The Parish Church of St James the Great Haydock Registered Charity 1153937 Annual Report and Accounts for 2024
Background The Parish Church of St James the Great is situated on Church Road, Haydock, in the Borough of St Helens. It is part of the Diocese of Liverpool within the Church of England. The address for correspond8nce is: The Vlcarage 169 Church Road Haydock St Holon8 Mer8ey8ide WA11 ONJ Incumb•nt Reverend Fr Michael Vyse from 30th June 2022 Reverend Fr lan Wynne Nancy Holloway Philip Peplow Chairnian Assistsnt Priost Churchwardens VIC8 Chaff and Safeguarding Offlcer Health and Safely Cowordln8tor Trna8uror Susan King PCC Secrotary Dorothy Smith Glft Ald Secretary Dorothy Smith Deanery Synod Roprosentatlvos Jacquelin8 Cutler William Haydock Geoffrey Lighlfoot Elected Membors Kathryn Goodstsdt Janet Dawber Ann Black Irene Jone8, Jean White Rita Brogan Jenni Shaw William Wiswell Paul Hooton Joan Nicholls Jean White RIP Electoral Roll Officer Th8 Electoral Roll has a m8mbership of 145 souls olntment of Offlcers and sUCOMMIttee3 At the first m88ting following the APCM the Parochial Church Council will appoint its officers, their subvcommittees and representatives to other Parish Comrnittees or outside bodies, uorum for Meetin For a meeting to tak8 valid decisions one third of members must b8 present and voting.
Bankers Barclays Bank plc, 19 Church Street, St. Helens, Mersgyside, WA10 1 BG Legal Advisor The Bishop of Liverpool's Registry, 1 The Sanctuary, London. SW1P 3JT Independent Examiner Mrs Gillian Oates, 32 Reddish Crescent. Lymm, Cheshire, WA13 9PT Archltect Bill Schafer Dip Arch RIBA Schafer Associates I Charlered Architects 56 Belvedere Road, Ashton-in-makerfield, Lancashire, WN4 8RU. Day to day manag8m8nt control is exercised by the Incumbent, the Reverend Fr Michael Vyse, and the Churchwardens, Nancy Holloway and Gordon Tumer, who can be contacted via Ihe Vicarage. as above, telephone 01942 727956. Structure. Gov•rnanc• and Manag•m•nt The Parochial Church Council is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure and is a charity registered with the Charity Commission. The method of appointing Parochial Church Council members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. The elected members of the Council normally 6erv8 for a period of three years. the terms of office being staggered over a three-year cycle to ensure administrative continuity. All church members are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and to stand for election to the Councll. The Council operates 6ub•committees: the Standing Committee and the Finance and Fabric Committee. The Standing Committee ha8 power to Iran8act the business of the Council between Its meetings, subject to any dlrections given by the Councll under th8 Church Repr8S8ntation Rules. Its members are the Incumbent, the Churchwardens, the Secretary and the Treasurer. The Vice-chair would also be a member if that office were not held by one of Ihe Wardens. The Finance and Fabric Committee is charged with considering any matters referred to it by the Councll whilst taking an overview of any and all issues related to the finances of the Council and the mainlenance of all buildings and equipment for which it is responsible. It reports to, and makas recomméndations to. the Standing Committee and the Council, as appropriate. Its members are the Incumbent, the Churchwardens, the Treasurer and four further members appoinled by the Council, Gurrently William Haydock, Philip Peplow, William Wiswell (Chair) + one vacancy. Objectives and Actlvltles The primary objgGt of the PCC is the promotion of the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to the doctrines and practices of the Church of England. The PCC has the ponsibility of co-operating with the Incumbent in promoting within the ecd6siastiC81 parish the whole mission of the Church -pastoral, evangelistic, pla1 and ecumenical. The PCC has responsibilities relating to the Parish Church; the surrounding Churchyard; the Parish Room and Kitchen annexed to Ihe Church,. St. James, Parish Cenlre, Church Road, Haydock; and the Curate's House (currently let ID tenants) at 27 Homestead Avenue. Haydock.
The PCC acknowledges that these responsibilities relate not only to day to day management and the maintenance of the fabric of these buildings but also to ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation and the duties of care thereby imposed. When planning its activities for the year the PCC gave consideration to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the specrfic guidance to chariti8s conc8rn8d with the advanc8m8nt of religion. The advancement of religion is of itself a Gharitable purpose recognized as being of public benefit within the meaning of the Charities Act 2006. The PCC affirms its understanding that all its responsibilities are 8xercis8d not simply within a gathered congregation but within the context of the community as a whole.
