2025-12-31-accounts - The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Hillside

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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF HILLSIDE

(ALL SAINTS, LOBLEY HILL and St CUTHBERTS, MARLEY HILL) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 1153663

ANNUAL REPORT

INCLUDING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31[st] DECEMBER 2025

Vicar: Revd Glen MacKnight Tel: 0191 2433434 All Saints Church Rowanwood Gardens Lobley Hill Gateshead NE11 0DP Tel 0191 4220445 Web Page: www.hillsidechurch.co.uk Email: hillsidechurchoffice@gmail.com Charity Number: 1153663

The Parochial Church Council of Hillside (PCC) presents its annual report along with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31[st] December 2025. The financial statements have been prepared based on the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements.

AIM AND PURPOSES

Hillside PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent, the Reverend Glen MacKnight, in promoting within the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral evangelistic, social and ecumenical.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our churches and to become part of our parish community at Hillside. The PCC maintains an overview of worship throughout the parish and makes suggestions on how our services can involve the many groups that live within our parish. Our services and worship put faith into practice through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament.

PUBLIC BENEFIT

When planning activities for the year, the incumbent and the PCC have considered the Charity Commissions guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the specific guidance on charities for the advancement of religion. In particular, we try to enable ordinary people to live out their faith as part of our parish community through:

Offering people, the opportunity to gather for worship, prayer and teaching at a range of services and meetings throughout the week;
providing pastoral care in a variety of ways e.g. visiting the sick, supporting those with special needs, providing help and advice at times of birth, marriage, and bereavement;
offering programmes of teaching to young people in conjunction with relevant events and activities;
promoting and supporting partnerships with churches, organisations and people involved in the faith, love and hope of Christ in action at home and abroad;
providing facilities for the use of voluntary organisations within the locality;
active participation in local events and voluntary work within our community.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Vicar’s Letter

(1 Corinthians 3:7)

There is a mole in the front garden of the vicarage. Adrian flattens the mounds with the lawnmower, but by the next morning the Pyrenees are once again reaching heavenward. I doubt the mole has any concept of being irritated or hard done to. Its underground building programme suffers a setback, but with hard hat, head torch, and shovel, it simply gets on with the job of excavating.

The mole, being underground, doesn’t get to see what is rising above ground.

You may have spotted that this is something of a parable of the Kingdom of God. Perhaps I should leave it there for the mercy of us all, or encourage you instead to notice the mounds, and the work that goes on beneath the surface to support their rising.

This report reflects many of the great things in the life of Hillside Church over the past year: the dedicated, faithful service, both seen and unseen. The radiance of a clean toilet, the harmony of a vacuum cleaner, these quiet acts all contribute to our hospitality and welcome. The determination to keep a roof over our heads through persistent grant applications and generous giving is no small thing either.

I remember saying to the church that we needed to shift our course more towards younger people, while also holding up my hands and saying, “but I don’t know how we do that.” As it turns out, you start with prayer, and with listening.

Dorothy responded to God’s leading by gathering women to pray. Prayer was offered for young people, especially for Lobley Hill Primary School. Meanwhile, the youth team persisted in hosting Hillside Youth when others might have given up.

And this is where it gets more interesting.

At The Joshua Tree Café, our main community work of building trust, friendship, and hospitality, a grandmother asked a simple question: “Do you have a youth group?” The outcome can be read in Matthew’s report. Through consistent digging, we now have a molehill.

And who has noticed the increase in Young Stars? I was even given my very own t-shirt, and whenever the opportunity arises, I go along to see what they are doing and what support I can offer. It is about valuing the leaders, and showing the children that they are valued, that they belong, and are part of the church.

We also recognise that things change or come to close such as our involvement with Two’s Company. We are grateful for Linda’s leadership over the past five years. Joe is due to step down from leading the Joshua Tree Café. We are seeking an appropriate way forward which is sustainable, honourable to those who serve and continues to bless the community. We give thanks for all that has been offered in service, dedication, and love. Nothing given to God is ever wasted.

At the same time, we sense God leading us forward. Our vision day in January led by Archdeacon Katherine Bagnal gave us a view of how Hillside can move forward and from that we found common themes with the Diocesan Growing in Fruitfulness: To be a church growing in faith, growing younger, and growing in mission rooted in Christ and reaching out to our community with hope and compassion. We are called not simply to maintain, but to step into what God is doing next and to give the invitation ‘Come and see’ (John 1 :39).

As we look ahead, may we be open, courageous, and prayerful, ready to embrace new opportunities, to welcome new people, and to deepen our life together in Christ.

