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2024-12-31-accounts

APM & APCM AGENDAS

Sunday 11th May 2025, 12:00 - 13:00 — Beacon Church Blackpool Blackpool: Christ Church with All Saints

Annual Parishioner's Meeting

  1. Welcome

  2. Apologies

  3. Nominations of Church Wardens

  4. Close

Annual Parochial Church Meeting

  1. Welcome (ML)

  2. Apologies for absence (ML)

  3. Minutes of previous Annual Parochial Church Meeting (ML)

  4. Matters arising (ML)

  5. Reports

  6. Church Leaders’ report (HL)

  7. Electoral Role report (HL)

  8. Annual PCC report (ML)

  9. Financial Report (HL)

  10. Fabric Report (ML)

  11. Deanery Synod Report (MW)

  12. Elections and Appointments (ML)

  13. Election of Deanery Synod Representatives

  14. Election of PCC members

  15. Appointment of Independent Examiner (Mr Jonathon Goldthorpe) (ML)

  16. Coming Up (ML & HL)

  17. Any other business (ML)

Please notify the Lay-Chair by email prior to the meeting — matt@beaconblackpool.co.uk

  1. Closing Prayer (ML)

APCM Minutes -- April 2023 May 2024

Beacon Church Blackpool (The Parish of Christ Church with All Saints ) 42 Reads Avenue, Blackpool

5[th] May 2024 11:00 am and 12:20pm Beacon Church

Chair Adrian Wolton Secretary Sandra Patrick

Adrian welcomed everyone to the meeting . The meeting this year will be in 3 parts with a break for a light lunch

Beacon is a family / community but it’s also more than that. We have a purpose devoted to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread together and prayer. Brought together by our love of God we share ups and downs together. It’s powerful to do life together. Faith is about community and people.

The presence of the Spirit in worship and people changing their lives. God is in our worship. We are family and support one another. As a family we can be honest about life and find support. Support is always there for new Christians , providing strength.. Beacon Kids are learning thoughtfulness and honesty. During prayer walks it can be seen how God is working in the area.

What do you love about Beacon? New people are progressing in their walk with God- asking questions. Baptisms and hearing people’s life stories. People feel welcomed, loved and not judged. It’s a place to find peace and help when having a bad time. Church is family and welcomes all. A real feeling of God’s presence in our Worship We are a family working together as shown in whole families helping in the preparation for Families @4

Beacon Kids were asked what they liked- activities, friendship, crafts etc and toast.

God has been at work at Beacon and now is a time of transition- the meeting was played a video from Bishop Jill

She has been encouraged by all that has been happening at Beacon and wants us to thrive. She is grateful to God that he has provided Matt and Hannah to continue the work as they take over from Adrian. Andy Dykes , from Blackpool Church will be Priest in Charge, but just working in the background. This is a legal requirement and he will provide support for Matt and Hannah who will be moving into the Vicarage. Matt will continue as our curate in charge when he is ordained in 2026

Jesus shines in the darkness and the darkness never lasts-Beacon shines in Blackpool and there have been and will be more lights lit around Revoe and Blackpool.

The Bishops will be holding a commissioning party for Matt and Hannah as our leaders

B. Parish Meeting APCM contd 12:20pm

  1. Election of Churchwarden. There are two vacancies. Di Morrison is to continue as a warden, leaving one vacancy which hopefully may be filled over the coming year. Adrian thanked Di for all her invaluable work

Proposed that Di Morrison be re-elected as Church warden: Proposed Jen Greaves Seconded Matt Wilson -- meeting approved

C. APCM Part 2

  1. Apologies for absence -----none

  2. Minutes of the 2023 APCM had been passed by the PCC .

Prop Brian Howe Sec Jen Greaves - meeting approved

  1. Elections and appointments

  2. a) PCC The function of the PCC is to promote the whole mission of the church. Vision, mission and accountability. Also responsibllity for legal matters ie Finances, and Safeguarding etc

There are currently 3 groups within the PCC

Ex officio- Vicar ( Adrian Wolton),

Diocesan Synod rep ( Hannah Lockwood) , Deanery Synod rep ( Matt Wilson)

PCC members There are currently 5 spaces on the PCC as 3 members have stepped down because of finishing their allotted time on the PCC or moving away. The only remaining member is Erin Serraima

Standing for election to the PCC are :

Jennifer Greaves Prop. Hannah Lockwood Sec Di Morrison

Joss Wright Prop Heather Walters Sec Lynne Wilson Peter Hayball Prop Di Morrison Sec Erin Serraima Danielle Muir Prop Fran Wolton Sec Caroline Hayball

