HOLY
TRINITY
Parochial Church Council
Of Idle Parish
IDLE
Holy Trinity Church
Town Lane, Idle, Bradford BD10 8NS
Deanery of Out8r Bradford.. Diocese of Leeds
End of Year Financial Statements
Year ended
31st December 2025
Bankers.. Barclays Bank, Market Street. Bradford
Treasurer- Philip Cavalier-Lumley
Independent Examiner.. Torevell Dent Ltd
ZZL.
Registered Charity no: 1159198
Page I
## **Statement of Financial Activities**
|**Statement of Financial Activities**|**Statement of Financial Activities**|
|---|---|
|**Unrestricted**
**Restricted Endowment**
**Total**
**Prior year**
**funds**
**funds**
**funds**
**funds**
**total funds**||
|**Income and endowments from:**
Donations and legacies
Income from charitable activities
Investments
**Total income**
**Expenditure on:**
Expenditure on charitable activities
**Total expenditure**
Gains / losses on investment assets
**Net income / (expenditure) resources before**
**transfer**
**Other recognised gains / losses**
**Net movement in funds**
**Total funds brought forward**
**Total funds carried forward**
**Represented by**
**Unrestricted**
General fund
**Restricted**
Building
Children - Reserves
Churchyard (Res)
Lychgate
Revaluation reserves
Tower|£194,621
—
—
£194,621
£200,181
£112,113
—
—
£112,113
£70,266
£785
£493
—
£1,279
£1,855|
||**£307,520**
**£493**
**—**
**£308,014**
**£272,304**
£273,547
—
—
£273,547
£249,101|
||**£273,547**
**—**
**—**
**£273,547**
**£249,101**
—
(£1,130)
—
(£1,130)
£632|
||**£33,972**
**(£637)**
**—**
**£33,335**
**£23,835**|
||**£33,972**
**(£637)**
**—**
**£33,335**
**£23,835**|
||**£115,162**
**£38,374**
**—**
**£153,537**
**£129,701**|
||**£149,134**
**£37,737**
**—**
**£186,872**
**£153,537**
£149,134
—
—
£149,134
£115,162
—
£8,443
—
£8,443
£8,127
—
£2,405
—
£2,405
£2,297
—
£427
—
£427
£411
—
£1,281
—
£1,281
£1,226
—
£25,178
—
£25,178
£26,309
—
£1
—
£1
£1|
_Page 2_
## **Balance sheet**
|**Balance sheet**||
|---|---|
|**Class and code**
**Description**|**This year**
**Last year**|
|**Fixed assets**
1100
CBF604026001S
1200
CBF604026005S
1300
CBF604026006S
1400
CBF104001299S
1520
CBF104001280S
1521
Nat Savings 72872
1540
CBF604026003S
1550
CBF104001026S
1560
CBF104001164S
**Total Fixed assets**
**Current assets**
2100
U - Budget Deposit Account
2150
R - Churchyard Deposit Account
2190
R - Building Deposit Account
2200
R - Lychgate Deposit Account
2300
R - Tower Deposit Account
2400
R - Children Deposit Account
2500
R - Redevelopment Fund
2810
U - Bank Account 1
2820
U - Bank Account 2
2830
U - Youth Account
2840
R - Idle Parish Church - Vicar & Churchw
2850
U - Petty Cash Account
2851
Luv Kids (tin)
**Total Current assets**
**Liabilities**
6699
Agency collections
**Total Liabilities**
**Net Asset surplus(deficit)**
**Reserves**
Excess / (deficit) to date
Z01
Starting balances
Z02
Other gains/(losses)
**Total Reserves**
**Represented by funds**
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Endowment
**Total**|—
—
—
—
—
—
£3,285
£3,422
£1,398
£1,456
—
—
—
—
£17,137
£17,850
£5,327
£5,549|
||**£27,148**
**£28,279**
—
—
£357
£342
£5,443
£8,127
£1,281
£1,226
£2
£1
£2,474
£2,367
—
—
£61,457
£35,972
£56,769
£50,211
£31,938
£27,008
—
—
—
—
—
—|
||**£159,724**
**£125,257**
—
—|
||**—**
**—**|
||**£186,872**
**£153,537**|
||£34,466
£23,202
£153,537
£129,701
(£1,130)
£632|
||**£186,872**
**£153,537**
£149,134
£115,162
—
—
£37,737
£38,374
—
—|
||**£186,872**
**£153,537**|
_Page 3_
## **Statement of assets and liabilities**
||**General Designated RestrictedEndowment**
**This year**
**Last year**|
|---|---|
|**Fixed assets - Investments**
CBF604026001S -
CBF604026005S -
CBF604026006S -
CBF104001299S -
CBF104001280S -
Nat Savings 72872 -
CBF104001026S -
CBF104001164S -
**Totals**
**Current assets - Cash at bank and in hand**
U - Budget Deposit Account -
R - Churchyard Deposit Account -
R - Building Deposit Account -
R - Lychgate Deposit Account -
R - Tower Deposit Account -
R - Children Deposit Account -
R - Redevelopment Fund -
U - Bank Account 1 -
U - Bank Account 1 -
U - Bank Account 2 -
U - Youth Account -
R - Idle Parish Church - Vicar & Churchw -
U - Petty Cash Account -
**Totals**
**Liabilities - Agency accounts**
Agency collections -
**Totals**
**Grand total**|£50
—
(£50)
—
—
—
£300
—
(£300)
—
—
—
£200
—
(£200)
—
—
—
£657
—
£2,628
—
£3,285
£3,422
—
—
£1,398
—
£1,398
£1,456
(£100)
—
£100
—
—
—
—
—
£17,137
—
£17,137
£17,850
£240
—
£5,087
—
£5,327
£5,549|
||**£1,347**
**—**
**£25,801**
**—**
**£27,148**
**£28,279**
(£11)
—
£11
—
—
—
£6
—
£351
—
£357
£342
£770
—
£4,673
—
£5,443
£8,127
£22
—
£1,259
—
£1,281
£1,226
£109
—
(£107)
—
£2
£1
£43
—
£2,431
—
£2,474
£2,367
(£6)
—
£6
—
—
—
£33,095
—
£30,001
—
£63,097
£37,612
—
—
(£1,639)
—
(£1,639)
(£1,639)
£73,431
—
(£16,662)
—
£56,769
£50,211
£17,114
—
£14,824
—
£31,938
£27,008
£31
—
(£31)
—
—
—
£11,895
—
(£11,895)
—
—
—|
||**£136,502**
**—**
**£23,221**
**—**
**£159,724**
**£125,257**
(£11,285)
—
£11,285
—
—
—|
||**(£11,285)**
**—**
**£11,285**
**—**
**—**
**—**|
||**£149,134**
**—**
**£37,737**
**—**
**£186,872**
**£153,537**|
_Page 4_
## **Fund movement by type**
|**und movement by type**||
|---|---|
||**Opening Incoming Outgoing TransfersGains/losses Journals Closing**
£115,162
£307,520
£273,547
—
—
—
£149,134
**£115,162**
**£307,520**
**£273,547**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**£149,134**
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
£8,127
£315
—
—
—
—
£8,443
**£8,127**
**£315**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**£8,443**
£411
£15
—
—
—
—
£427
**£411**
**£15**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**£427**
£1,226
£55
—
—
—
—
£1,281
**£1,226**
**£55**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**£1,281**
£1
£0
—
—
—
—
£1
**£1**
**£0**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**£1**
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
£26,309
—
—
—
(£1,130)
—
£25,178