God Bless Rev Glen MacKnight

Associate Priest Report

Reflecting on the past year, I again feel truly thankful for the opportunities I've been given for formation; to grow professionally and spiritually. My ministry continues to extend beyond Hillside allowing me to take part in various special services throughout the Deanery. These experiences continue to enhance my perspective on the diversity of the worship services enriching my faith and strengthening my confidence. I remain actively engaged with Watergate Court, participating in the 'Watergate Worship' and 'Prayer & Praise' sessions twice a month. Additionally, in January I commenced similar activities with the residents of Armstrong House.

The regular Hillside Sunday services have remained a solid foundation for me in the shared worship. The enduring spirit of Hillside and the other churches I've served within the Deanery has always been clear. The sermons delivered by others have also been uplifting, inspiring us to practise our faith actively and reminding us of our responsibilities to each other and to the wider world.

A really special moment for me was being licenced, by Archdeacon Katherine Bagnall, in my home church as an Associate Priest. I feel it had come full circle as it was with Katherine whom I had my 1[st] interview with when I was called to ministry. I am also really chuffed about receiving my degree in Theology in Mission and Ministry.

I've really felt the support of my church family every step of the way, whether it has been with few encouraging words, a prayer shared together, or just a friendly gesture, these simple things have meant the world to me. It's shown me how much community matters, and how much we help each other along the way. Caring for the community led me to initiate and become involved with Lobley Hill Community Action Group. We meet monthly, and we are already seeing changes within the community. In early March, we collaborated with the council’s initiative, ‘The Big Spring Clean-up.’ Council workers, councillors, and twelve volunteers collected litter from the neighbourhood, while local children from LHPS and volunteers planted flower beds to enhance the area’s appearance.

The Community Festival is on June 27th, A joint venture by the Church, Local schools, Community, and Council. Volunteers are needed—all are welcome. Save the date!

Looking to the future, I remain excited and eager to continue my ministry, welcoming fresh challenges, and opportunities. I look forward to serving both the community and my church family with renewed enthusiasm and commitment.

Blessings Rev Amanda Boyd

Thank you to: -

Defibrillator installed June 2025

Thank you to: Gateshead Council in regards to a funding of £1,000 towards the purchase of the Defibrillator fitted June 2025 which is on the outside of our church

Thank you to: The Red Sky Foundation Charity who fitted and provided the Defibrillator

And also, a BIG thank you to: Paul Ryan who communicated and sorted the fitting of the Defibrillator and the training.

Thank you to: -

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Christmas Lights
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Thank you to: Ryan Deponio who sorted and fitted the Christmas lights in All Saints which made the inside of the Church look atmospheric over the Christmas Period

Every month Nichola visits our local school and will share a bible story, sometimes sing a song with the children and invite (should they wish to) the children to pray. The sessions are always well received and help the children make a connection to faith and Hillside, All Saints.

That connection is further enhanced by the school attending the church on three occasions during the year Christmas, Easter and end of year school leavers.

This demonstrates our openness to the community and a willingness to share our facilities.

Deanery Report Gateshead West Deanery

Our deanery has 10 parishes and stretches as far as Chopwell. We now have all six clergy places filled.

There has not been much activity in the last year, but at the most recent synod in February we heard from Graham Clelland (Durham Diocese’s Growing Younger Strategic Lead). The synod reconfirmed interest in children and young people’s work. It is possible we may have a focus on young people east of the Derwent (covering Whickham, Swalwell, Dunston and Hillside parishes) with perhaps some wider collaboration. Please keep praying!

The deanery has not yet set contributions from parishes for 2026. The decision is deferred until the May deanery when our plans for activities with young people and needs for money may be clearer.

Catharine Howe (Deanery Synod rep )

Update of the High-Level Repairs at Hillside All Saints Church phase 2

By 2023 Hillside were able to achieve funding to complete priority areas of the high-level maintenance that had been recommended by the Quinquennial Reports over a period of many years. The main concern being water ingress, which had previously led to a lintel replacement being required in the Bede room. In September 2024 the PCC agreed to accept Corinthia builders’ quote to complete further recommended high level maintenance. At that point the figure required was £49,843. Since then, work has been ongoing to attract funding. By March 2026, with inflation the amount was £51,837.55. With a combination of grants from Charitable Trusts and a donation the funding has been achieved. Commencement of the project is planned for May 2026 with Corinthia as the builders, and Michael Atkinson acting as Principal/Accredited Conservation Architect. Report updates from Gill Corner

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Messy Church
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Messy Church continues to run each month and numbers can fluctuate month on month with a loyal group who come month on month. We regularly have craft activities, often quite messy as paint, glue and glitter frequently appear…… which are bible focussed to the theme. Our ‘Foodie’ activity led by Katrina still continues to be very popular and the story session before Messy Tea now has taken on a livelier dimension as Nicola, Amanda and Alex encourage the children (and parents) participate fully in assisting Glen. Many thanks to young Connor who keeps our sound desk fully operational.

