN

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PRAYER MEETING

The Prayer Meeting takes place in church on the first Tuesday of each month

The meeting starts at 7.30pm and lasts for an hour.

It is an opportunity for members of the fellowship to come together in corporate prayer.

Before the time of prayer starts, there is an opportunity to share any specific issues requiring prayer. Any prayer requests left in the box in church are also included

The meeting starts with a Bible passage to lead us into an attitude of prayer.

Group members will then pray as led by the Holy Spirit. Prayers are said aloud and in people’s hearts. We pray for the world, specific situations, the church, the local community and for individuals. Our prayers reflect the church season and will lift before the Lord upcoming services and activities

There is a core of people who regularly attend the meeting, and I would encourage other members of the fellowship to attend and receive the blessing that comes from praying together.

JOANNE MCKENZIE

SAFEGUARDING & POLICIES

Alaina and Jo took over as Safeguarding Officer and Deputy Officer in January 2026. Since we have been in post we have not been aware of any safeguarding issues within church or outside of church affecting church members. We have set up an email contact ccwsafeguarding@gmail.com and posters are displayed throughout the Church.

We have a fantastic group of volunteers in the Pastoral care team, children’s church and parent and toddler group. We are fortunate that the overwhelming majority of these volunteers have been in safeguarding roles previously in their careers which is really positive for us as a church.

We have ensured that relevant people in church have completed the relevant Church of England online safeguarding training. We have discussed safeguarding training with volunteers and some have completed this online. Anyone who wishes to complete this training please speak to either Alaina or Jo for further details.

There are now leaflets and information regarding Domestic Violence within the Church and Alaina and Jo are looking into further safeguarding training they may need. They are both trained to high levels within their careers; however the Church of England also offer training they will look into completing in the coming months.

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Alaina and Jo will also look into meeting up with their counterpart at St Andrews church as Steph and they feel this would be useful in their role.

As always, we would appreciate some help from new volunteers for Children’s church.

ALAINA ANDERSON / JO HASLAM

VICAR’S REPORT

As I continued to settle in and find my feet during 2025, I have continued to be very grateful for the many people who play their part, often in quiet and unseen ways, to enable the church to continue to flourish. Many thanks to you all – everything you do adds up to our church giving glory to God here in Walshaw.

We have continued to serve the wider community, through the toddler group and community choir, both of which continue to thrive. We repeated the Valentine’s Activity Afternoon which had been very popular with local families in 2024. This was enjoyed and appreciated by the many who came, though numbers were slightly lower than the previous year. During the summer we also started a weekly “Cake & Chat”, which attracted a variety of people over the first few weeks. With fewer people attending as the days got darker and colder, we decided to put it on hold for the winter, but we plan to resume after Easter 2026.

As well as following the lectionary readings for the regular festivals of the Church year, our Sunday worship featured sermon series on Faith, understanding Communion and the life of King David. During the autumn we followed the Bible Course, both in Sunday sermons and in two midweek groups, aiming to get a better overview of the big story of the Bible. Several people also attended a Lent Group studying the book of Hebrews.

The PCC had an away day at Barrow Bridge Church in May, spending time in worship and prayer and reflecting about where God may be leading Christ Church. Several ideas that came out of that day have already been implemented, including Cake and Chat, the Bible Course and the revival of the craft group, which has already produced some beautiful new banners with more on the way. We also celebrated harvest with a harvest supper and quiz. Ideas for more social events and activities to make use of our outdoor space are yet to happen.

I have continued to develop relationships with Christ Church School, leading collective worship every other week. In the summer we wished Sarah Howard well as she retired as head teacher, then in September we welcomed Kay James as the new head of school. We prayed for Kay in her new role when she visited church for Back to School Sunday. We have worked together to increase the number of times the school visits church, with services for Harvest, Christmas and Easter, and Kay welcomed a team of church volunteers to spend a day in school leading Experience Christmas. The younger children have also visited for Wiggle Easter and Christmas and a Wiggle Welcome for the new families joining in the autumn. Amelia Brumitt, our Deanery Enabler, and I also led a staff meeting to help the team understand the theological basis for the school’s vision, and were very proud to hear soon afterwards that the school received a very positive report following the statutory inspection of its distinctiveness as a church school (SIAMS).