**£26,309**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**(£1,130)**
**—**
**£25,178**
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
£2,297
£107
—
—
—
—
£2,405
**£2,297**
**£107**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**£2,405**
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**£153,537**
**£308,014**
**£273,547**
**—**
**(£1,130)**
**—**
**£186,872**|
|**General - General fund**
Unrestricted
**Sub-total for General**
**ResChurch - Resourcing Church Fu**
Restricted
**Sub-total for ResChurch**
**Build - Building**
Restricted
**Sub-total for Build**
**ChurchyRes - Churchyard (Res)**
Restricted
**Sub-total for ChurchyRes**
**Lychgate - Lychgate**
Restricted
**Sub-total for Lychgate**
**Tower - Tower**
Restricted
**Sub-total for Tower**
**ChldSun - Children - Sunday**
Restricted
**Sub-total for ChldSun**
**ZReval - Revaluation reserves**
Restricted
**Sub-total for ZReval**
**Vicar - Vicar & Churchwarden**
Restricted
**Sub-total for Vicar**
**Youth - Youth Worker**
Restricted
**Sub-total for Youth**
**ChurchyDes - Churchyard (Des)**
Designated
**Sub-total for ChurchyDes**
**ChldResv - Children - Reserves**
Restricted
**Sub-total for ChldResv**
**CRH - Community Response H**
Restricted
**Sub-total for CRH**
**SumFood - Summer Food Project**
Restricted
**Sub-total for SumFood**
**BEGN - Bradford East Good N**
Restricted
**Sub-total for BEGN**
**Redevelop - Redevelopment Fund**
Restricted
**Sub-total for Redevelop**
**Defib - Defib**
Restricted
**Sub-total for Defib**
**Grand total**||
_Page 5_
## **Analysis of income and expenditure**
|**Analysis of income and expenditure**|**Analysis of income and expenditure**|
|---|---|
|**Total**
**Unrestricted Designated Restricted**
**Endowment This year**
**Last year**
**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS**
**Donations and legacies**
6010 - Planned Giving BGC GA Un
£92,420
—
—
—
£92,420
£100,053
6030 - Planned Giving Gift Aid
Refund
£14,573
—
—
—
£14,573
£19,192
6100 - Sunday Collections
£13,238
—
—
—
£13,238
£14,621
6200 - Donations
—
—
—
—
—
£3,000
6210 - Grants
£72,233
—
—
—
£72,233
£51,522
6345 - Youth Worker PG Inc BGC GA
Res
—
—
—
—
—
£6,545
6360 - Other Voluntary Income
£2,156
—
—
—
£2,156
£5,246
Total
£194,621
—
—
—
£194,621
£200,181
**Income from charitable activities**
6415 - Before-School Club
£109,408
—
—
—
£109,408
£63,835
6510 - Wedding/Funerals/BOA
£2,704
—
—
—
£2,704
£6,430
Total
£112,113
—
—
—
£112,113
£70,266
**Investments**
6710 - Dividends General Fund
£785
—
—
—
£785
£767
6810 - Interest Building
—
—
£315
—
£315
£890
6820 - Interest Churchyard
—
—
£15
—
£15
£17
6830 - Interest Lychgate
—
—
£55
—
£55
£61
6840 - Interest Tower
—
—
£0
—
£0
£0
6850 - Interest Children
—
—
£107
—
£107
£119
Total
£785
—
£493
—
£1,279
£1,855||
||£194,621
—
—
—
£194,621
£200,181
£109,408
—
—
—
£109,408
£63,835
£2,704
—
—
—
£2,704
£6,430|
||£112,113
—
—
—
£112,113
£70,266
£785
—
—
—
£785
£767
—
—
£315
—
£315
£890
—
—
£15
—
£15
£17
—
—
£55
—
£55
£61
—
—
£0
—
£0
£0
—
—
£107
—
£107
£119|
||£785
—
£493
—
£1,279
£1,855|
|**INCOME TOTAL**|£307,520
—
£493
—
£308,014
£272,304|
|**EXPENDITURE**
**Expenditure on charitable activities**
7200 - Diocesan share
£97,905
—
—
—
£97,905
£97,212
7210 - Vicars expenses travel
£3,694
—
—
—
£3,694
£2,720
7300 - Utilities Gas
£7,364
—
—
—
£7,364
£8,271
7336 - Before-School-Club
Expenditure
£81,194
—
—
—
£81,194
£38,210
7350 - Insurance
£3,546
—
—
—
£3,546
£3,278
7400 - Upkeep of services
£5,248
—
—
—
£5,248
£7,788
7740 - Repairs premises
£8,293
—
—
—
£8,293
£16,905
7860 - Gen. Admin/Stationery
£5,355
—
—
—
£5,355
£7,811
7861 - Bank Charges
£102
—
—
—
£102
£102
7870 - Salaries (admin/others)
£60,059
—
—
—
£60,059
£62,586
7961 - Mission Giving
£784
—
—
—
£784
£4,214
Total
£273,547
—
—
—
£273,547
£249,101|**EXPENDITURE**
**Expenditure on charitable activities**
7200 - Diocesan share
£97,905
—
—
—
£97,905
£97,212
7210 - Vicars expenses travel
£3,694
—
—
—
£3,694
£2,720
7300 - Utilities Gas
£7,364
—
—
—
£7,364
£8,271
7336 - Before-School-Club
Expenditure
£81,194
—
—
—
£81,194
£38,210
7350 - Insurance
£3,546
—
—
—
£3,546
£3,278
7400 - Upkeep of services
£5,248
—
—
—
£5,248
£7,788
7740 - Repairs premises
£8,293
—
—
—
£8,293
£16,905
7860 - Gen. Admin/Stationery
£5,355
—
—
—
£5,355
£7,811
7861 - Bank Charges
£102
—
—
—
£102
£102
7870 - Salaries (admin/others)
£60,059
—
—
—
£60,059
£62,586
7961 - Mission Giving
£784
—
—
—
£784
£4,214
Total
£273,547
—
—
—
£273,547
£249,101|
|---|---|
||£273,547
—
—
—
£273,547
£249,101|
|**EXPENDITURE TOTAL**|£273,547
—
—
—
£273,547
£249,101|
|||
|**GRAND TOTAL**|£33,972
—
£493
—
£34,466
£23,202|
_Page 6_
Independent examlnerfs report to the trustees of
Hoty Trinity Parlsh Church. Idle. Bradford
I report to the trustees on my examlnatloft of the accounts of the Holy Trlnlty Parlsh Church,
Idle, Bradford forthe year ended 31 December 2025.
Responslbllltles and basls of rewt
As the charity trustees you are responsible for the preparatlon of the accounts In
accordance wlth the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act'l.
I report in respect of my examination of the TrusY5 accounts carrled out under section 145
of the 2011 Art and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable
Dlrections 8lven by the Charity Commission under section 14515llbl of the Act.
Independent examlnerfs statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my
attention in connertion with the examination giving me cause to belleve that in any material
respect:
l. AccountSn8 records were not kept in respect of the Holy Trlnlty Parlsh Church, Idle,
Bradford, as required by sectlon 130 of the Act; or
2. The accounts do not accord wlth those record5.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters In connectkjn wlth the
examlnation to whlch attentlon should be drawn in this report In order to enable a proper
understandlng of the accounls to be reached.