For the regular group who come along each month I think Messy is still an important part of worship at St Cuthbert’s but would love to hear from anyone who has ideas of how to increase the size of the group, advertising other than Fb posting and mail chimp reminder or even a change of time. Growth does not happen without change and we are open to all suggestions. Messy church takes time and regular commitment and I’m thankful to all those who help make Messy Church an exciting place to meet and minister to our young children.

In the near future I will be stepping back from Messy church. I’m happy to support anyone who feels God is calling them to this rewarding ministry but know I need to step back and wait for God’s direction for my next area of ministry. Please pray and listen for God’s call. This could be for you

Lina

SC Toddler Group

As usual Summer and early Autumn 2025 Toddler Group at St Cuthbert’s continued to be well attended. However later Autumn and early months of 2026 we saw a concerning fall in numbers but have a regular group of 7 children who come with mother’s and grandparents. Much of this is due to children moving on to preschools taking up funded places which is inevitable.

I have introduced more craft type activities this past year and the children are enjoying using glue, paint, mark making tools and developing early cutting skills. Our adults are very hands on here and once the tussle over having to wear an apron to glue or paint ( children that is ) it’s hard to see who enjoys the activities more adult or child !

Many of our small group have come from being tiny babies and it is very rewarding to see them growing independent and helping each other with tasks such as setting the table for snack time and putting the toys away at ‘Tidy Tidy’ time.

A consideration for the future are the plans to develop the chapel building in Sunniside by a Christian group and, being more centrally placed, they may decide to develop a Toddler Group there. This may further diminish our attendance and consideration will need to be given to the economic viability of continuing with the group at Marley Hill.

Lina

Young Stars

Our young members of the congregation have continued to meet for their own time together during our Sunday services. We always begin these times with prayer, and have been blessed by our young people often participating in praying for the adults in our church family and the wider community before we head over to the Hub.

We have a core group of regular attendees, some of whom have been new additions to our group over the last year and we continue to enjoy getting to know them better.

We continue to use Scripture Union resources to direct our themes and topics for Bible study, and follow a weekly format of prayer, worship, introductory activity, Bible study and response time. On the weeks when all our regular members are present, we often spilt into 2 groups for our Bible study time allowing our older children to have more time to consider and reflect upon God’s word and what it means to them in their lives, whilst the younger children move on to more craft-based activities.

We are grateful to the congregation for your ongoing prayers for us, the Young Stars leaders, as we seek to teach and nurture the growing faith of our young people, and for the children, that the Holy Spirit will fill them with your strength and deepen their love for you.

Louise, Lisa & Nicola

Hillside Youth

The Hillside Youth Group continues to meet every second Friday in the Hub and remains a valued and important part of the life of the church. These gatherings provide a regular opportunity for young people to come together in a safe, welcoming and enjoyable environment where they can build friendships, have fun and grow in confidence and faith.

Each session is filled with plenty of fun, food and meaningful talks. As well as enjoying time together socially, the young people are encouraged to engage with themes that are relevant to their lives and faith, helping to create space for conversation, reflection and support. It is a real joy to see the friendships that continue to develop.

To date, we have 26 young people on the books, with an average of 14 attending each session. This is an encouraging level of engagement, and we are thankful for the continued commitment and enthusiasm shown by those who attend regularly. We hope to continue building on this in the coming year.

We could not do this without the support, commitment and generosity of our wonderful leaders, who give their time, energy and care so faithfully. Their contribution is greatly appreciated, and the Youth Group would not be able to continue in the way it does without them.

If anyone is interested in being part of the Hillside Youth Leadership team, please contact Matthew Brotherston.

Matthew Brotherston

As Joe steps down from overseeing the Joshua Tree Cafe in July we can give thanks for the last five years, for the many good things we have experienced and for the many connections made. At the same time, we need to reflect and pray for the way forward and what the cafe might look like in the future.

After five years as the co-ordinator for Two’s Company Befriending at Hillside, and giving things some thought and prayer over the last few months, I have made the decision to step down from this role.