VICAR'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2024-25 We have a very strong body of Churchwarden5 and PCC, and, as a result, a very well- organised Church life, a healthy set of finance5, a well-maintained building whose ongoing maintenance and development needs are known and proactively catered for. All this continues to be done by a hard-workin8 and vigilant Churchwardens; the Fabric & Finance Committee and our Treasurer; and the Standing Committee, together with many volunteers- especially the Thursday group- worklng on the buildin8. Worship is also maintalned through the hard work and dedication of Fr lan; Fr John; teams of servers. Matt. the music group, and choir; readers and intercessors: Sacristans, cleaners and flower-arran8ers. I have continued developing links With our Church School, includin8 input in variou5 Year groups, curriculum actlvltles; Snvigllatin8 the SATS exams. input as a School Governor; as well as countless everyday encounters wlth children, parents, staff and governors. The school had a positlve outcome in last summerfs SIAMS Inspection. which assesses the Fatth input in the school. Many conversations wlth pants have been struck up on the playground at the beginning or end of the school day. On many occaslons, l am struck by the number of tlmes I meet a S. James, parent [or grandparent] in an entirely dlfferent context, and often in connection with a long-standing relatlonshlp with S. Jame< Church. th We have had, for the second time, Stephen our Blshop wlth us, who, on 19 May, confirmed 9 chlldren from the school plu5 one adult. Others confirmed in previous years took part in the servlce; and two of those confirmed that day have now become regular and committed members of our Serrfing Team; their families have also become regular worshippers here. This year, we are set to have Bishop Stephen back agaln, to confirm four children from S. Jame5, school and two chlldren who attend our Cubs, part of the 18 St Helens- St James, Haydock- Scouts 8roup: our Scouts, like our S. James. School, is a key component In our overall Church life. One of the Confirmation candidates attends Grange Valley school. which I have also been visitin8 in the past couple of term5, leading one Year group for a lesson at a time. Our relatlonshlp wlth Bishop Stephen Is underplnned by our membership of the Transfiguration Chapter; the Chapter is concerned about the implications which the 'Fit Formission, plan would have on u5 at S. Jame. we would become part of a 'Lar8e Single Parish, [LSP]. whlch would assume S. James, existing strategic declsion-making powers. We have 5tsrted to en8age wlth process of listening to the process; a vote will be taken in the Autumn as to whether or not to enter Into a 2-year lon8 "As If phase of fvnctionln8-as if we were part of that LSP. Pilgrimages have contlnued to both Ladyewell and Walsingham, when we are able to give generously to the Shrine and its needs. Monthly Walsin8ham Cell meetings, together with the May devotlon, summer Strawberries & Wine, and the pre-christmas party, punctuate and sustain the Cell according to the motto, °pray hard and play hard.. The Mothers, Union has continued to engage with outside speakers on a variety of toplcs. The fortnightly Eucharlsts. which now alternate between Collier's Court Care Home Iformerly Wagon & Horses] and Abbey Rose Court [formerly Lymewood] Care Home, were matched
at Christmas with carols enthusiastically sung by regular worshippers from S. James, including Fr lan and myself, and led by Janet. It has also been a privilege for Fr lan and myself to be called upon, by these two care homes and others, to administer prayers, laying-on of hands and anointing, especially for those nearing the end of thelr lives on earth. Thls important- if largely unseen- splritual care draws on the ministry of Healing for whSch S. James Is rightly renowned, due to the work of our Guild of S. Raphael. The Guild continues its annual lebratiOn of its Patron Saint with the October Sunday Eucharist with Healing Ministries. Also not to be forgotten are those who worship with us at home. who recelve Holy Communiorj [and in sorne cases also Anointing] on a rou8hly monthly basis. We have sadly said goodbye to some faithful servants of St James,: Jean White and Edna CIou8h, who, often regarded as inseparable in lrfe, were called to glory within just a few of each other. We also. in June. carried out the burial of the cremated remains of our much-loved i¢Y Vicar, Fr Paul Nener. May they rest In peace. In this last year, a total of 33 funerals have taken place at St Jameg [compared to 16 in 2023-24J: 13 = Service in Church followed by committal elsewhere 3 being a Service in Church followed by Burial in new grave here 10 belng a Servlce in Church followed by Burial in existing grave here 7 being a Service all at Crem In addltlon, St James's clergy [Fr lan, Fr John and 1] have led: 15 x Burlal. In our churchyard, of Cremated remalns I x Burial from another church in a new grave here 3 x burlal from another Church In an exlstlng grave here 18enerally attend funeral 'wake<, especlally if invlted to. a Bood amount of meanlngful pastoral mlnlstry Is often done In that context. Dot Beesley felt the need to stand down as Verger, after many years of devoted hard work: her r61e has been taken on by Rita Brogan.. we are very gratefvl for the work done by both of them. We are also very grateful to Phil Peplow for his many years of dedicated service as Churchwarden, and for his continued work wlth safety and fire procedures. Nancy has been joined as Churchwarden by Gordon Turner: without both of them have been an enormous body of support. I contlnue to walk around the streets of the parish when I can, as a visible si8n of the Church's presence here, as well as talklng to parents at the start or end of the school day: a Priest has been described as "a walking Sacramenv. As I write, we are soon to celebrate the Lord'5 Death and Pa551on, and glorlous ReSUrctIon from the dead: may we, being dead to sin, be allve to God, In Jesus hls crucified and rlsen Son. Fr Michael Vyse SSC Vicar