. J. Sutcliffe F.C.CA
Torevell Dent Ltd
Centre of Excellence
Hope Park
Tfevor Foster Way
Bradford
West Yorkshlre
BD5 8HH
Date: 22.05.2026
HOLY
TRINITY
J•
IDLE
•5
Holy Trinity Church, Idle
Annual Reports 2025
Annual Parochial Church Meeting
th
Thursday 30 April 2026
following Jesus, together
## **Contents:**
|**Contents:**||
|---|---|
|Financial Report|4|
|Vicar’s Report|6|
|Churchwarden’s Report on Fabric and Goods|11|
|Report on the Electoral Roll|12|
|PCC Report|13|
|Deanery Synod|17|
|Safeguarding|19|
|Foundation Governor’s Report|20|
|The Ark|22|
|Mother’s Union|24|
|Sip n Stitch|24|
|Children’s Work||
|Sunshine Praise|25|
|See and Know|26|
|Children’s Church|27|
|Youth Work|27|
## What is an APCM?
The Annual Parochial Church Meeting is the annual meeting of the whole church to look back and celebrate what God did in the previous calendar year, to share updates and vision for the future and to meet our statutory requirements as a charity and a parish church. Everyone is welcome to come to the meeting, but you can only vote if you are on the electoral roll. If you’re not sure whether you are on the roll, please talk to John Capewell or the clergy.
3
**Treasurer’s Report – Year Ended 31 December 2025**
I am pleased to present the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025.
Overall, this has been , with the parish continuing to operate sustainably whilst growing key areas of ministry and community engagement.
## **Headline Position**
- Total income: **£308,014** (2024: £272,304) – (inc £493.00 – restricted)
- Total expenditure: **£273,547** (2024: £249,101)
- **Net surplus: £33,335**
This represents a , continuing a positive trend in recent years.
## **Key Positives**
1. **Strong overall surplus and reserves growth**
- Total funds increased to £186,872 (up from £153,537)
-
2. **The Ark continues to thrive**
- Income has grown substantially and continues to generate meaningful
- Now a key part of both our mission and sustainability
3. **Good cost control across the church**
- Core service and admin costs remain well managed
- Diocesan Share has been maintained at ~£98k, demonstrating continued commitment
## 4. **Grants and external income supporting ministry**
- continue
## **Areas to Watch**
## **1. Planned Giving (PG) continues to decline**
- Down to **£106,993 inc Gift Aid** , (from £125,790 in 2024 and £142,279 in 2023)
- This is the
4
- There are so many ways in which you, our Christian Brothers and Sisters can give to Holy Trinity Church in Idle using, for example, the **Parish Giving Scheme.**
## **2. Increasing reliance on The Ark and grants**
- Whilst positive, this does mean our income is becoming **less predictable and more operationally dependent**
## **3. Salaries position changing**
- Grants currently o�set sta�ing costs, but this position may not remain the same going forward
## **Reserves Position**
- Unrestricted: **£149k**
- Restricted: **£37.7k**
- Total **: £186.8k** (2024: £153k and 2023: £130k)
This places the parish in a **healthy and resilient position** , allowing us to:
- absorb short-term shocks
- invest in mission
- maintain buildings responsibly
## **Summary**
## In summary,
- We have delivered a **strong surplus**
- Built **healthy reserves**
- Continued to invest in **ministry, youth and community work**
## However, we must remain mindful that:
-
## **giving is reducing** , and
- future sustainability will require **intentional stewardship and planning**
## **Closing**
generosity enables everything we do.
The PCC has approved the accounts, and they are now presented to this meeting for **receipt** .
**Phil Cavalier-Lumley Treasurer**
5
## **Vicar’s Report**
## **Introduction**
- I am very sorry that I can’t be with you for this year’s APCM. I will be in Manila leading a mission trip to visit the projects associated with the Streetlight Trust Charity. I know that you will have a great meeting chaired by Revd Laya and ably supported by John Capewell.
- Associate Minister and then subsequently as the Vicar. So much has happened during these years, so much has changed, and Holy Trinity remains a wonderful church community, serving our local parish, sharing the love of God, and proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. Indeed, our church strapline, “following Jesus, together” remains at the heart of everything we do.
- I consider it a huge privilege and honour to be the Vicar of this church. As each year has passed during this last decade, my love and a�ection for everyone connected with our church family has grown and grown. Holy Trinity is such an encouraging and supportive place to be a Vicar, and I never take this for granted. I feel truly blessed.
- The APCM is always a reminder of just how much ministry takes place within and through our church. Much of this ministry is unseen and happens behind the scenes. The APCM is an opportunity to celebrate God’s provision and to discern his guidance and vision for the coming year.
- Holy Trinity is known around the Diocese as a church that operates a ‘traditional parish model’. Our church building and churchyard are right at the heart of our community, we facilitate many baptisms/wedding/funerals, we engage with lots of school’s work, and lots of people in our community hold a strong a�inity for the church, even if they don’t regularly attend.
- As the Vicar of Holy Trinity, I possess what is known as the ‘Cure of Souls’ for the whole parish. This means that I have a responsibility for the spiritual lives of every single resident in Idle & Thackley, not just those who attend Holy Trinity. This precious (and daunting) responsibility is made so much easier by having such a large team of willing volunteers and church members who have a passion to share the love of God with our community.
- I would like to o�er my sincere thanks to everyone involved in our church life. To everyone who holds a leadership position, to the many volunteers, to all those who o�er their time and talents tirelessly in service of our church in so many di�erent ways – thankyou from the bottom of my heart!
- Thanks also to everyone who has compiled a report for the APCM. I’m sure you will agree with me that we have much to be thankful for. As I will hear many times during my mission trip - “God is good - all the time”, “All the time – God is good!”.
- I do not have time or space to highlight every single aspect of our church ministry during the past year, but I would like to make mention of just a couple of things which I think are key to our future direction as a church.
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## **Resourcing Church**
- plans of the Bradford Episcopal Area under the leadership of Bishop Toby Howarth and Archdeacon Andy Jolley. Simply put, this means that we seek to work in partnership and collaboration with other local churches to bring the gospel to the wider community of North East Bradford.
- several years, all five of the NE Bradford Anglican churches has a Vicar in post. In addition to Revd Heather Haddow (Wrose, Greengates), Revd Marianne Clough has been appointed at St. John’s, Thorpe Edge, and Revd Philippa Slingsby-Lunn has taken up the post of St. Luke’s, Eccleshill. Furthermore, each of the churches has the support of a Mission Apprentice: Paul (Thorpe Edge), Aislin (Wrose), Bruce (Eccleshill), Corinna (Greengates) and Orlagh (shared). James continues to provide administrative support to Idle and Greengates. Our Curate Laya ministers across the three churches of Idle, Greengates and Wrose.
- Exciting examples of church collaboration during the past year include a shared Alpha Course, coming together for Holy Week Services, enabling InnChurches, and a joint ‘full immersion’ baptism service.
- desire and willingness within the churches to work collaboratively in spreading the gospel.
- In the summer of 2025, we said goodbye to our previous curate. Leah had been with us for four years, and personally speaking, she was a terrific friend and colleague. Her ministry in Holy Trinity is sorely missed, but we are thrilled that Leah and Ben have remained in Bradford, serving Fountains Church and the parish of Frizinghall.