Over the last 18 months or so, especially last year due to family illness and other commitments which affected me emotionally, I felt as though I didn’t have the time to fulfil my role fully, with seeking new referrals and volunteers and everything that goes with it. I have however been maintaining the current matches and getting feedback, which has been positive, and over all very worthwhile for both present and past matches. We are currently down to four befrienders and so it has been winding down naturally with two of them only needing a monthly call.

I have however learnt a lot through this role and it’s been a valuable experience and feel my IT and communication skills have improved!

My thanks go out to Susan, Debbie and Christine for their befriending and care, also to Glen, Alan and Gloria for their help and support over the last few years (pestering Gloria the most for print-outs etc!) I will also be carrying on as a befriender.

I am still keeping in touch with Angela the operations Manager from Linking Lives Charitable Trust who has been very supportive and will continue to check out their website for any useful online courses they offer which could be passed on.

I am glad to say that the four current matches are still able to continue as both parties are happy to do so. They will of course no longer be under the Two’s Company umbrella, but operating Inhouse at Hillside instead. They will remain under our Safeguarding policy and also Lone Working for any home visits, as agreed with Glen and Alan, with the befrienders contacting either of them should any problems arise. We will more than likely change our name to ‘Hillside Befrienders’.

Linda Cranney Two’s Company Co-ordinator

Running since September 2022 the group is welcoming new members every few weeks.

The current weekly bereaved attendees 12. With 5 new people expecting to join us around 15[th] January 2026. Being a 'drop in' not all attend each week. At the end of January there has been approximately 85 people supported in group or by phone Debra Ryan having completed interview, training and safeguarding procedure, joined in addition to Amanda and Sheila as a listener helper.

In December 2025, 6 members felt they no longer needed group support and have formed a social group which continues to meet in the Joshia Tree Cafe at 11am on Fridays and enjoy other outings together, which is fantastic!

A couple of these have since approached me asking if they could return to group should they feel the need for support again. I said of course the door will always be open. We received thank you cards and gifts when they left.

The group decided, that the money it was donating to buy pigs having stopped, it would still carry on and gift the money to Hillside towards the heating and lights we use in the Bede Room. We continue to use resources purchased from Our Daily Bread.

Glen Amanda and I attended and manned a Hillside Church information table at a Compassionate Gateshead Event which was very informative. Lots of organisations dealing with end of life and bereavement gathered together and shared. We were the only church in attendance. Another event Compassion Festival begins on the 12[th] February 2026 at The Caedmon Gateshead 10am until 2pm, with other festival events throughout the borough. We are planning to attend. It is I believe open to the public.

Allowing people time and the space to talk about their loss and how they are feeling, has become more evident as a healing experience.

Talking about how they had been the previous week, have they had any problems or triggers? How were they coping? Sharing and receiving information from other group members who have been through similar situations, has been so beneficial to others. During gaps in chat, I read sourced information I have researched on grief and bereavement, including poems and verses, we begin and end group sessions with prayers. The Blue Service held on the 10[th] December was well attended and we received many grateful thanks and encouragement. Glen and Amanda took the tranquil, reflective service and Maureen and Kevin prepared and served refreshments.

Feedback received

“Thanks again for the help I received from you and the group

I think it was such a great help meeting people in the same situation

There’s always someone worse than you.

I had no one close that understood how I felt and you and the group did and I have all these wonderful friends really friends and we support each other and that’s all down to you I can’t thank you enough Love and hugs Ann”

“Hi Jaqui. Just wanted you to know that I won't come to the group meetings but will pop into the Joshua Tree to meet everyone. I want to really thank you for helping me so much with my grief journey. I know that it has many phases & we're all different. I feel that I can now deal with, thanks to you, on my own & with the support

of the new friends I've made at the group. I wish you all the best for the New Year & for the continuation of your amazing, caring work. Love Eileen”

“Interesting conversation with a member of the bereavement group who has moved on to meeting socially in the cafe. She went to see her GP who practices at Rawling Road surgery. She hasn’t seen him since her husband died. He commented on how much better she looked and seemed, she told him it was due to our group and how we had supported her and how she had made friends with others grieving. A few days later the doctor contacted her asking for details of where we were based and day time we were open, as he would like to recommend the group to his patients”.

Jacqui Thompson Bereavement Group Facilitator

Pastoral Report

This is an informal arrangement and is supported by: -

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Debbie
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Gill
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Linda
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Lina
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Gill
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Janice
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Jacqui
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Damian
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Maureen
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Sue
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Context

The purpose of the group is to ensure the pastoral oversight of the congregation. It should complement home groups and other pastoral support mechanisms.