St. James The Great Haydock Annual Church Warden's ReportAprll 2025 St James the Great Haydock Church Mlsslon -This mission st8tament and action plan came about after8 meeting with two concerned parishioners. Father Michael. Are8 De8n. Nancy, and myself.- As part of the Church's Mission to provide a welcomlng and inclusive environment in St. James Church to members of the congregation and parish at Large, a meeting was held with the are8 Dean. The result of which 18 the basis of this reported. Father Michael continues to increase the links between the parish church and St. James the Great Primary School by holding regular services in schoolfor the school children and on special occasions seNlces in church for the whoLe school community. Also. there are monthly services involving the attached scout group which brings b8ck Into church the children and parents who have mov8d on from primary education. Father Michael 8l80 spends 8 great deal of time outsid8 the church informally meeting all the parents of the children who attend the school and scouts. This is in addition to his dailywork within the perish visitingthe sick, the nursing homes and house bound parishioner8 to administer the s8crament ancl bringthe church to the whole parish ot St. Jam8S. Within the Church's Mlssion to provide 8uch 8 weLcomlnE and inclusive space forfamilies with young children, we need to complement Fr. Micheal'8 work by providing a welcoming, friendly and safe space for the young children and their parents or guardians, which makes them feel included within the church and the congregation and can at the same time take part in the church's liturgy and Eucharist service on 8 Sunday. The current position: 1) P8rish room. 2) SW corner of the church a chlldren'8 corner Parlsh room. Pros: it is a large area to enabLe large toys ortsble workto be conducted and nolsy 8Ctlvftl8S to take place. It has a Speaker so that the church service and be heard and followed. Con8: It is isolated from the main body of the church. You 8r8 unable to physically, visually and activelytake partthe church Euch8rist when in the room. Chlldren's Corner Prog: it is withln the main body of the church and has toys, table and chairs suitable for young children. It has colourful dlsplays. reading book8 and actlvity sheets. It is warm 8nd well light wlth natural Ilght. Con8: It is limited in size. The messy church display board acts a barrierto the rest of the church. There can be noise issue when inappropriate toys or actlvities are undertaken. You are unable to interact with th8 rest of the church. the liturgy and see the priest and Qlter party during the Eucharlst. The waytorward to Smprove the church'8 mi88ion of incluslon. 1) Use the parish room for nolsy activities i.e. playing wlth hard plastlc toys. 2) Use the parish room when 8 child become8 unsettled. upset. starts acting out or is unableto be reasonably qulet. 3) Use the parish room as a safe quiet place to go to give the chlld and the p8rent a quiet placeto recover ancl relieve the tensions that can 8rise when in front of other adults. It is accepted noise is inevitable with young chiLdren, but it is also incumbent on the church to be aware that loud and excessive noise can spoll the act of worship to some in the congregation esp8cial duringthe blessing of the Eucharist.
41 The children's corner needs to be more open therefore the physical barrier of the Messy Church display board needs to be removed and put somewhere else. This will enable the main body of the church to be visibLe and the adults and children can be aware of the church service and tak8 part 8s ancl wh8n they feeL 8bLe. This will alLowthe children to become more involved and receive instruction and guidance as to whet is h8ppening during the service at the appropriate time. Both 8dults and children WILL be involved within the sep4ice rather than isolated behin(l a screen. 5) Increase the floor 8rea as necessary. when and if numbers increase. 6) We have a quiet safe place forthe children from which they can be Involved with the Service. 7} Ensure there a plenty of soft toys and quiet activities for the youngar children. 8) Ensure aLltoys, games and activities are communal and are not the property of any individual-they belongto th8 congregation. 9) These areas to be under the direction of the Vicar and the Church Wardens. Outcome: pews have been rearranged 8t the back of the church (south aisle), the screen removed, and two areas created for aduLtS 8nd children to be together'quietly" and still be part of th8 whole church and take part in the service. This to date has proved quite successful. ALSO, a rear pew at the back of th8 South nave has been removed so that there 18 8 SP8C8 forwheelchairs, mobility scooters and buggies. Dry rot: The repairs have b88n completed. A big thank you to everyone involved In cleanlngthe church and tldying up once the works was completed. The cement Panels whlch had to be chiselled from the w8lls have been replace with Lime-based renderingwhlch allows the brlckwork to breath and not retsln molster penetration from the outside. The wood has been treated with a speci8Lwood paint to match the rest of the woo(Iwork. Roof valley repLa¢•rn•nt: Both phases ofthe roofv8ll8y h8v8 been compLet8d howev8rthere w88 found to be other issues with parts of the roof due