Meeting approved unanimously

There is now 1 space on the PCC and 1 Warden’s vacancy

(Wardens can serve for a maximum of 6 years and are elected annually)

PCC members can serve 2x 3 year terms and then stand down If anybody is interested in the place on the PCC they should consult Adrian. They can be seconded onto the PCC pending election

Sandra Patrick has stood down from the PCC this year but is returning to continue her role as PCC secretary . Prop Pete Hayball Sec Erin Serraima

- 4) Reports

a) PCC report for 2023-4 was presented to the meeting. The meeting was reminded that if they want to read the PCC minutes they can request to see them at any time provided they have already been approved by the PCC There were no questions

b) Electoral Roll

There are currently 49 adults on role ( 9 have been removed from last year as they have not attended regularly) and 43 children under 16 attend regularly

The Electoral role can be viewed on request as it is no longer available on display

The meeting was asked if there were any questions about Electoral role and attendance etc?

c ) Financial Statement

A copy of the year end Dec 2023 was distributed . The meeting was reminded that the church members pay for the church, not the diocese. Our giving has increased, but so have our expenses including the Parish share that we pay to the Diocese. As already mentioned, our giving has increased and the meeting was reminded of our role in the family of Beacon, to Worship , Serve and Give regularly. We are however looking for futher sources of funding at the moment.

Questions ?

How to access the Parish giving scheme? Information is in the Beacon WhatsApp group for both regular and one off gifting. By using this scheme, gift aid from contributions is available regularly.

Fuel costs are due to reduce as all our heating is now electric and we have solar panels.

We do need to keep an amount of money in reserve for emergencies

Old Church Palatine Rd -the Diocese are now in charge. We still pay some minor costs. The future is uncertain

Reads Avenue - see report

Matt Lockwood is the current PSO but because of his new church role, another person is required to become PSO.

Currently Fran and Sandra are DBS checkers but as Fran is leaving, another person is required to take on her role.

5) AOB

Adran asked if there were any question arising from the meeting.

He thanked the Warden and everyone for their support and hard work. Adrian thanked the meeting for all the help that they have given him. It’s impossible to do everything by himself. He encourages all to help Hannah and Matt in their new responsibilities and roles. Can you help in any role that is needed?

Changes to worship? Continuity?

There will be some natural adaptations. Andy Dyke will be be helping with worship occasionally, as our priest in charge, in particular with the sacraments

Matt was asked if there would be additional services , eg in the evening? What will happen to XCC –it’s useful in the community. We have seen the impact on men and the blessings it has brought. It will continue as we want to bring in new people and grow as a church. XCC is one way to do this along with MPower etc.

The meeting was reminded that that what Beacon achieves is up to the generosity of our time and love and that we all work together as a family

6)Worship and close

The meeting closed with Prayer

APCM REPORTS

Church Leaders’ Report

Over the last eleven months we have had the joy of leading Beacon Church and seeing what God is continuing to do in our community and church family. Back in September we were commissioned by Bishop Jill and it was a day of great encouragement for us as leaders but also for the church. Bishop Jill commissioned us all to light Beacons in our neighbourhoods, a church on a mission. We have been incredibly grateful for many people’s support as we have adjusted to this new role. Thank you all for your patience and grace. It is a privilege to be the leaders of Beacon Church.

There are many highlights of the last year but here are just a few:

We have spent a fair amount of time in these past months beginning to look forward to our vision Sunday in June. If you’ve missed it, Beacon turns five at the beginning of June. Yes there will be a party (obviously) but more than that it feels like a real landmark opportunity to look back, praise God for what He has done in the last five years, and look forward to what He is doing and going to do. We are grateful for everyone who filled in the survey as we gathered people’s thoughts. At every step our hope is that this will be God’s vision for our church gathered by the church people.

It has become clear, even more so than before, how many of you describe Beacon as Family and we have been processing what that means for us as a church in both

spiritual and practical terms. We are proud of the welcoming place that Beacon is and long for that sense of warmth, welcome and hospitality to grow in this next season. As we pray and process, we have been looking at what it means for us as a church to grow both as a family and also grow outward, a family on a mission. More to come next month!

We are so excited for what God has in store for 2025 - 2026 and look forward to journeying the next twelve months with many of you.

Electoral Roll Report

The Electoral Roll is the official register for the church. Anyone who is baptised, aged over sixteen years old and regularly attends Beacon can be on the Electoral Roll. Every six years the Electoral Roll is wiped and restarted which was the case this year. Between the dates of Sunday 30th March and Sunday 20th April there was the opportunity given for people to join the Electoral Roll.