The Past Year

During the past year the pastoral group and other members of the congregation have continued to respond

to a number of needs, providing comfort, spiritual and practical support. This is complimented by a number of other systems in the church for example, the bereavement group. Pastoral care in any church is not a perfect system and people have different expectations on what should be provided. Please speak with Glen or any member of the team if you have any suggestions.

To the best of our ability the team work to ensure that people are cared for at times of vulnerability. This often comes at cost to the team as people have busy lives and their own commitments and once again, I would like to thank all involved.

As mentioned last year Jesus cared for people, he worked practically and in an unassuming manner. Always with compassion and respect for the person. The value base of the group is to do likewise and reflects the value base of Safeguarding and church culture. That as the church continues to grow, we care for people with respect, compassion, kindness, sensitivity and confidentiality working within the appropriate policies. But ultimately in love - Love keeps no record of wrong, it is not self-seeking, it prefers one another…

1 Samuel 26: verse 12

David finds King Saul sleeping but does not expose or touch him at a point of vulnerability. He exercises Godly wisdom … may we ask God for such wisdom as we work alongside people who are vulnerable.

Safeguarding

As with all aspects of church life, we foster safeguarding culture and the group liaise with Alan Corner (Safeguarding Lead) and he meets with us annually as opportunity for the team to raise concerns. In accordance with Durham Diocese National Safeguarding Policy all members of the team are trained to level C0, Janice MacKnight has recently updated C2 Leadership training. In line with C of E requirement all members of the team have a current DBS.

Prayer Phone

This is for urgent prayer needs and is held by Maureen Shreeve who forwards prayer requests to a team of people who are committed to praying. This is well-used and Maureen is excellent at sharing requests with the team and reminding us to thank God for answered prayer. If you would like the number please speak with Maureen. Please note that when making a prayer request please make sure you have permission to do so.

Prayer Ministry

Dorothy and I felt this area required review and she led on this. It was noted that prayer was happening and people were seeking out people they trusted. Therefore, the rota was disbanded although the team are still ready to step in as and when needed. To ensure opportunities for prayer are available to the congregation. Currently the team are Dorothy McKenzie, Ellen Miller, Janice MacKnight, Damian Parry, Lina Beck and Joe Osman.

Can I please ask you that if you feel someone needs pastoral care that you make a member of the team aware? We are human and work with imperfect processes, therefore if you have any suggestions for improvement, please do not hesitate to contact me or a member of the team.

Janice MacKnight and the Team

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All those regular members of our congregations are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.

The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish, including deciding on how the funds of the PCC are to be spent.

Hillside comprises two places of worship, All Saints, Lobley Hill and St Cuthbert’s, Marley Hill.

Both are part of the Diocese of Durham within the Church of England. The correspondence address is Church Office, All Saints, Rowanwood Gardens, Lobley Hill, Gateshead, NE11 0DP.

The PCC is a body corporate (PCC Powers Measure 1956, Church Representation Rules 2006).

PCC members who have served from 1st January 2025 until the date this report was approved are:

Ex Officio Members:	Incumbent:	The Reverend Glen MacKnight (Chairman)
	Associate Minister:	The Reverend Amanda Boyd
	Warden:	Gill Corner(Warden until April 2025)
		Abi Sanders
	Deanery Synod:	Catharine Howe
	Licensed Reader	Lina Beck
Elected Members:	PCC Secretary:	Gloria Anderson (Jan to April 2025)
	PCC Secretary:	Sarah Morden (PCC Secretary from April 2025 - Elected PCC Trustee from Jan to
		Dec 2025)
	PCC Minutes Secretary:	Janice MacKnight(elected PCC Trustee Jan to April 2025 appointed PCC Secretary
		from April 2025 to Dec 2025)
		Matthew Brotherston(elected PCC Trustee Jan to Dec 2025)
		Anna Mace(elected PCC Trustee Jan to Dec 2025)
		Rita Muse(elected PCC Trustee Jan to Dec 2025)
		Ellen Miller (Elected member April 2025 resigned
		Nov 2025)
		Dorothy McKenzie(Elected Member April 2025 to Dec 2025)
		Paul Ryan(Elected Member April to Dec 2025)
		Sue Whitehead(Elected Member from April to Dec 2025)
Co-opted Members:	PCC Treasurer:	Robert Brotherston(Jan to Dec 2025)
		Dorothy McKenzie(from Jan to April 2025)
		Ellen Miller(from Jan to April 2025)

The PCC met 9 times in 2025. Minutes are taken at all PCC meetings and approved copies are displayed on Church notice boards and made available on individual request.