tO"8ge and weather". which WILL hopefully be addressed 8tthe same time Water rneters: We only have ONE and it is forthe Parlsh Centre. It Is underthe floorb08rds as Indic8ted by 8 sign on the wall. Access is via a little floor panel. All otherwater bllls are based on the old rateable value. Hoatlnq: Both furnac88 are functioning, and the newtimer 18 e88y to adjust and set to Sulte the needs of the church. The church in wlnter can never reach more th8n 16 degrees especially when we have had severe frost at night and for several days at a tlme. The parlsh room heater is nowworking after several rep8irs. Vandallsm to staln glass wlndow: This was repaired by a Ioc8l stained-glass company based in St. Helens. Repalrs, g•noral malntsnance and groundwork. It cannot be expressed how gratefulthe church of St. James is to everyone who helps with these matters, they have Saved the church a great d881 of moneywhich can only be seen when you look at the financial statement produced bythe tre8sur8r. This is e8peci8LLytrue of the graveyard. Church Inv8ntory: together with Fr Mlch8el, Fr lan Nancy and myself the church silverware will b8 Sorted into those for regular use and other items of infrequent use and then put In more appropriate secure storage. We will then take a full inventory of the church's artefacts and where they 8re to be kept. Church Servica Streamlng: The YouTube channeL now has 91 subscriptions and is watched live by ov8r 10 parishioneis and later has from 50 to 80 views each week. Gordon Turner Church Warden
Notes from Guild of St Ra hael Pra er Grou Meetin & AGM 25 Februa 2025 Pre-meethig thanks: to everyone who supports Ihe guild wth donatiopLg, raffle prizes, or help with events,. to those who helped with Pie & Peas,. to those who helped make Edna Clough'sfyneral special and to Les Moorcroftfor hispractical and ITsupport. AGM - review of Janu to December 2024 January - Good attendance at Pie & Peas. February - main concern was only a small amount of our money donated to church from previous years has been spent. No rneeting in March because of the Chrism Mass at Manchester Cathedral. Oils were reiVed into church at the Eucharist that cv¢ning. Aprll - coach to Oswaldtwistle Mills. 44 Guild members and congregation were joined by people frorn other local churchcs. Whilst the day was enjoyable, we will not bc returning ther¢. A letter outlining our dissatisfaction with their arrangements for our visit was sent. The compensatory voucher they sent to us in response was returned to thm. The first request for an individual Laying on of Hands for quite Some time resulted in a well attended gatherAng of Guild members in the Lady Chapel after the 21 April 10.30arn scrvic¢. It was a moving servicc but futur¢ requests lik¢ this will arranged for th¢ front of the main altar steps to allow for enough room for everyone present to be joined by touching whilst Laying on of Hands is carried out. This is so that everyone can be a part of the service in a more meaningful way. In May agreement that people should stay on the Guild's prayer list for three months, unless SpecifillY requested otherwise, or the person is long-term sick or housebound. Also agreed that whenever sUfficit peoplc are present at meetings, we should havc a raffle, with rnoncy raised rescrvcd scparately and used towards subsidising any future outings. as coach hire has bKom¢ very cxpensive. Carol O'Neil was thanked for volunteering to become Deputy. Alison Carson was our speaker at our June meetin& so items for discussion were Caled forward. There w&8 positive feedback from our prayer r¢qu¢sts box at thc summcr fair. Stocks of sympathy cards were given to Fr Michael and Fr Ian to give to bereaved families, where approprAate. A coach trip to York was arranged for 27th July, the day of thc Northcrn Provincial Service in the Cathedral there. This coach had to be cancelled as there was insufficient interest to make it viable. It was later discovered that the Chapter had a wach to the Northern Provincial Festival, which we had no prior knowledge of. It is unknown whether this had any impact on us being unable to fill our coach. In August, a r¢vicw of mcmbcrship was carrieAI out and th0 who had not engag for some time were contacted. 'fhe Guild offered to pay for a defibrillator. Recently discovered thal one has been acquired al no cosl io the Guild. In September a new Thank You card was produce to be used as appropriate. October- The annual Parish S¢rvicx for H¢aling More people attended and engaged than last year and lot of positive comments were received after the service. Badges worn by Guild members helped to id¢ntify who could support anyon¢ who wished for this. Th¢ forniat of two Laying on of Hands stations with one anointing ststion worked very wdl. Use of the Taize Chant to finish the service added to the almosphcrc and the Guild then provided (MplImentary refrcslllncnts in th¢ Parish Room. Arrangements for our organist to be able to access Laying on of Hands must be made for next time. Christmas themed refreshments were served at our meeting in November. There was also a quiz and raffle. On 28 November 2024 our coach, of 31 people, went to Lytbam Hall to see the historic building decorated for Chrislmas and to havc aft¢rnoon te& Th¢ day was a great success and a letter of thanks has been sent to Lytham Hall. A raffle was held on the return journey, as has become out practise. Funds rais¢d from this wcrc includcd towards our annual donation to churth funds. (raffle money towards coach subsidy is onlyfrom our meetings). The was no mccting in December. Cl)ristmas cards for those on the Guild's prayer list went well and positive feedback from recipients has been received once again.