- During this past year, Kate Watts completed her training and was appointed as a Licensed Lay Minister to Holy Trinity. We are already aware of how much Kate brings in terms of leading worship and pastoral care. We o�er her our congratulations and look forward to her ministry amongst us.
## **Churchwardens**
- Holy Trinity is truly blessed to have two highly experienced and committed churchwardens in Phil and Eric.
- Eric will be continuing to serve as churchwarden, bringing his experience and thoughtful leadership to role, and for this I am immensely grateful.
- Phil has served as Churchwarden for a remarkable ten years. Even more remarkably, during these ten years, there have been times when Phil has been the only churchwarden. And even more remarkably, during this time, Phil has also simultaneously served as Church Treasurer! This displays an astonishing level of commitment and service to our church.
- After ten years of service as churchwarden, the time has come for Phil to take a welldeserved break.
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- On behalf of everyone at Holy Trinity, I would like to thank Phil for his service to our church in his capacity as churchwarden. On a personal level, I would like to thank Phil for his support, encouragement and friendship.
- Thankfully, Phil will be continuing as Treasurer and PCC member, continuing to bring his vast knowledge, experience and expertise to the life of our church.
- Thank you so much Phil.
## **Children & Youth**
- A huge aspect of our church ministry is the work that takes place amongst the children and young people within our parish.
- We have a dedicated and creative Children’s Church team who faithfully o�er their time and skills on Sunday mornings to teach and inspire the children who attend our services.
- Our midweek toddler groups continue to attract huge numbers of babies, toddlers and their parents/carers. ‘Sunshine Praise’ and ‘See & Know’ are often the first contact we have with local families, and often the first time these families have set foot in church. The ministry which happens on Tuesday and Friday mornings is truly special.
- Our youth ministry has really grown and developed during the past year. Under the leadership of our Youth Minister (James) and Curate (Laya), alongside a small team of volunteers, we have seen attendances increase significantly. Our youth ministry now includes: Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, Monday evenings (6[th] formers), Midweek school lunch clubs (Immanuel), Tuesday after-school club (HTK).
- We have strong relationships with all our local primary schools and high schools. All the local schools come to Holy Trinity for visits, and we are welcome in all our local schools for assemblies and collective worship.
- Our closest relationship is with Idle Primary School. I have sat on the governing body for over 10 years and many of our church members have also sat on the governing body representing the church and promoting Christian values and ethos within the school.
- Our before/after school club (The ARK) continues to thrive and goes from strength to strength under the remarkable leadership of Alison Gantschuk. The church now employs five sta� members to run the club o�ering high quality, a�ordable childcare for local families whose children attend Idle Primary. In such a short space of time, The ARK now provides a steady source of income for our church, but more importantly, provides a key link between local families, the school and the church.
- I cannot begin to overstate how important our children and youth ministries are for our church. It’s no exaggeration to state that every single child born and raised in Idle & Thackley is likely to come into contact with our church and will experience something of the Christian message and God’s love.
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## **Admin & Finance**
- A busy church like Holy Trinty generates a huge number of administrative responsibilities. Caring for a 200 year old building and churchyard, resourcing numerous diverse ministries, employing several members of sta�, hosting weddings/baptisms/funerals, running a busy o�ice, this all requires a high degree of administrative support.
- I am indebted to a number of people who faithfully take care of this side of things, constantly completing paperwork, making phone calls, paying expenses, administering payroll/pension/NI contributions, invoicing, compiling reports and accounts. Special thanks to our Treasurer (Phil), Churchwarden (Eric), and Administrator (James) who faithfully o�er their gifts of administration in service of our church life.
## **Looking Ahead**
- We will continue into the future as a Resourcing Church, increasingly looking to collaborate and share resources with our sister churches across NE Bradford. We remain open to creative new possibilities and working together to see God’s Kingdom come more fully in this part of His world.
- We seek to continue our investment in ministry amongst young people. During the coming year our wonderful Youth Minister will be moving away and will start training for ordained ministry. We wish James and Orlagh every blessing as they enter this new phase of life. They go with our deepest blessing, thoughts and prayers. Holy Trinity has a very long history and tradition of being a ‘sending church’. James will leave a huge hole as he departs, but we have faith that God will provide a successor to build on James’ work and to further disciple our precious young people.
- Similarly, James’ departure will leave a huge hole in our administrative capability. In due course, we will be looking to appoint a successor to fulfil all the administrative tasks that James has undertaken.
- During the coming year, our Curate Laya will be moving on to her next role. We wish Laya every blessing and pray that God will lead her into all the plans He has for her future ministry. Sadly, it’s extremely unlikely that we will be able to have another curate for quite some time. This means that we will need to reflect carefully on ‘backfilling’ some of the tasks that Laya has fulfilled, especially around her ministry with young people.
- Thanks to God’s provision, and careful stewardship over recent years, our church finances are in a healthy position. During the coming months we will carefully be seeking God’s guidance on how best to utilise our finances to support the ongoing, and future ministry of our church. This includes working with the PCC to identify important capital projects as we invest in our building and fabric.
- As we continue to witness lots of new people joining our church (especially young people), we will be paying careful attention to the importance of discipleship, reviewing and resourcing our home groups, and identifying and investing in future
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leaders. We believe that God wants us to grow as a church, both numerically and spiritually.
## **Finally**
- May God continue to bless us all in the coming year as we seek to follow His direction and calling. Faithfully “following Jesus, together”.
## **Rev’d Jim Taylor**
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## **Churchwarden’s Report on Fabric and Goods**
As churchwardens, we are charged with the responsibility of keeping this wonderful Grade II listed building in good repair.
Much preventative work takes place during the year, via individuals, working parties of volunteers or contractors. If you are interested in helping, please approach one of the wardens to ask for more information.
the Tower roof, the Vicars vestry and the boundary wall that was demolished by a car has been repaired. Other works will be commenced once we have the necessary permissions and, of course, the funding in place.
Our legal responsibilities in terms of annual servicing of services and equipment such as gas boilers, fire alarm and fire extinguishers, portable appliance testing (PAT) are met. The tower clock and our preventative inspections of our timbers, gutters etc are checked periodically.
Work in the churchyard is regularly undertaken and the trees checked visually, however, for due diligence we have a tree survey every three years which was carried out in January 2025.
There are two trees on the roadside which are due for removal and planning permission has been granted for the lifting of the Tree Preservation Order and work on one of the trees has commenced following which work on the second tree will be commenced. As we know work in the churchyard su�ered significantly due to the Covid Crisis and the team of volunteers who regularly undertake work in the churchyard have done lots of work continuing to bring it back under control. We wish to express our gratitude to those who regularly serve the Lord in this way and who keep our grounds looking as good as they do.
Finally, we would like to thank all our volunteers in our welcome teams, vergers, assistant wardens, cleaners, churchyard and many others who work so diligently, often unseen, who give so willingly of their time to serve our God and help make Holy Trinity the very special, warm welcoming church that it is.
**Philip Cavalier-Lumley & Eric Hudson Churchwardens**
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Report on the ELectoraL ROLI
Hol Trini
Church Electoral Roll
APCM Re
ort for 2026
There were 135 names on our CER (Church Electoral Roll) as reported at the 2025
APCM.
sin then and following this year's CER Review being carried out there have been 8
names added to and O names removed from our CER..