Hillside Church Electoral Roll 2025 - 66 members on the Hillside Church Electoral roll. At the time of submitting this report an updated Electoral Roll shows 70 members.

Risk Review

The PCC continually reviews the major risks to which the Charity is exposed, and systems have been established to mitigate those risks. The risks facing the charity include the state of repair of the Churches and the financial requirements to meet its stated activities, including payment of its annual Parish Share.

The work of the Church is governed by safeguarding policies of the Church of England and in particular with due regard to the House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance.

There have been no serious incidents or other matters relating to this charity’s financial year that we should have brought to the attention of the Charity Commissioners.

Hillside Safeguarding Report

I am happy to report that there have been very few safeguarding issues to deal with, and those that have arisen have been dealt with and resolved.

Last year I reported that we needed to reach the 5 Standards described by the National Safeguarding Team. I am happy to report that we have now reached all of those standards. Our meeting of these standards will be regularly reviewed, so that each standard is reviewed at least once in a 3-year cycle. I am grateful for the PCC’s cooperation in embracing this matter.

We had an issue with a 3rd party data breach of the company that carries out our DBS checks. This affected 8 members of our congregation, all of whom have taken precautionary measures to mitigate against any loss of critical information.

During the course of the year I have attended the 4 Diocesan PSO gatherings, along with meetings, all of which help me to do all I can to keep everyone safe at Hillside.

I am very grateful for the support I get from the PCC and Gloria. the congregation. I am especially grateful to the 42 members of our congregation who have completed Safeguarding training, and don’t complain (much!) when asked to renew their training, DBS clearance etc.

Alan Corner Parish Safeguarding Officer

FINANCIAL REVIEW

WHERE OUR INCOME COMES FROM-GENERAL FUND

We continue to be reliant on the generosity of our congregation although this year we benifitted from a one off donation of £10,142 .

This income stream has remained fairly stable for a number of years despite inflationary pressures on our cost base.

WHERE WE SPEND OUR INCOME-GENERAL FUND

Our biggest expenditure is our Parish Share which is a contribution to Durham Diocese to fund, amongst others, stipends.

FINANCIAL performance

The unrestricted fund ended the year with a £3,149 surplus, which included a one-off £10,142 donation. Excluding this donation, the underlying position shows a £6,993 deficit. This pattern of deficits on the unrestricted fund has been ongoing. In response, the PCC has made the difficult but prudent decision to limit next year's Parish Share to £23,000. This measure aims to restore the unrestricted fund to a break-even point and safeguard reserves according to the reserves policy, ensuring financial stability and sustainability for the future.

RESERVES POLICY

The PCC recognises the need to hold reserves to ensure funding is available to provide continuing mission but also to ensure the PCC can meet its legal commitments should they be unable to continue due to lack of a sustainable income stream.

The PCC reviewed and reassessed reserves during the year such that the level of reserves at December 2025 are deemed adequate to support current activities and cover known risks.

Rob Brotherston Treasurer

Our Easter Journey Good Friday to Easter Sunday in pictures

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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF HILLSIDE

(ALL SAINTS, LOBLEY HILL and St CUTHBERTS, MARLEY HILL)

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 1153663

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31[st] DECEMBER 2025

Hillside, All Saints Lobley Hill and St Cuthberts Marley Hill

Independent Examiner’s Report to member’s/trustees of Hillside, All Saints Lobley Hill and St Cuthbert’s Marley Hill, Parochial Church council.

Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and Independent Examiner

The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 (2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to

Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act.
Follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioner section 145 (5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
State whether matters have come to my attention.

Basis of Independent Examiner’s Statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Direction given by the Charity Commission.

An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanation from the management committee concerning any such matters. The procedures undertake do not provide all the evidence that would be required in a full audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts.

Independent Examiner’s Statement

In connection with my examinations, no matters have come to my attention which give me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements

To keep accounting records in accordance with s.130 of the 2011 Act; or
To prepare accounts which accord with these accounting records have not been met; or 2 to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

William Pine Treasurer to Gateshead Deanery, PCC Christ Church Felling. 13[th] April 2026.