In summary- It was a good year overall and we were able to make a donation to church funds of £950. This is slightly down on last year (which was £1,100). It is heartening that there has been much more intercst in the Guild this y&2r and that the CAiach tiips have become popular as they offer outreach opportunities. Current Situation Membership - fairly statsc. Dorothy Wkntheld and Jean White during 2U24' Annie Cox and Edna Clough died at th¢ start of 2025. Laying on of Hands volunteers are fewer. which can cause problems. Finances - Over £3k donated since 2022. Only £665.67 has so far been spent. Anyone can request a purch&8e but Sue King and I need to know. to be able to keep track. 2024 accounts have b¢¢n approvcd by Sue King and can be inspected on requcst. Prayer Ll&t - The 3 month revlew system to rcmain in place. Several people have sent their thanks and appreciation for our prayers. Our list is to be CA)mpared with sheet list to ensure all Guild prayer requests are coved at our monthly Eucharists. From now 0 sheet to be put on the table prior to the start of our meetings on which people can add the names of those they want US to particularly pray for that night. Cards for those on the prayer list - Easter cards will be availabl¢ from th¢ our stand at the back of church from Sunday, 9 March. Potential speakers - suggestions wclcome Pub]Icatlon8 - To be reviewed . Potentlal COYdch trips: Several suggestions received. Difficult to fll a suitable date but a day trip to Saltaire has been arranged for l O May but this can only 80 ahead if we have sufficient numbets. Thesday, 25 Mareb 2025 - Our next meeting, after the 7.30pm Eucharist. Tuesday, 15 April 2025 Clllism Mass at Manchester Cathedral. Saturday, 10 May 2025 - Day trip to Sa]taire Saturday, 21 June 2025 - Table top sal4 whilst Cell breakfasts are going on. Sunday, 26 October 2025. Annual Parish Healing Service, during the 10.30 EucharASt. An Other Business Discussion needed on whether an afternoon Pie & Peas followed by Eucharist would b¢ viable for next January. Need to continue raising the Guild's profile: who we are, what we do and that we pray for anything of oncry not only the sick, all of wl]ich can be done in confidence, if rcquired. Please let me have your comments1suggestions/fback on any points raised above. Thank you for your support Elaine Wallwork
January Church Service, followed byAGM and giving out of birthdaycards and hotpot supper. February Voluntary Communitychampions unable to come due to ilLness. Discussed illness of absent members, took subscription fees and tea money. Checked on who had not received Prayer Diary. Made a list for upcoming Lent Lunches, gave out birthday cards March no meeting April KayLeigh Archbold from Victim Support cancelled l8St minute. She is the Operations Managerforsupported Housing and Domestic Abuse. Her talk would have fitted in with our MU project,'Rise Up Against Domestic Abuse,. We discussed the piece in the Spring Issue of the'connected Magazine about this topic and l asked if members wanted to register for the Bronze Award. We also discussed the letters from Mary Sumner House and members were directed to our notice board where all the information is displayed. May John Harrison stepped In for Mlchael Hardi from Leprosy Mission. He provided us with an update of the new hospital. He had personal experience of the place and told us many stories about children and adults 8ffected by this disease. We found his talk both interesting yet harrowing at times Members were asked ifthey had managed tojoin MSH in Midday Prayers. We discussed'Thy Kingdom Come,, an MU initiative to introduce new people to Jesus. ALSO, l informed members that I had spoken to Jennifer Grayson from'safe to Speak, and that shewould come and speak to us soon. June Musical evening led by memberjanet Dawberfocussing on the words of several hymns and howthe music can aid in a deeper understanding of the prayer within. The latest information was shared from MSH concerning ourww President Sheran, who is visiting Australia and Newzealand. Also a letter to all MU members from King Charles 111 thanking us for our support through prayer during his illness. Members referred to Notice Board for this and details of the'ScargiLI Retreat, and the'Rise Up, celebration Service. Discussion and lists made for arrangements for the upcoming'summer of Hope. Afternoon Tea, and our proposed meal out, both in August.
July Paul Hooten, a local CounciLlor came to talk to us about his work in the community. Members asked 8 wide range of questions and thoroughly enjoyed his talk and the information he gLadlygave. We then finalised details forthe Afternoon tea. Members were reminded to checkthe Notice Board for the latest from MSH. l also inforrned everyone about my visit to Olive Rigby, a previous Leader, who had given me some colourful fabric from MU members visitingst James from Zimbabwe. She also gave me a large piece of material printed with the MU logo and some of the same made up into a tablecloth and 4 aprons. These will be used on an information aboard in Church and for the Afternoon Tea August No meeting butwave of Prayer, fitted in on Sunday after our Eucharist.(the time when most people available). Meal out at The Kirkfield Hotel (really enjoyable) and Afternoon Tea and Bingo, our fundr8ising event for'The Summerof Hope AppeaL'. Afabulous £465, 12 raised. Well done everyone. September Branch Leader gave a talk about MU membership around the world focussing on those brancheswe prayed for in ourwave of Prayer. Orders asked for MU diaries and Christmas cards and gifts. October Member Elaine Wallwork gave 8 fascinating talk on some interesting characters from our own area RealLy surprised us that we had so many noteworthy. local rogues and herolnes In our small area. Gave Members an update on our Christmas Meal. Checked if8ny'Connected' and'Prayer Diaries'were outstanding. Read'September'Reflection'from MSH and referred members to Notice Board forfurther details including Carol Service and Services at the Cathedral. November Christmas Crafts with Janet Dawber. This year we made a Cracker from scratch including hat, sweet and sn8p! Great Fun. Also reminders about MU meal, ChristmasTombola Gifts and reading Board. December No meeting but Last Christmas message from our outgoing WW President, Sheran placed on Board and cards and same message and Christmas cardsfrom the Diocese taken out to our 5 Indoor Members. Christmas meal enjoyed with Choir members and clergy.