For the purpose of reporting to the 2026 APCM the number of entries on the Church
Electoral Roll now stands at 143 entries which is made up as follows..
Parish Residents
Males
25
Females
59
Number olEntries on the Church Elecloral Roll for Parish Residents
Non-Parish Residents
Males
Females
19
40
Number of Enlries on the Church Electoral Roll for Non-Parish Residents
59
Total of Entries on Roll
Males
Females
44
99
Total Number of Entries on the Church Electoral Roll
143
We are thankful to Jim and the Team for all their hard work and commitment to serving
our community in their many and various ways, which has seen the number of people
regularly attending worship steadily increase.
In 2025 there was on average 128 adults (16 years and over) who attended our church
services on a Sunday and our number on the CER truly reflects the commitment that
people who attend our church services have in serving both God and the communily in
which we live.
John A. Capewell
Church Electoral Roll Officer
Parish of Idle, Holy Trinity
## **Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council From 1 January to 31 December 2025**
## **ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION**
Holy Trinity Parish Church is situated in Town Lane, Idle, Bradford and is in the Bradford Episcopal Area in the Diocese of Leeds. The correspondence address is:
Holy Trinity Parish Church Town Lane Idle Bradford
West Yorkshire BD10 8NS Telephone No. 01274 615411
The Church maintains an internet website at http://www.holytrinityidle.org.uk/ and is on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HolyTrinityParishChurch
Since 13 November 2014 the Parochial Church Council of Idle Parish (PCC) has been registered as an independent charity through the Charity Commission, registration charity number 1159198.
The safeguarding o�icer is Tracy Marson.
PCC Members who have served on the APCM during 2025 until the date this report was approved are:
**Incumbent** : The Revd Jim Taylor
**Curate** : Revd Laya Watters **Licensed Lay Ministers** : John Capewell, Angie Johnson, Gill Taylor, Kate Watts
**PCC Secretary** : Helen Dee **Lay Representatives on the Deanery Wardens Synod** Churchwarden: Philip Cavalier-Lumley Michael Nichols Churchwarden: Eric Hudson Susan Carroll Jane Adams
## **Elected Members**
Jonny Nolan, Sophie Rankin, Bethany Lamont, Bethany Raine (resigned), Robin Johnson, Hugh Inkster (resigned), John Mitchell (resigned), Jackie Devereaux(resigned), John Turner(resigned) Alison Colborne, Carmel Slater, Linda Adinall (5 vacancies)
## **Co-opted Members**
## **Other Members**
Youth Pastor: James Lockwood Verger: Miss Susan Laycock
## **Special Responsibilities within the PCC**
Electoral Roll O�icer: John Capewell Treasurer Philip Cavalier-Lumley Environmental O�icer Beth Lamont
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## **Structure, Governance and Management**
The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All those who attend Church services are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.
## **Objectives and Activities**
Holy Trinity PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the Incumbent, the Revd Jim Taylor, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church – pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.
## **CHARITABLE OBJECTIVES**
There is now a Policy Review schedule in place for all the charity’s policies to ensure we are operating according to best practice and procedures.
approved by PCC members during 2025 are as follows:
Appraisal Policy
The PCC continues to be more focused on the day-to-day business, the various ministry and mission groups/events and the overall vision of the Church.
This report documents some of the highlights of the year and the PCC’s involvement in the leading and directing of the Church’s stated aim of **PROMOTING IN THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH THE WHOLE**
## **MISSION OF THE CHURCH.**
The PCC met 5 times in 2025.
## **REVIEW OF THE YEAR – 2025**
We hold three services weekly – two on Sundays at 9.30 and 11.00. The 9.30 Sunday service and the 10.00am Wednesday services are services of Holy Communion. The 11.00 o’clock service on the first Sunday of the month is an All-Age service aimed at children and families. These services have been very popular and well attended. The 11.00 o’clock service on the third Sunday is a Holy Communion service and, on the second and fourth Sundays it is Morning Worship. If there is a fifth Sunday in the month it is usually a Morning Worship service.
## **ATTENDANCE**
Attendance at services in 2024 and 2025 was (approximately) as follows:
|**SERVICE**|**2024**|**2025**|
|---|---|---|
|**Sunday 9.30**|52|66|
|**Sunday 11.00**|85|88|
|**Wednesday 10.00**|50|28|
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We again had an increase in attendance at our Easter service with 214 in 2024 and now 236 in 2025.
Attendance at all of our Christmas services is below.
**----- Start of picture text -----**
CHRISTMAS SERVICE 2024 2025
Christingle service 153 125
Carol service 300 305
Crib service 167 95
Midnight in Bethlehem 78 74
Christmas Day service 133 133 (yes the same!)
**----- End of picture text -----**
The electoral roll stands at 143.
Other Christmas activities also attracted members of our local community into Church – the Advent Fayre, the BD1 Brass Band Christmas Concert and the Bonfire Carols were all popular and well-attended events.
During 2025, we held a number of Life Services – funerals, weddings, baptisms and burials of
ashes. All of these occasions provide an opportunity for Holy Trinity to reach out to the local people and give us the opportunity to demonstrate that we are a caring community which is active in the lives of our local residents.
## **EVENTS DURING 2025**
We are an active and lively church which is in contact in various ways with local organisations and people. Your PCC discussed and made decisions about most of the following activities during 2025 – they are in no particular order:
- Holy Week – saw collaboration between Holy Trinity and our other local churches in the Outer Bradford Deanery
- A comedy night ran at the start of the year and people signed up for the Alpha course on the back of this.
- An Alpha course at Holy Trinity was run in conjunction with other local churches at the start of the year with an away day in Ilkley.
- Holy Trinity o�ers a number of discipleship groups which usually meet twice-monthly in the homes of members of our congregations and also in Church.
- We provide the Ark headed up by Alison Gantschuk – see separate report.
- May saw the VE day celebrations attracting a good number of visitors to the Church and the bellringers completed a 45 minute peal.
- At the end of the Summer Term 2024, every Year 6 leaver at Idle Primary School was presented with a Bible
- James Lockwood became our youth leader (see report) and part time Administrator.
- In the Autumn a mixed group of adults and children – mainly from the 11.00 o’clock service enjoyed a weekend away and Ben and Leah Leighton were present as speakers.
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- The Parish Giving Scheme launched the previous September is unfortunately, not being widely used.
- Our Mission Giving was re-introduced this year and distributed recently (please see the notice board.)
- Our 2025 Parish Share was paid in full and we have paid an additional £3,000.
- Revd Heather Haddow is now settled into St Johns, Greengates and St Cuthbert’s, Wrose.
- Phillippa Slingsby-Lunn is appointed part time and due to start at St John’s Thorpe Edge in January.
- Rev Marianne Clough was licensed at St John’s Thorpe Edge and has a 50% Estates Ministry role. She successfully delivered the Bradford Carol of the Seven Hills project. One of the venues was Immanuel College.
- Chloe Butler resigned as a Mission Apprentice during this year but we have Corinna at St John’s Greengates and Aislin at Wrose as well as Orlagh with special interest in the environment.
Kate Watts completed her training to become an LLM.