There are 56 people on the Electoral Roll. 29 live in the parish and 27 live outside of the parish.

A copy of the people (just names) on the Electoral Roll is available on request from the Church Leaders.

Annual PCC Report

Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council of Beacon Church Blackpool

Administrative Information

Address: Beacon Church Blackpool 42 Reads Avenue Blackpool FY1 4DE

PCC Correspondence Address: 9 Ridgwood Ave. Blackpool FY3 8EL

PCC Members for the year 2024-2025 are as follows:

Priest-in-charge: Rev. Andy Dykes PCC Lay Chair / Ordinand: Matt Lockwood Lay Focal Lead: Hannah Lockwood Church Warden: Diane Morrison PCC Secretary: Sandra Patrick Treasurer: Vacant

Elected Members:

Matthew Wilson Erin Serraima Danielle Muir Jennifer Greaves Joshua Wright Peter Hayball

Co-opted Members:

Katrina Prince

Deanery Synod Representative(s):

Matthew Wilson

Diocesan Synod Representative:

Hannah Lockwood

Report from the PCC

The PCC has held 8 full PCC meetings during the year May 2024-2025 and 3 Extraordinary meetings, the full meetings were held at the Vicarage. There is currently 1 Church Warden, 6 elected members of the PCC and 1 co-opted.

Deanery and Diocesan synod Reps are also represented on the PCC

This May there are 7 vacancies on the PCC as 3 members resign or retire, and 1 coopted member is seeking full membership.

There is a vacancy for a Church warden. The main areas concerning the PCC this year will be covered in other reports, but the job of the PCC is to be presented with proposals to move forward whether to do with buildings or the development of our outreach ministry. These are discussed extensively and then approval given or modifications made.

At every meeting areas discussed involve, considering:

Action points ie. Tasks identified to be completed or taken forward, Standing Committee report, Ministry and Mission updates, Finance, Parish Matters, Fabric and Facilities (building maintenance, alterations and repairs)

Operations which involves Human Resources, Health and Safety and Administration, Safeguarding.

National, Diocesan and Deanery matters

AOB where other matters can be presented to the meeting and questions asked

The main areas concerning us this year in our meetings have been with:

a) A new standing committee has been formed to take care of emergency decisions between PCC meetings e.g. approval of emergency repairs. There has been one meeting this year to discuss our Parish share. There are 5 members agreed by the PCC.

b) Finance

Monthly financial reports are presented to the meetings and discussed.

It has been noted there has been an increase in regular contributions through the Parish giving scheme. See the finance report for more information.

c) Fabric

See the fabric report for more information.

d) Safeguarding

The ‘Safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults’ is a Gospel issue and one that we take very seriously at Beacon Church. We strive to make Beacon a safe place for all those who engage with our community, both regular members and anyone with whom we have contact. This is an area under constant review and development to further make Beacon ‘A Safer Church’.

As a PCC we have adopted the Church of England ‘A Safer Church’ policy and continue to work within it. In light of this we are presently undertaking work to further develop our ‘Safer Recruitment’ processes.

e) Ministry and Mission

Outreach projects including Families at Four, Stay and Play, XCC, Pop Up Choir, MOB, Summer and Holiday time cafés have continued and this year a Youth Alpha course has been held with a new youth meeting room being created at the Vicarage. Love Christmas saw the distribution of chocolates around the Revoe/Foxhall areas of our parish by a large group of our congregation, both young and old.

Following on from a PCC ‘away day’ in August when we discussed and prayed about our strategy and vision to take Beacon forward in mission, it was proposed to have a survey to see what the other Beacon family members saw as the needs of our community and way forward

A questionnaire /survey was completed by a large number of our regular Beacon family members to find out about what Beacon means to them and what God might be saying to them about our future mission. The findings were reviewed by the PCC and bible references mentioned in the responses, discussed in reference to God’s plan for Beacon and how we can implement them. Some PCC members went on a prayer retreat to Whalley Abbey in February and others are to attend the Proximity conference in Manchester where they will be guided in their thinking about our work as an urban church.

This year has seen the beginning of the ministries of Matt and Hannah in their joint role as 'Church Leaders’. Matt is an ordinand as he continues with his training and Hannah as the Lay Focal lead. Both having been commissioned in September 2024. Hannah will be on maternity leave from August. Matt is to be ordained Deacon on June 28th at Blackburn Cathedral and licensed as Curate of the parish.

The PCC are committed to taking radical steps of faith and we look to the Lord as He continues to lead us forward.

Financial Report

See supplementary document.

Fabric Report

It has been a joy over the last twelve months to put our fully functioning kitchen and dishwasher to good use!