Cell of Our Lady of Walslngham Our church is the only one in the Deanery with a full-time priest, Fr. Michael Vyse. Fr. Michael is also the Cell Superior of Our Lady of Walsingham. Our cell has once again shown its support to the Shrine, by going on parish pilgrimage, every year. donating money and praying the Rosary and the Angelus daily. We are the largest cell in this country. We have 42 members and our last two members were Fr. John Taylor and Mr Martin Taylor. The fund-raisers we have throughout the year which is very well supported, We have Breakfasts with sale of goods, Strawberrie5 and Wine evening, Cheese and Wine evening and very kind donations from members all thi5 money goes to the Shine. We are truly grateful for all money we make or receive. We a150 cater for Summer and Advent Fayre. Mary, Mother of God plays an important part of our lives, she is alway5 pointing to her son, because her prSmary role is to direct people towards Jesus. Thls year we have paid £35.for church supplies for the month of August. £40. For the red glass lamp that burns above the Memorial book in our church. £40. For the lamp that bvrn5 in the Holy House in the Shrine for our church. 100 Easter Eggs for our primary school. 100 Selectlon boxes again for the school. £100 to the Sisters of St. Margaret's Priory, Walslngham for the work they do. £150 to send five youths to the Youth Pilgrimage at Walsingham. £1.250 to help subsidy towards the coach that we go on pilgrimage and cover the drivers Cost for his food and room. Sadly one of our faithful members passed away in January of thls year,12025) Mrs Edna Clough. May she rest in peace and rise in glory, her name will be added to the Chancery book at Walsingham which the cell pay £35. This year our cell is 19years old and l am so pleased to say that in these years we have bought, paid and donate to church and the Shrine-a total of £37. (XX). 00 All our meetlngs are open to members and non-members and are always made to feel welcome. Soclety of Mary This year are day pilgrimage to Ladywell will take place on 14th of June. Members of the society receive the Ave magazine twice a a year. The S.O.M whilst being one of the Catholic Societie5 of the Church of England has members in churches all over the world. The Society Wishes to encourage Christians to respect Mary, Mother of God. Members shall keep a Rule of Life which includes such special devotions as the Angelus, the rosary, Marian antherns and the Litany of Our Lady. They will pray for departed members of the society and offer the Holy Eucharist for them. The Rosary A couple of years ago a members were asked to Say the rosary in the Chapel of Rest in the local undertakers Alan Jones. As one of our member5 from English Martyr's had passed away and his
daughter said it was something he wanted. l English Mart¢s do not have a rosary group) We went along and said the rosary and prayed for his departed soul for Mary's Intercession with God so that the deceased may have eternal rest with Him forever. Thi5 was very special privilege to be asked to do this and it will always be remembered by the members. Our rosary group meet each Thursday at 6.30pm in either the Lady chapel or the St. Alban chapel. Everybody is welcome to come along and join in orjust to sit quietly pray and meditate. Dot Beesley Cell Secretary
Parochlal Church Councll of St. James the Great, Haydock Flnancial Statement for the year ended 31st December 2024 GENERAL FUND RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT RECEIPTS 2,024 2,023 Volunts Recei Planned Giving Collections and other Givin8 Income Tax recovered Other volunta recei Sundry donatlons Insurance Bequest Actlvltl for eneratl funds Magazines and bookstall Fund raisin8 R el ts from In ments Interest received Homestead rent Recel ts from charitable ctmtles Weddin8 and Funeral fees Contributions for PC and parish room TOTAL RECEIPTS PAYMEiwrs natlons to Oth r Charltle Mlsslon Giving Charl ble Actlvities Parish share Church Runnln8 Expenses Clergy expenses Upkeep of servlces Salarles & Support costs Homestead Ave Costs Vicarage costs Church malntenance Administratlon Costs 33,239 5.378 11.4(X) 32,505 6,41)0 11,230 50,017 50.134 16,090 7,560 16,090 17,560 1,056 11,443 1,355 9,127 12,499 10,482 850 8,376 512 6,421 9,226 6,934 11,752 495 13,295 750 # 12,247 14,045 100,078 99.155 830 770 62,717 15,527 66 5,623 2,06S 588 2,944 3,033 139 62,655 19,563 550 6.651 2.51JJ 644 2,805 2,235 168 92,703 97,771 Cost of Genera Ancillary trading costs TOTAL PAYMENTS Excess of recelpts over payments Transfer to Parish Centre Fund Total Unrestricted Funds at l January 2024 Balance as at 31 December 2024 Less Parish Centre deficit Less Churchyard deficit Less MU deficit Total Unrestricted Funds at 31 December 2024 476 519 99,060 95 750 24,913 24.258 9.170 3,923 6,069 495 11,165 16.739 1,212 317 15.210 11,165