Throughout the year our faithful church family have continued to gather for worship, many doing so whenever they can despite managing significant health and other personal challenges. We have also welcomed new people to the church, some visiting and others who have continued to worship with us, an encouraging sign of growth. Six children were baptised as part of our morning worship, and another was welcomed at a separate service of thanksgiving. As usual, the Christmas services saw many people from our wider community gather to celebrate together, especially at the Christingle service.

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One final thank you to all those who support Christ Church through prayer, whether on your own, at our services or at our monthly prayer meeting. God has been faithful in 2025 and we look forward to seeing what he has in store for us in 2026.

Rev Steph Mawhinney

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND ACCOUNTS OF THE PCC FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

It is done. I am the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.

Revelation 21:6

Please have this report with you at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting which will be held on Thursday at 7.30 p.m.

Item Page
Independent Examiner’s Report 2
Accounts by Usage – Receipts 3
Accounts by Usage - Payments 4
Notes to accompany 2025 Accounts 5-9
Investments /PCC Approval of Accounts 10

1

2

Christ Church Walshaw - Accounts - 2025

General Account
(Unrestricted use)
Deposit Account
(Designated &
Restricted use)
Building Fund
(Designated use)		 Total Total Total Total
Opening Balance Jan 2025 11259
22743
16980		 50982
Receipts 2024 Variance Notes
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Tax efficientplannedgiving 30991
708		 31699 27131
4568
One off Gift Aid 413 413 2075
-1662
Tax Recovered 0 8923
-8923
Other regularplannedgiving 2426 2426 3146
-720
Collections of loose cash at services 2931 2931 2202
729
All othergiving 540 540 1243
-703
Total giving 37301
0
708		 38009 44720 -6711
Legacies 0 0 2000
-2000
Dividends & Interest 3047
330
170		 3547 4156
-609
RecurringGrants 50 50 50
0
Non-recurringGrants 5260 5260 0
5260
Listed Places of WorshipScheme 0 6224
-6224
Fees 328 328 1668
-1340
Hire Charges 300 300 0
300
Trust Accounts 0 9171
-9171
Baby& Toddler Group 1429 1429 1413
16
CommunityChoir 1805 1805 2308
-503
Total Income (excl. giving)
Total Receipts		 12219
330
170		 12719 26990 -14271
49520
330
878		 50728 71710 -20982
Transfers 7025
7115
56545
7445
878
From Deposit to General
From General to Deposit
From General to Building Fund
Total Receipts & Transfers		 7025
7115
56545
7445
878

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Christ Church Walshaw - Accounts - 2025

General Account
Deposit Account
Building Fund		 Total Total Total Total
Payments 2024 Variance Notes
9
10
11
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
Overseas missions societies 800 800 0
800
Christian Relief and Dev. Agencies 800 800 0
800
Home mission and other Church Soc. 1275 1275 203
1072
Secular Charities 0 25
-25
Parish Share/Quota 15290 15290 25000
-9710
Incumbent workingexpenses -11 -11 142
-153
Parsonage 2199 2199 1089
1110
Church runningexpenses 24675 24675 20534
4141
Church maintenance 1651 1651 1558
93
Upkeepof Services 2440 2440 1217
1223
Upkeepof churchyard 2220 2220 7309
-5089
Major Repairs & Improve. 0 37342
-37342
Support costs 619 619 353
266
Baby& Toddler Group 0 154
-154
CommunityChoir 1000 1000 400
600
Church administration 780 780 293
487
Total Payments 53738
0
0		 53738 95619 -41881
Transfers 7025
7115
60853
7025
0
From Deposit to General
From General to Deposit
From General to Building Fund
Total Payments & Transfers		 7025
7115
60853
7025
0
6951
23163
17858
47972
Closing Balance Dec 2025 6951
23163
17858		 47972

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Notes to accompany 2025 accounts.

General Account - Unrestricted – Funds that can be used for any purpose approved by the PCC.

Deposit Account (part) and Building Fund - Designated – Funds that have been allocated to a particular purpose by the PCC.

Deposit Account (part) - Restricted – Typically funds from a bequest or grant where there were instructions set on their use.