- In connection with the Religious Education National Curriculum, groups of Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 children from local schools visit Holy Trinity to learn more about aspects of the Christian faith
- We have continued to provide See and Know and Sunshine Praise for mums and toddlers during term time and the Mother’s Union meet regularly as do Men’s Fellowship and The Forge
- After our Harvest service, the food gathered was distributed among needy families and to local foodbanks
- Our Remembrance service was well attended.
- The plaque to Little Les is in place to honour the long and dedicated service that Les Walker gave to Holy Trinity
## **PCC CHANGES**
Rev Leah Leighton completed her curacy in 2025 and was installed as Vicar of St Margarets Frizinghall and Fountains Church, we wish her well in her new role.
The PCC continues to grow and develop to serve the Church and our community to the best of our ability. The leadership team are very grateful to every PCC member for giving their time and the skills and gifts they each bring to the role and look forward to seeing what the next year will bring as Holy Trinity and the other churches in the Bradford north parishes continue to seek and serve our generous and faithful God.
In drawing my report to a close, I want to express our thanks and gratitude to Revd Jim and Revd Laya, as well as the many volunteers at the Church for all their hard work.
## **Angie Johnson (Previous PCC Secretary) & Helen Dee (current PCC Secretary)**
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## **Outer Bradford Deanery Synod Report**
In the Church of England, a Deanery Synod is a gathering convened by the Area Dean and/or the Joint Lay Chair of the Deanery Synod. It consists of all clergy licensed to a benefice within the deanery, plus elected lay members. In our Diocese of Leeds there are deanery synods for each of the twenty two deaneries within the diocese.
Revd Tracy Milne is Area Dean of Outer Bradford deanery of which Holy Trinity Idle is part of.
This last year, Tracy has urged all representatives to share the topics of meetings with their PCCs and congregations. Here at HTI the PCC is updated regarding issues and topics from any Deanery Synod meetings, that have taken place. What I have done this year is included the minutes of Deanery Synod to this report. To read at your own leisure. Giving you the congregation the opportunity to see what is discussed and takes place.
The elections for Four representatives to the Outer Bradford Deanery Synod were held at HTPC, Idle APCM in 2025. David Carroll stood down as a representative. Which left Three vacant representatives. Two nominations were received. Susan Carroll and Michael Nichols. Both were nominated and accepted to represent HTPC Idle. Leaving Two vacant places. Later on in the year Jane Adams join as the third representative.
The functions of a Deanery Synod are:
- To consider matters concerning the Church of England and to make provision for
- such matters in relation to their Deanery, and to consider and express their opinion on any other matters of religious or public interest;
- To bring together the views of the parishes of the Deanery on common issues to
- discuss and formulate policies, to foster a sense of community among those parishes, and generally to promote in the Deanery the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical;
- To make known and so far as appropriate put into e�ect any provision made by
- the Diocesan Synod.
- To raise such matters as the Deanery Synod consider appropriate with the
- Diocesan Synod.
Deanery Synod is an open meeting and any lay member of HTI are welcome to attend. Only members of the Synod may vote at the meetings. Attending Deanery Synod in this way could give anyone interested a deeper understanding & insight to Deanery Synod. As well as a way to consider becoming a future representative for HTI. As a lay
17
representative you do need to be on the parish electoral role. However, you do not have to be an elected member of the PCC.
Since the last APCM Susan Jane & Michael have attended two Deanery Synod meetings.
The guest speaker was Rt. Revd. Toby Howarth, Bishop of Bradford and Acting Bishop of Leeds. This was a very interactive meeting with Bishop Toby. The topic was on parish share, giving and money in general. Once Bishop Toby had outlined his thoughts & observations regarding the problems the Diocese is facing in its budget. We then split into small groups to look at various aspects that had been shared by Bishop Toby.
The second was in February 2024, held at St Saviour’s Church, Fairweather Green. The guest speaker was Revd. Canon Sean Robertshaw. The Diocesan Director of Vocations. This was a visual presentation of how someone who feels a calling to the ministry can seek guidance as well as options open to them though the Dioceses and how that works. With a Q and A session afterwards.
If you need further information or details on Deanery Synod, I would like to encourage anyone to speak to your Deanery Synod Lay or Clergy representatives: Susan Carroll (Deanery Rep), Jane Adams (Deanery Rep), Michael Nichols (Deanery Rep) Revd. Jim Taylor (Clergy Rep), Revd. Laya Watters (Clergy Rep)
Finally, again please can I encourage you to have a look at the going on of Deanery Synod though the minutes or face to face with a Deanery Representative here at HTI.
GOD’S BLESSINGS TO YOU ALL.
## **Michael Nichols Deanery Synod Representative**
_Minutes from this year’s Deanery Synod meetings are freely available from the Church Administrator or Deanery Synod Representatives_
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## **Safeguarding**
This report is an introduction to inform PCC and church families about the progress we have made to fulfil our safeguarding requirements and training as laid out by the Church of England governing bodies. The Church of England has a safeguarding policy statement, promoting a safer church, and this needs to be continually endorsed by PCC and is included on each PCC agenda.
As a church, we continue to do amazing work in our community, supported by our wonderful volunteers and Clergy team. With guidance from the safeguarding sta� working for the Diocese of Leeds we are supported with robust guidelines and safeguarding procedures that we continue to follow to align with requirements.
As safeguarding volunteers Alison Craven and I are pleased to share that we have a workable reporting system. This is accessible 24hrs with a contact telephone number and voicemail alongside an email communication link that is accessible to all members of church and community should there be any safeguarding questions or concerns. Both facilities have been used, and the Leeds Diocese safeguarding team and incumbent Clergy Revd. Jim Taylor have been helpful in supporting our decision making to ensure all queries or concerns have been adequately answered and actioned.
At Holy Trinity the safeguarding team with support from church administrator (JL), we continue to input information about our safeguarding compliance and procedures into the parish dashboard. This highlights specific areas that need to be addressed. For awareness these are scored red, green, and amber on how we respond. This includes concerns and allegations, lone working, appropriate boundaries, safe use of social media, support / supervision for known o�enders, data protection and retention of information, storage of records, support for victims and survivors. As a church we are achieving high compliance – Green in most areas with outstanding amber areas having action dates to hopefully address at the earliest opportunity.
Active volunteer safeguarding o�icers, and both Church wardens and assistant wardens are fully aware of their safeguarding responsibilities. DBS administrators Tracy Marson, Alison Craven and James Lockwood ensure adequate checks are carried out for volunteer and paid roles within the church. Most volunteers and PCC members have now completed required DBS checks and safeguarding training. This needs to be continually reviewed and updated with PCC for new appointments. Moving forwardChurch secretary to help facilitate this.
Work is still ongoing and will continue during 2026 to maintain best practice and further training and awareness to try help keep our volunteers, church family and community safe.
**Tracy Marson and Alison Craven Parish Safeguarding O�icers**
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## **Idle C of E (A) Primary – Foundation Governors’ Report 2026**
## Overview
in leadership and sta�ing. Throughout this period, the governing body and sta� have worked hard to ensure continuity for pupils and to uphold the school’s Christian distinctiveness and ethos. We are grateful for the continued support, prayers and engagement of Holy Trinity Church during this time.
## Headteacher Leadership and Recruitment
Following the departure of the previous headteacher, Anne Mason, at the end of last academic year, governors began the process of recruiting a new substantive headteacher during the Autumn Term. Despite a thorough recruitment process, we did not identify a candidate with the level of experience and fit required to lead the school forward at this point. Governors therefore took the di�icult but necessary decision to pause the appointment and re-advertise in the new year.