Parochial Church Council of St. James the Great, Haydock Financial Statement for the year ended 31st December 2024 OTHER FUNDS FLOWER FUND Restrirted Volunts Recel t Restricted Donatlons ments Various costs Excess of recelpts over payments Total Fund at l January 2024 Total Fund at 31 December 2024 PARISH CENfRE FUND Restricted Volunta R Donatlons and fundraislng men All runnin8 costs and buildin8 materials Exc•ss of paym•nts over recelpts Transfe Rent from general fund Total Fund at l January 2024 Total Fund at 31 December 2024 Write off from General Fund CHURCHYARD FUND Restrfrted to expendlture malntalnln8 the Churchyard Recel Restrlcted donations 2024 2023 Icx) 614 194 -94 1,011 917 62 552 459 1,011 163 1,854 1,870 -1,707 11,774 9,920 -495 750 1,212 9,170 1,160 717 Running costs Excess of receipts over payments Total Fund at l January 2024 Total Fund at 31 December 2024 1,060 100 3,923 100 3,923 FABRIC FUND Income Payments Exce55 of payments over receipt5 Total Fund at l January 2024 Total Fund at 31 December 2024 GUILD OF ST RAPHAEL Total Fund at 31 December 2024 MOTHERS UNION Total Fund at 31 December 2024 AGENCY FEES Agency Fees Collected Relmbursements Pald 3.200 5,161 636 6,111 6.574 6,631 57 1272 121 Excess of receipts over payments Total Fund at l January 2024 Totsi Fund at 31 December 2024 127 1,215
Parochlal Church Council of St. James the Great, Haydock Financlal Statement for the year ended 31st December 2024 STATEMEKf OF AssEfs AND LIABILrriES TOTALS Restrlcted Funds General Agency C/yard Fabric Flower Pcentre Fund DBF Fund Fund Fund Fund 2024 2023 Cash Funds Bank Buslness Note: Much of MU bank transactions are in the General Fund. This does not represent total income and costs for the year, 20.022.89 45,593.38 65,616 17,619 52,305 69,924 Total Cash 15,210 1,342 100 45,049 917 0 3.190 Difference 65.807 -191 Immaterlal G. Oates 70.303 -379 Other moneta assets Guild of St Raphael see above Investment Asset5 Alice Watson Trust Imarket Value) Valuation as at 31 December 2024 1,530 1,485 Assets retslned for use of the church 27 Homestead Ave (Purchase prlce on 4 Feb 20021 Note that the Dlocese holds the property In trust for the PCC Deeds held by Hill Dlcklnson LLP, Llverpool, L3 9SJ 54,IX 54,000 en DBF Notes The financial statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 using the Receipts and Payments basis. Approved by the PCC on 13 MQeLx 2pSand signed on their behalf: PCC Chairman
Financlal Review Treasurerfs Comments 2024 was a year of reasonable stabilty with overall income exceeding expenditure in th8 G8n8ral Fund by £6,070. The fact that costs are kept to an absolute minimum has certainly helped to enable this to be a positive result. It is worth noting that 67% of expenditure for the year is our contribution to Parish Share which totalled £62.717 out of a total expenditure of £94,009. Fortunately, this figure will ba lower in 2025 as th8re has been an agreement by the Dean8ry to reduce the Parish Share by 13%. The next major cost has been gas and 818ctricity for the church and parish room which accounted for 10% of the total expenditure. Once again, there should be reduced cosls in 2025 as a new contract has been agreed for gas which should bring about savings. It is with grateful thanks lo the congregation and supporters of St James that costs can be met. Income from planned giving, collections and income tax recover8d amounted to £50,017 in 2024 compar8d to £50,134 in 2023. Sundry donations increased significantly from £7,560 in 2023 to £16,090 in 2024. Fund raising also Increased from £9,127 in 2023 to £11,443 in 2024 which was partly due to the wreath sale income being put in the General Fund instead of Flower Fund. The closing balance on the General Fund account stands at £15,527 The Churchyard Fund finished the y88r with a positive balance of £100 which 18 mainly due to the valued support of volunleers helping with the maintenance of the churchyard. It was agreed at the end of 2023 that the church could no longer afford to pay for the grass cutting in the Churchyard. As a result, a number of volunteers assisted with the upkeep but there is no guarantee that this can continue into 2025, More assistance is needed urgently for Ihe churchyard to be maintained to an acceptable level. The Parish Centre Fund operated at a level whereby costs exceeded income. The deficit of £1,212 was met from the General Fund. This resource is certainly under- utilised but with the plan to have a childcare facility starting in 2025, this should bring about much needed income as well as providing a useful service for the local ommunity. On a positive note, the church was fortunate to benefit trom a generous bequest of £3,000 in 2024 which was allocated specifically to the Fabric Fund. The balanc8 on this Fund stsnds at £45,049 on 31 December 2024 With Fr Michael to guide us, St James has the benefit of willing helpers and volunleers to build on its solid foundations and enable this church to continue its valued work in the Parish. SKi¥