Hillside Church

Statement of Financial Activities

For the period from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025

	Unrestricted	Restricted	Endowment	Total	Prioryear
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies	£70,270	£8,284	-	£78,554	£68,934
Income from charitable activities	£797	-	-	£797	£931
Other trading activities	£5,885	£11,021	-	£16,906	£17,462
Investments	-	£1,385	-	£1,385	£1,204
Total income (Note 2)	£76,952	£20,690	-	£97,642	£88,531
Expenditure on:
Expenditure on charitable activities	£73,803	£15,865	-	£89,668	£88,324
Other expenditure	-	-	-	-	£2,450
Total expenditure (Note 3)	£73,803	£15,865	-	£89,668	£90,774
Net income / (expenditure) resources before transfer	£3,149	£4,825	-	£7,974	(£2,244)
Transfers:
Gross transfers between funds - in	-	£2,349	-	£2,349	£2,382
Gross transfers between funds - out	-	(£2,349)	-	(£2,349)	(£2,382)
Other recognised gains / losses
Gains/losses on investment assets	-	-	-	-	-
Gains on revaluation,fixed assets,charity's own use	-	-	-	-	-
Net movement in funds	£3,149	£4,825	-	£7,974	(£2,244)
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward	£16,156	£19,645	£29,819	£65,620	£67,863
Total funds carried forward	£19,305	£24,470	£29,819	£73,594	£65,620
Represented by
Unrestricted
General fund	£11,451	-	-	£11,451	£7,692
Designated
Community Fund	£31	-	-	£31	£31
Renes' Fund	£3,983	-	-	£3,983	£4,366
St Cuthberts Maintenance Fund	£813	-	-	£813	£1,513
ST Cuthberts Toddler Group	£3,027	-	-	£3,027	£2,554
Restricted
All Saints Gas Boiler Replacement	-	£726	-	£726	£2,243
All Saints Hall Gas Boiler	-	£3,088	-	£3,088	£1,311
Buildings Maintenance Fund	-	£3,250	-	£3,250	-
Chapel Carpet	-	£100	-	£100	£100
Community Hub	-	£500	-	£500	£500
Joshua Tree	-	£7,336	-	£7,336	£6,967
Overseas Friends	-	£250	-	£250	£711
Public Places' Defibrillator	-	£1,000	-	£1,000	-
Rita's Fund	-	£256	-	£256	£67
Sarah Jane Vickery Dale	-	£1,874	-	£1,874	£1,039
ST Cuthberts Boiler Fund	-	£5,867	-	£5,867	£6,557
Sunday School	-	£149	-	£149	£149
Velux Rooflight System	-	£73	-	£73	-
Endowment
Trust Fund - Sarah Jane VickeryDale	-	-	£29,819	£29,819	£29,819
Total funds	£19,305	£24,470	£29,819	£73,594	£65,620

Hillside Church - 1153663

Balance sheet (Summary) As at: 31 December 2025

Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 4 Total Fixed Assets Current assets Debtors 5 Investments 5 Cash at bank and in hand Liabilities Creditors: Amounts falling due in one year 6 Net current assets less current liabilities Total assets less current liabilities Total net assets less liabilities The funds of the charity: Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Funds of the church	2025 2024 £ £ 9,766 12,605
	9,766 12,605

	10,679 11,753 29,819 30,608 25,577 16,498
	66,075 58,859
	2,248 5,844
	63,828 53,015

	73,594 65,620

	73,594 65,620
	19,305 16,156 24,470 19,645 29,819 29,819
	73,594 65,620

Notes to the Financial Statements

Note 1 – Basis of preparation

Basis of Accounting

Trustees’ duties are set out in the Charities Act 2011 and Charity Trustee Act 1993. These Acts impose a duty on the trustees to direct the affairs of the charity, ensure that it is solvent, ensure that proper accurate accounting records are kept, and that statements of account which adhere to the charity law and accounting regulations are prepared in respect of each financial year.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 together with the applicable SORP (FRS102). Under the provisions of FRS102, the PCC is not classified as a larger charity and therefore is not required to produce a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts.

Funds:

Unrestricted funds represent those funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for application on the general purposes of the PCC.

Designated funds are those which have been nominally allocated for a particular purpose by the PCC, but which can be applied to other general purposes if required and are therefore also classified as unrestricted.

Restricted funds are funds given to the PCC to be spent for a specific purpose.

Endowment Funds relate entirely to a charitable trust whose objective is the provision of clergy residential accommodation.

INCOME

Voluntary Income and collections are recognised when received by or on behalf of the PCC.

Gift Aid receivable is included in income when there is a valid declaration from the donor. Tax recoverable is recognised in the same year in which the donations are made. Any recoverable tax not received is shown as a debtor in the balance sheet.

Any Gift Aid amount recovered on a donation is considered to be part of that gift and is treated as an addition to the same fund as the initial donation unless the donor or the terms of the appeal have specified otherwise.

Funds raised by church events are accounted for when received and are shown gross.

Rental income from the letting of PCC premises is recognised when the rental is due.