An interim Head of School, Louise Russell, was appointed from September to support the school during this transitional period. Unfortunately, Louise has been absent since before Christmas, creating additional challenges for the leadership team and governors.
During this time, the school has been led by the Executive Headteacher, Linda Wright, who is the substantive headteacher at Riddlesden St Mary’s Church of England Primary School. The Local Authority felt that Linda would be a strong and appropriate fit, given her experience and the shared church school context. Linda has provided calm, consistent leadership during a very demanding period and has been well supported by sta� and governors.
## Headteacher Appointment
We were delighted that the second headteacher recruitment process, held in March, resulted in the appointment of an outstanding candidate. Emily Hobson brings a wealth of experience and is currently working in a senior, non-class-based support role across three schools in Leeds.
Emily’s current school has kindly agreed to release her ahead of the usual August contract end, allowing her to join Idle full-time from 1 June. Until then, she is spending a few days a week in school to begin getting to know sta�, pupils and the wider school community.
Next academic year, Emily will be mentored by Linda Wright, who will continue to be in school regularly, including approximately one day per week during the first half of next term, to support a smooth transition and continuity of leadership.
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## Sta�ing Capacity and Support
There have been some additional sta�ing challenges this year with some sta� currently absent on a long-term basis, which has inevitably had an impact on capacity within school. Sta� have worked hard to cover additional responsibilities during this period. However, compared to the last few years, sta� turnover has improved significantly, which shows we are created solid foundations for the future of Idle.
The school has also seen a change in site management. Following the departure of the previous site manager last summer, school completed the recruitment of an apprentice who is being trained into the role. While this will require time, support and patience, early signs are positive and he is settling into the school well.
Throughout the year, school has received additional support from the local authority as well as from Paul Bowlas within the Diocese of Leeds. There will be continued support for school, the new headteacher and governors during the 26/27 academic year.
## Church Links
Links with Holy Trinity Church remain strong. Children continue to visit church for collective worship, and these occasions are greatly valued by pupils, parents and sta� alike. Prayer breakfasts have continued successfully throughout the year and provide an important opportunity for the school and church community to gather, pray together and support the life of the school and wider community.
## Looking Ahead
While the year has brought its share of challenges, governors are positive about the future. The appointment of a substantive headteacher, alongside continued executive support and strong links with the church and local authority, provides a solid foundation for the next phase of the school’s journey.
As always, we are deeply thankful for the continued support, encouragement and prayers of the church community. Every child at Idle is known, valued and nurtured, and we remain committed to ensuring that each child can flourish academically, socially and spiritually.
speak with Jim or Dan Thornton on the governing body.
**Dan Thorton Foundation Governor**
21
## **The Ark**
Our wraparound care provision has now been successfully operating for two years, continuing to grow in both capacity and flexibility. During this time, we have expanded our team and now have four additional sta� members working alongside myself to support the delivery of high-quality care.
set days per week, varied shift patterns, and ad-hoc sessions. This adaptability ensures we can provide reliable and accessible childcare for our school community. With some minor adjustments this current academic year, we are now also able to accommodate a number of children with special educational needs.
Currently, we are supporting an average of 240 children per week in our breakfast provision, along with approximately 120 children attending our after-school sessions. This consistent uptake reflects the demand for and trust the parents have in our service.
In response to parent requests, we have trialled a number of holiday club days over the past year. The success of these initial sessions has enabled us to expand our o�er, and we now provide a minimum of two holiday club days during each school holiday period. Most recently, we delivered a highly successful four-day Easter holiday club. Building on this, we are also o�ering two additional days during the Spring Bank break, followed by two full weeks of provision across the summer holidays. This continued growth reflects both the demand for the service and the positive feedback received from families.
At the beginning of the academic year, I sent out a parent questionnaire to gain some feedback and make sure we were ‘getting it right’ from a parents perspective. These are just a few comments we received in the add additional comments section:
_“Mrs G! My child absolutely loves her and it really makes a huge di�erence. This is the kid that at nursery would often struggle to be left and would cry. She would cry when being dropped o� in reception and at times in year 1. I cannot think of a time she hasn’t gone into ARK, and more often than not, she does not look back. This honestly makes the biggest di�erence to me and for that reason alone, I wouldn’t look at another_
_childcare provision for her and I will be looking to register my youngest daughter in September when she starts school”._
_“Every single member of sta� is lovely and I feel very happy knowing my child is being looked after so well”. “Alison G has been fantastic. Always helpful, prompt with replies. Always thinking of solutions and ideas to help out busy, working parents”._
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_“We love everything about ARK! Your service and support are so important and crucial in our life. We both work full time and finish later than school finishes so without you. We would be reliant on family which isn’t fair. Plus our son loves it! Thank you for your support”._
_“ARK club is such a blessing. Our child loves attending. We really appreciate how she has been included and how sta� keep an extra eye on her and have accommodated her extra needs- we really appreciate this. We are confident she is supported really well there. We don’t have family local to help us with school runs so this is a life line for us as we juggle work and family life. We really_
_appreciate your hard work in providing this club- a big thank you from us”._
_“I just wanted to send a quick note to say a huge thank you for the wonderful time our girls had at the holiday club this week. They really enjoyed it, and it’s such a relief as parents to know they’re in such a fun and welcoming environment.”_
_“The whole team are fantastic! Alison runs the club extremely well. I feel happy going to work knowing my children are being well cared for”._
## **Alison Gantschuk**
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## **Mother’s Union**
In our branch we continue to support Mothers Union work abroad with our subscriptions. They include literacy projects and work aiming to stop violence, poverty and injustice to women. In our own Diocese, we have programmes in Mother and Baby Units, in prisons, the Doulas programme, foodbanks, women’s refuges, Safe Havens, which we support. Our branch at Holy Trinity has delivered knitted items to a childrens centre, and collected drawing books, pens, jigsaws and toys for the A.F.I.A caravans, as well as making monetary donations. We have also sent toiletries to a women’s refuge, helped at foodbanks and taken out food parcels.
One of our members ran a half marathon, and donated the money raised to our Mothers Union projects. The A.F.I.A scheme gave 44 holidays last year. Some families came through Caring for Life, Cancer Units, women’s refuges and the Brain Injuries Trust. Two families who had fled from Ukraine had holidays, but the dads were still fighting in Ukraine. We also had a family where one parent has sadly passed away now, but it was all about making memories for their child.
This year 2026, Mother’s Union is celebrating its 150th Anniversary. Three of our members will be joining in national celebrations in London. Our branch will be holding an event in church on the 8th August, the day before Mary Sumner day (our founders birthday), with any money raised to go to the holiday scheme, which provides caravan holidays at Primrose Valley, Filey.
## **Denise Barrett & the Mother’s Union**
## **Sip n Stitch**
Sip n Stitch was set up in early 2025 as a midweek, afternoon group where people could come together and learn crafting skills such as knitting or crochet over tea and co�ee, as well as bring along their own projects to do in the company of others. We regularly have about 8-10 people coming along each week rising to about 15 depending on the week.
Some of the projects have been group endeavours such as crocheted and knitted flowers which adorned the Easter cross in 2025 and blankets which are donated to the BRI to bring comfort to long-term patients and premature babies. We have also taken part in various fairs across the churches of St Johns Greengates, Holy Trinity and St Cuthberts.