Independent Examws Report Report to the Parochlal Church Coundl (PCC) of St James ts Grn¢ Hayd(Kk on the accounts ft)r the year ended 31st December 2024, as set t on of your Annual Re The PCC a rp)nSIble for the preparntlon of the aCC(nts. They a>nslder that an audlt Is not required for th. year under sectlon 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charltles Act) and that an independent examlnatlon Is needed. It Is my responslblllty to: examlne the accounts under 5ertlon 145 of the Charlties A to follow the prDcedures lald down In the general Dlrectlons glven by the Charity Commlsslon (under sectlon 145(5)(b) of the Charftles kt), and to state whether partlcular matters have corne to my attentlon. Bas1• of Indop•nd•nt examln•rf• •tat•mant My examlnatlon was carrled out In accordan wlth general DlfECtlons glven by the Charfty Comrnlsslon. An examlnatlon Indudes a review of the accountlng records kept by the PCC and a comparfson of the accounts presented wlth those records. It also indudes consideratlon of any unusual Items or dlsclosures In the accounts, and seeklng explanatlons frorn the PCC cOnrnIng any such rnatters. The procedures undertaken do not provkle all the evldence that would be requlred In an audlt, and consequently no oplnlon Is glven as to whether the accounts present a 'true and falrf view and the report Is Ilmlted to those matters set out In the statement below. Ind•p•ndont examlnerfs •tatament In connectlon wlth my examlnatlon, no matter has come to my attentlon: l) whlch gives me reasonable cause to belleve that In, any materlal respect. the requirements: to keep accountlng records in accordan wlth sectlon 130 of the Charfues Art: to prepare accounts whlch accord wlth the accounting records and cornply wlth the accountlng requIrnets of the Charftles Act have not been met: or 2) to which, in my oplnlon. attentlon should be drawn in order to enable a proper under5tandlng of the accounts to be reached. Signed: Date: 22nd Pllarch 2024 IE'S Name: Gillkn Oates Address: 32 Reddlsh Crescent, Lymm, Cheshlre, WA13 9vr
41 DISC810 regarthngDefibrflator wheth8rto txry or r8nL DISpensiOr Guld FNISt0 Fher Michadto r1 as Yakn3. QdOn Tumerappolntedce Chair ( PCC. Detslledflnancial report from Troasurer. Workto be carrfed t In Churcty8rd Mrthe comlrg moFrth& D8t81lad rnwtfrorn Churchwarden. Updats and revlew of E8ater servlce Updatingon Fimth818lng and other evert8. LdI81on0n Worshlp aFxI h(w thi3 could b8 impnNed aThl al80 8•on8 Ot how the two conyegations could perhaps m8et up sometime aswe are Ixonnlngto Report from Blll Haydock r8gardli urgentworkwhlch need3 to b8 dorn wrdlng r8lnwater188k8ge Dats8 of fiJtt¥e meatlng8. Detslled Fln8nci8l reportfrom Treasurer. D8tsiled rep)rtfrom Churchwarden. En8r8y a88888ment (au churches needto hav8 enorty'efflclert ughung ty 2025. Blll Haydock upd8tsd members about the i88ues surrourKling dry rot. saf•rdI i88UW 8urroundingchildron aerving atth8Attar and any meifical18N r8gardir8the Ghlldren 8ervln& DI8GUB8ion roganlingA(fvent and rIStmaS 88rvice& Grave mark8r6for garden of remembranc& Fund ra1 event& Retlrpmertof Dot Beo818yasVerg8ratth6 ond ofsertember. Rita Brog8n8ye8dtot8ke JtheFrt rnMth8togo b8fore the Gryard isfull and wo neodto which WIU Incur DI10n took 8c0 wrdin8tl Hlre Aent(orth8 PaTlsh Contre tothe PO89ibSllty of it b8ing used for a NuryJery subject to OFSED appr(waL This matterto ba taken to F8brfc and Fin8nc8 forflne tuning and retumfr8to PCCvAth any concerTr&. M8tter8 8r5slrg - Garden of Remembrance markers (furtherdlsC0n needed): Car Park(wt a no porklng sign to pr8V8nt lknkSngdis8bled p8rkFngspace): Extsndlng gr8v8yard (need to Iwe further di*U881(m). D8talLed flnanclal report from the Treasur8r
lknilod Trportfrom Churclward8n. wl8hed to be part of th1& Report on Safeguar(fity - p>38ibillty of it belrytsken outof the h8ndsof the F4an8forAdvent and Chrl8tma& Update on Furxtr818t Oi8CU98ion took plac8 about nol88 from childr8n% corner duringthe 8eThice ond howthi8 could b8 re8olv8d. Data of next MaetlWhlch WIU be to recelva the accowrt3 tOy8arend 31 Decamlxr 20 Trfbut6 wa8 P9id to J8an Whlto and Edna Clouthwlx) had dled rnc8ntty andwere both 8tslwart mernbers ot our Church and Somd faithfullyon tho Pccfor manyyoar8 and WIU b8 88dty ml88ed. Matters ar181 Legacyfrom the 8Stste ofJo8n NIcholl thfibrllator. The treasurer presented the aGGoums for the year ended 31 Decemb8r2024for apwoval. wentthrough evary page and oxptalned allthe Income and expeIlture and irNltad ary (pJe8tl(Th. ThankJ were axwe8sadto Su6 for all har hard workand d8dlc8tion astrea3urer. Chllthents corrw- more Space has been cleated by reMrWir&1B pthv8 and thig VAU a180 all8CCeSsf0rWho0Lchalr6 and pr8ms. D18CU88ion r8gardlng Flt for Ml881on. Mor8VOturts8rs needed for cla8ning in Churc Date80f future meetlng&-Report8fix IrluSiOn1n Ann1 rnportnoeded for 19thMarch . Short meetlngto approve the Annual reFM 23 March fthvlt¥ 1020 aJn. swvlc& Pari8h Church M8atlry27thAGxSl202& a(