EXPENDITURE AND LIABILITIES

Liabilities are recognised where it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the PCC to pay out resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty.

The diocesan parish share is accounted for when due. Any parish share that is unpaid at 31 December would be provided for in these financial statements as an operational (though not a legal) liability and would be shown as a creditor in the balance sheet.

FIXED ASSETS

Consecrated and benefice property of any kind is excluded from the financial statements in accordance with s.10 (2)(a) of the Charities Act 2011.

Tangible fixed assets are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year and cost at least £500.

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and depreciation is charged on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful economic life of each asset.

CURRENT ASSETS

Amounts owing to the PCC at 31 December 2025 in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown as debtors less provisions for amounts that are considered uncollectable.

Stocks held for sale as part of non-charitable trade are measured at the lower of cost or net realisable value.

CURRENT LIABILITIES

All known liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law up to 31 December 2025 are included in these financial statements.

Note 2 - Analysis of Income

Total

Donations and Legacies Tax Efficient Planned Giving Other Planned Giving Collections at Services All Other Giving Gift Aid Recovered Will Bequest Grant Income Total Income from Charitable Activities PCC Fees Total Other Trading Activities Joshua Tree Café Income from Fundraising Activities Hire of Premises Total Investments Interest Received Total INCOME TOTAL	Unrestricted Restricted Endowment This year Last year 32,645 - - 32,645 32,433 11,695 - - 11,695 10,416 2,244 - - 2,244 2,606 2,221 1,334 - 3,555 4,177 11,323 115 - 11,438 11,401 10,142 - - 10,142 - - 6,835 - 6,835 7,901 70,270 8,284 - 78,554 68,934 797 - - 797 931
	797 - - 797 931 - 11,021 - 11,021 10,692 126 - - 126 226 5,759 - - 5,759 6,544
	5,885 11,021 - 16,906 17,462 - 1,385 - 1,385 1,204 - 1,385 - 1,385 1,204
	76,952 20,690 97,642 88,531

Note 3 – Analysis of Expenditure

Total

Expenditure on Charitable Activities Mission Giving and Donations Diocesan Parish Share contribution Salaries Clergy Expenses: Mission Costs Church Expenses Church Running Expenses Church Utilities Costs of Trading Joshua Tree Café Governance: DBS Major Repairs Church Building Major Repairs Church Hall Total Total Expenditure	Unrestricted Restricted Endowment This year Last year - - - - - 24 - - 24 1,700 33,050 - - 33,050 33,193 15,241 - - 15,241 14,169 587 551 - 1,138 3,192 197 1,186 - 1,384 600 14,390 6,516 - 20,905 18,346 6,518 - - 6,518 5,562 3,720 2,788 - 6,508 5,707 - 4,823 - 4,823 5,212 77 - - 77 43 - - - - - - - - - 3,050
	73,803 15,865 - 89,668 90,774
	73,803 15,865 - 89,668 90,774

Note 4 – Tangible Fixed Assets

		Plant
	Computer	&	Plant	TOTAL
	Equipment &	Machinery	& Machinery
	Software	(3yrs)	(5-10yrs)
Cost
At 1st Jan 2024	5,455	3,179	21,539	30,173
Additions	699			699
Disposals	-	-	-	-
At 31st December 2025	6,154	3,179	21,539	30,872
Depreciation
At 1st Jan 2025	5,455	3,179	8,933	17,567
Disposals	-	-	-	-
Depreciation	58		3,480	3,538
At 31st December 2025	5,513	3,179	12,413	21,106
Net Book Value
At 1stJan 2025	-	-	12,605	12,605
At 31st December 2025	641	-	9,125	9,766

Note 5 – Debtors

	This year	Last year
Gift Aid Recoverable	5,532	6,822
Prepayments	5,088	4,931
Durham Diocesan Board of Finance	29,819	30,608
Accounts Receivable	60	-
	40,498	42,361

Note 6 – Creditors

itors
Accruals HMRC Agency Collections Accounts Payable	This year Last year 1,241 1,174 185 117 386 525 436 4,028
	2,248 5,844

Note 7 – Personnel Costs

Salaries and other emoluments Employers National Insurance NEST Pension Costs Number of employees in post 31 December. Average number of employees over the year.	This year Last year 14,629 13,630 - - 612 539
	15,241 14,169
	1 1 1.00 1.00

There were no employees who met the definition of "key management personnel" during the year. [0] No salary or employee benefits have been paid to Trustees in respect of their membership of the PCC. [0] Incumbent clergy salaries are paid directly by the Durham Diocese and not by the PCC.