As we’ve shared the highs and lows of our lives, we have had the opportunity to pray for and support each other in di�erent ways, making this group a real opportunity to show the love and fellowship of Jesus in a simple and consistent way.
## **Orlagh Lockwood**
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## **Sunshine Praise**
I am pleased to provide an update on our church playgroup for this year’s AGM.
**Dates** - Term time only.
**Times** - 9:30am - 11am
## **Team**
Sandra - Team leader Susan - Kitchen and support. Josie - Admin, Kitchen clean up. Sharyn - morning set up Team, Alison - kitchen & clean up. Lynn- clean up team. Irene - Kitchen and clean up. Penny- Story time helper.
Our playgroup runs weekly from 9:30am, and we warmly welcome parents, grandparents, carers, and childminders. We currently see an average attendance of 35 to 40 children each week, which continues to reflect the importance and reach of this ministry within our community.
The cost per session is £1.50, which includes refreshments such as tea, co�ee, toast, and biscuits. During the session, children are free to play under the supervision of their responsible adult.
We maintain a weekly register, and all newcomers are asked to complete a registration form, which includes emergency contact details, allergies, and any other important information we should be aware of.
At 10:30am, we begin tidy-up time, after which the children gather on the carpet for a Bible story. This is followed by a craft activity linked to the story. The session concludes with circle time, a prayer, and a celebration of birthdays. Children celebrating their birthdays receive a small Bible storybook.
As families leave, children are given chocolate buttons as a small farewell see you next week treat. We also take this opportunity to distribute flyers and share information about upcoming church events.
Once the session ends and the building is empty, the team ensures the church is cleaned thoroughly, including the kitchen and toilets, vacuuming the church and lounge areas, emptying bins, and taking out the wheelie bin.
When children leave the playgroup to start nursery or school, we mark this milestone by gifting them a Bible.
The playgroup continues to grow primarily through word of mouth, which speaks to the welcoming and supportive environment created by our team.
## **Josie Ryan & the Sunshine Praise Team**
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**See and Know**
**See and Know** continues to be a cornerstone for local families, providing a welcoming space for babies, toddlers, and their caregivers every Friday during term time.
## **The Session Experience**
Though o�icially starting at 9:30 am, our doors open early to accommodate the postschool-run crowd. Our sessions balance structured play with community building:
- **Creative Play:** A rotating selection of crafts, sensory stations (sand/water), and imaginative play areas including dressing up, train sets, and a reading nook.
- **Shared Responsibility:** Each session concludes with a group “tidy-up” time, fostering a sense of community ownership.
- **Worship & Song:** We close our mornings with a dedicated singing time and a final prayer.
## **Hospitality & Value**
We remain committed to keeping the group accessible. At just **£1.50 per adult** , families enjoy an unlimited selection of hot drinks, juice, biscuits, and our “Idle-famous” supply of fresh toast.
## **Our Mission & Team**
Our dedicated volunteer team is the heart of the group, managing everything from the welcome desk and kitchen to the heavy lifting of setup and cleanup.
- **Foundation of Prayer:** The team gathers to pray before every session, focussing our work on our core mission.
- **Building Relationships:** Beyond the play mats, our goal remains to share the love and compassion of Jesus by building long-term relationships and serving our local families with genuine care.
## **Year in Review: 2025–2026**
- We have maintained a strong, loyal community this year, averaging 40 children per week. The majority of our families are regular attendees, allowing us to build deep, meaningful connections.
- This year, we celebrated **Susan Laycock** as she handed over her “toast-making baton” to enjoy a well-deserved slower pace on Friday mornings. We are profoundly grateful for her years of dedicated service and the warmth she brought to the kitchen. She remains a cherished part of See and Know, and we love it when she pops in for a brew and a natter!
## **Volunteering opportunities**
We always welcome new volunteers, who need to pass a DBS check. It’s a fantastic team to be part of – very supportive and fun.
**L Hacking & G Taylor**
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## **Children’s Church**
_We continue to run children’s church during the 11am service. There are two groups, one which meets in the downstairs lounge and serves children up to school Year 1, and then another group which meets in the upstairs kids’ room for school years 2-6._
September this year, we had a big group of children move upstairs with bounds of enthusiasm. This has left numbers low in the downstairs group. Some weeks there are more adults than children. We need to pray for children and young families to find their way to us.
We have an awesome team of volunteers covering both groups committing to a week each month. On occasions circumstances do result in a group not having a leader, and the workaround is to merge groups. James has done a great job in bringing the chairs down as the smaller chairs are not comfortable for the older children. It has worked out with laughter and lots of fun learning together.
characters from the Bible. Discipleship and worship is achieved through fantastic lesson plans, crafts and listening and interacting with each other.
We are blessed with amazing children, volunteers and a support network throughout the church allowing us to do God’s work at Holy Trinity. It is a pleasure and honour to be still doing this.
## **Jo-Anna Beth Hunter**
## **Youth Work**
2025 was a very positive and exciting year in youth ministry. We continued to run our regularly weekly activities: Sunday night youth group, HTK on a Tuesday and sessions during the 11am service. These have all gone well, been well attended, and have had new people joining over the year as new people have connected into church more widely or friends of those who come along. This year, 6 of our young people were baptised in a full immersion service.
We also started a new group, that initially met on an ad hoc basis and now meets on a Monday night, for older teens (16 and up). We had an influx of those in Year 11 and 6[th] form/college earlier in 2025 and so we began to get them together initially just to
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socialise and get to know each other and us and have then transitioned this into a weekly Bible study looking at a variety of topics.
We have continued to develop and grow our connection with the chaplaincy team in Immanuel College. Both Laya and I have attended and lead the half-termly Christian union group (Pulse) which has around 60 teenagers attending, including many that are connected to Holy Trinity. I support two weekly lunch clubs run by the chaplaincy team, these provide a safe space for anyone to come and eat their lunch and chat to the chaplaincy team. Laya & I set up a new Monday lunch club in September. This club was designed with a more intentional discipleship focus, to provide a space for answering questions some of the teens we have connections with were bringing to us. We also helped run the various Easter, Pentecost and Christmas services across the year when the school comes up to Holy Trinity.
As has been the case for several years now, the main issue and concern with youth ministry here at Holy Trinity is the lack of regular volunteers. In general, our Sunday night group has been led by me, Orlagh, Laya and Lucy, with regular support from Rev Emma (curate in the Shipley churches) and occasional support from others (which has been much appreciated!). All five of us will be finishing up in our roles in the area by January 2027, with only Laya still being around after September. The same is broadly true for HTK and the 6[th] formers group as well. I am grateful to those who have come along and helped and continue to do so, and parents who have said they are always willing to step in. However, what we are desperately in need of is some people who are willing to commit to coming along regularly to support any/all the groups we currently run. Please do be praying and considering whether you have the time and capacity to do that, and please speak to us. God is doing great things in the lives of young people, and my hope and prayer is that this can continue to grow and develop as I finish up.
I am incredibly grateful to all of those who have helped support the youth work over the last year, to Laya, Orlagh, Emma, Lucy, Jim, Chloe, Ruth, Louise, Will, Niamh, Linda and Rachel. Thanks to parents who support us and bring their teenagers along, and for all of you who pray for us, it is felt and appreciated!
## **James Lockwood**
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