The Solar Panels have been a welcome addition to the building, which we hope over time will reduce our energy bills as well as reducing our carbon footprint as a church.

There are many plans in motion for our church building. We have recently had a grant secured for £8000 to help towards replacing all the external windows as well as one set of external doors. This will improve insulation, give us windows that can be open and shut and make the entrance to the church more secure. We have one year to get the work done within the grant timeframe. We are currently in the process of applying for a faculty for this work and once that is in place we will be beginning.

There is currently planning permission in place for a disability ramp to be built and the main entrance of the church to be adjusted. We are in the process of trying to secure grant money to make this a viable project. Thanks to our friends at Basingstoke Church we have some restricted money towards building work which may be dipped into as of this.

We have big plans and dreams for our building on Reads Avenue. We are so excited that the church is growing in number and regularly are short of space, particularly on a Sunday afternoon. This has meant that there have been many conversations about how we can utilise space better and create a more welcoming space and home for our community with the resources we have. One thing we are exploring is the wall! At present, PCC have approved a structural survey to be undertaken on the main wall separating the two rooms. Once we know more and have a better idea of structure, budgets and feasibility, more conversations will begin on whether doing something with this wall would be a viable option to create a bigger more open space. We’ll let you know in due course!

We are incredibly grateful for all the people who have given up time to clean the building. This is something that we are planning on making more concrete with a cleaning rota so that the building is kept cleaner more consistently. Do let us know if this is something you’d be like to part of.

Deanery Synod Report

The focus of Deanery Synod meetings have been Strategic Mission and Ministry.

Vision 2026

National funding has been focussed in the following areas:

Church to reflect the community it serves

Parishes for mission – looking outward

Leadership

Vision 2033

Bishop Philip and his team have been listening and consulting across the diocese to give all a voice as we look to form a new vision.

Although faith doesn’t need a vision beyond Jesus, setting goals can help build unity and focus throughout the diocese.

Purpose of the Vision:

Consultation so far has brought forward the following themes:

Consultations also bought out that people felt it was important to:

Annual Report 2024

Financial Report

It has been a very positive year within the financial life of Beacon Church. We entered the year apprehensive due to knowing the leadership of the Church was changing and unsure of what the financial outlook would be. With this in mind, the regular giving dropped for a couple of months in June but overall, throughout the year the church saw its planned giving increase a healthy amount from £29k to £35k. The main reason for this increase was due to focus from the Lockwood’s on securing partner churches and partners across the country. As a church we have been incredibly blessed by the generosity of 16 external givers and 5 partner churches who have all given financial support and prayer over the last year. As of the end of 2024, just over 50% of the planned giving came from external givers.

As a church we positively benefit from grant income for both wages and our Love your neighbour grant programme. Grant income for the year was high at £22k which included money for Hannah Brear’s salary from Blackburn Diocese, money towards the Eden Team Leader salary and £10k from Henry Smith for the Love your Neighbour grant project.

After discussion with Blackburn Diocese, 2024 saw a modest increase in the parish share to £21.6k from just under £20k. Most of the other expenses were in line with last year with the exception of:

o Building work which was just under £40k (2023, £11k) and this is an area where we expect to be spending material sums in 2025.

o As part of that £40k, it was agreed by the PCC that, the church would invest in solar panels. This was a long term investment with the expectation being that the majority of this cost would come out of money not within the budget and partially covered by expected Gift Aid money. As it happened, the Gift Aid wasn’t claimed for in 2024 and due to the rise in planned giving, almost all of the cost was covered within the years budget. We are hopeful that over time the solar panels will help reduce our energy bills as well as improving the church’s carbon footprint.

o Mission and Evangelism jumped from £5k to £14k in the year with this spend covered by income received. This meant that we were able to reduce our spend from the Eden Mission restricted fund as we increased our unrestricted general mission giving.

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Annual Report 2024

Overall the unrestricted fund was slightly down for the year and the restricted funds were in deficit by nearly £20k, largely reflecting the work done on the building affecting both funds.

This has left the Church with a bank balance at the end of the year of just over £80k (2023, £100k) with the majority of that balance, £57k relating to restricted funds, which is where we expect the spend to be again in 2025.

We are most grateful to the sacrificial giving of those within the Church as well and will continue teaching on the importance of generosity being a central part of our worship, as well as being very grateful for the many partners we have outside of the parish who have been generous.

