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 sU￿COMMIttee3
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, p￿la1 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 pa￿nts 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 ReSUr￿ctIon 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 re￿iVed 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 Specifi￿llY
requested otherwise, or the person is long-term sick or housebound. Also agreed that whenever
sUffici￿t 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 Ca￿led 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).
Th￿e 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 cove￿d 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/f￿back 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.
S￿Ki¥

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￿ r￿p)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 cOn￿rnIng 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 requI￿rne￿ts 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
DISC￿810￿ regarthngDefibrflator wheth8rto txry or r8nL
DISpensi￿Or Guld F￿NISt0 F*her Michadto ￿r￿1 as ￿ Yakn3.
Q￿dOn Tumerappolnted￿ce 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.
L￿￿￿dI￿￿81on0n 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 Gr￿yard isfull and wo￿￿ neodto ￿ which WIU Incur
DI￿￿10n took ￿8c0 wrdin8tl* Hlre A￿ent(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 (furtherdlsC￿0n 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 Maetl￿Whlch 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 expe￿Ilture
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 all￿8CCeSsf0rWho0Lchalr6 and pr8ms.
D18CU88ion r8gardlng Flt for Ml881on.
Mor8VOturts8rs needed for cla8ning in Churc
Date80f future meetlng&-Report8fix Ir￿luSiOn1n Ann￿1 rnportnoeded for 19thMarch .
Short meetlngto approve the Annual reFM 23￿ March fthvlt¥ 1020 aJn. swvlc&
Pari8h Church M8atlry27thAGxSl202&
a(