There has been an issue with the Building Fund accounts during 2025. Due to Barclays reviewing accounts to meet their anti-money laundering commitments, they locked the accounts in July preventing any activity including deposits. This highlighted amongst other things the issue of the signatories on the account being out of date. A Benson as treasurer for those funds has been trying to resolve this issue and it will be sorted asap in 2026.

1. Giving

There was a welcome increase in giving during 2025. The card reader continues to be used this year mainly down to the Baby & Toddler group and Community Choir using it for their fees although we did see it used especially during services such as the Christingle.

2. Gift Aid

You will notice that there was no tax recovered recorded in the accounts as this was paid directly to the Diocese and credited towards the Parish Share as we now participate in the Gift Aid Lite scheme. A sum of £12,354.62 was received. This included claims from 2024 and 2025. See item 10 below for further information on the share.

  1. Dividends and interest

The majority of the money we receive comes from two trusts which pay interest into the general account. This amounted to £2438 from the Hibbert and Middleton Trusts. There was also £609 for the Nancy Howarth Trust which is currently being held in the church accounts until the trustees open a dedicated bank account.

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4. Recurring Grants

We continue to receive a small grant towards the maintenance of the war graves.

5. Non-Recurring Grants

A grant of £5,000 was received from the Diocese following the installation of the energy saving lighting in 2024. There was also a donation of £160 from Barchester Health Care towards the Cake&Chat initiative. Finally, following the installation of a new electricity smart meter, Scottish Power donated a £100 Amazon voucher.

6. Hire Charges

Following a request from the academy trust that runs Christ Church School, it was arranged for them to hold a large meeting in church. A fee of £300 was agreed that covered use of the building, heating and internet access for the day. Their feedback was positive and so it is likely further bookings may take place.

7. Baby & Toddler Group

The group continues to meet during term times on Wednesday mornings and make a small charge for attending. This money is paid in cash or via the card reader, any expenditure for things such as craft resources is paid for from these funds.

8. Community Choir

The community choir meets on Wednesday evenings and the members pay a small charge for attending. They were able to make donations to Samaritans (£500) following the summer concert and to Porch Boxes (£300) and the Tottington Brass Band (£200) from the Christmas Concert.

9. Mission Support

We were able to provide some support to the church’s mission partners in 2025.

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Bible Society £800 Tearfund £800 The Bury Project (CAP) £800 Street Pastors £300

10.Parish Share

The assessment for 2025 was £26,250. This was met in full consisting of £15,289.88 paid directly by Christ Church and £12,354.62 as tax recovered via the Gift Aid Lite scheme. As it was difficult to know how much tax would be recovered and to avoid not meeting the assessment, the share was overpaid by £1,394.50. This overpayment will be credited towards the 2026 Share which is set at £27,563 less £525 from the encouragement scheme (achieved when a parish pays regularly and completely every 3 months). So with the overpayment added in this takes it down to £25,643 for 2026.

11.Incumbent Expenses and Vicarage

As Revd. Mawhinney has chosen to live in 37 Gisburn Drive, the Christ Church vicarage, it made sense for us to continue to pay the council tax, water charges and ground rent and then claim 50% back from St Andrew’s. The increase from 2024 reflects that until September 2024 the vicarage was exempt from council tax as it was unoccupied.

Revd. Mawhinney submits her expenses to us monthly which we reimburse to her and then claim 50% back from St Andrew’s. Obviously if her claim is for something specific to one parish or the other that parish would pay 100%. The odd figure for 2025 reflects the situation where some claims for 2024 were paid by Christ Church in 2024 but not reimbursed by St Andrew’s until January 2025.

12.Church running expenses.

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The premium from Trinitas for 2026 is £7,294 which is a considerable saving with almost identical cover.

13. Church maintenance

14. Upkeep of Services etc.

A major item here relates to the replacement of the church laptop used to run the PowerPoint slides during services. The old laptop was struggling with playing videos, was running an out of date version of Windows and could not be upgraded. There was also a need to allow better access to web based resources. The following items were purchased:

Additionally, the following expenditure was made

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15. Churchyard

We continue to employ Camelot Garden Services to cut the grass in the graveyard and around the entrance: £2,160.

16. Support Costs

17. Church Admin

W S Clarke

February 2026

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