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Annual Report 2024

Financial Statement for the Year Ended 31 December 2024

Receipts and Payments Account
Receipts
Voluntary receipts:
Planned giving
Collections at services
All other giving/voluntary receipts
Grant Income
Gift Aid recovered
Total
Activities for generating funds
Investment income
Sale of shares
Church fees & activities
Other Income
Total receipts
Payments
Church activities:
Parish share
Salaries / Honoraria
Clergy and Staffing costs
Church running expenses
Mission and Evangelism
Mission giving and donations
Building work and repairs
Other expenditure
Total
Purchase of 42 Reads Avenue
Total Payments
Excess of receipts over payments
Cash held in Diocesan Accounts as at 1 January
Cash held in Bank Account as at 1st January
Total cash held as at 1st January
Cash held in Diocesan Accounts as at 31st December
Cash held in Bank Account as at 31st December
Total cash held as at 31st December
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Cash funds
Bank current account
Diocesan account
Total
Investment assets
Assets retained for Church use (note 2)
42 Reads Avenue
Approved by the PCC on		 Unrestricted
Designated Restricted
Total
Total
Fund
Fund
Fund
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
£
35,361
0
35,361
28,691
1,670
100
1,770
755
10,035
19,853
29,888
16,720
0
22,531
22,531
57,410
5,480
583
6,063
0
52,546
0
43,067
95,613
103,576
16
0
16
635
0
0
0
1,587
2,488
4,075
3,752
4,150
5,612
9,762
154
58,298
0
51,167
109,466
108,116
21,600
0
21,600
19,920
9,079
29,908
38,987
38,024
1,739
2,273
4,012
4,261
6,540
0
6,540
11,365
3,840
10,936
14,776
5,332
2,600
0
2,600
8,862
12,465
27,212
39,677
10,981
1,126
0
1,126
3,450
58,990
0
70,329
129,318
102,195
0
179,455
58,990
0
70,329
129,318
281,650
(691)
0
(19,161)
(19,853)
(173,533)
0
0
0
0
180,031
21,957
6,000
72,162
100,118
93,620
21,957
6,000
72,162
100,118
273,651
0
0
0
0
0
21,266
6,000
53,000
80,265
100,118
21,266
6,000
53,000
80,265
100,118
Unrestricted
Designated Restricted
Total
Total
Fund
Fund
Fund
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
£
21,266
6,000
53,000
80,265
100,118
0
0
0
0
0
21,266
6,000
53,000
80,265
100,118
0
179,455
179,455
179,455

Signed on their behalf by

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Annual Report 2024

The notes below form part of these financial statements

Note 1

Note 2

The financial statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance with Church Accounting Regulations 2006 using the Receipts and Payments basis.

During 2023 42 Reads Avenue was purchased using restricted funds for £179,455 including transaction costs. Reads Avenue is retained for Church use and its upkeep funded by the Church and is held in trust by the Diocese and recorded at cost.

Note 3

Analysis of movement by fund

Designated & Restricted Funds
Type
Henry Smith Parish Grants
Restricted
Eden Team
Restricted
Childrens and Families Worker
Restricted
Building fund - Church & Diocese accounts
Restricted
Warm space
Restricted
Love Christmas / Love Your Neighbour
Restricted
XCC/Arise
Restricted
Administration and worship
Restricted
Church Reserves
Designated
Unrestricted fund
Unrestricted
Total funds		 1 Jan 2024
Received
Spent
31 Dec 2024
4,248
10,000
7,409
6,839
42,074
12,531
24,990
29,615
7,775
273
3,085
4,963
17,207
21,090
27,925
10,372
88
0
0
88
0
0
0
0
770
1,661
2,021
410
0
5,612
4,898
714
6,000
0
0
6,000
78,162
51,167
70,329
59,000
21,956
58,298
58,989
21,265
100,118
109,466
129,318
80,265

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Annual Report 2024

Independent examiner's report on the accounts

Report to the trustees/ Beacon Church Blackpool, formerly Christ Church with All Saints Blackpool members of

On accounts for the year ended 31[st] December 2024 Charity no 1163354 Set out on pages 5 and 6

I report to the trustees on my examinaEon of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31/12/2024

Responsibili:es and basis of As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparaEon of the accounts report in accordance with the requirements of the ChariEes Act 2011 (“the Act”).

I report in respect of my examinaEon of the Trust’s accounts carried out under secEon 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examinaEon, I have followed the applicable DirecEons given by the Charity Commission under secEon 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

aRenEon in connecEon with the examinaEon which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other maRers in connecEon with the examinaEon to which aRenEon should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Signed:

Date: 7[th] April 2025

Name: Jonathan Goldthorpe

Fellow of the InsEtute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales Relevant professional qualifica:on(s) or body (if any):

Address: 2 Constitution Hill Ipswich IP1 3RQ

Suffolk

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